Calmac vehicle lengths (2 Viewers)

[Attila the Hen]

Hi, we're off island hoppin in the Western Isles for the first time on Sunday. Can anyone tell me if Calmac are pernickety about van lengths? We have an Autocruise Tempo officially classed as 5.9m long, just under the 6.0m limit for the cheaper price band for the ferries. However we have a step fitted at the back that takes us to 6.1m. Is this likely to be a problem? We could remove the step which would mean either I will struggle a bit getting in and out or risk annoying neighbours on site by only using the sliding door - of course we could simply pay the extra money, but that's too easy!

 

[WillH]

I used to work for a ferry company and yes, we did get the tape measure out sometimes. One reason for needing the length is to ensure the vessel is not over booked. If we had 20 vans under declared by 0.25m we lose a car length. More critical is the height on some ferries. I denied a claim from a caravanner once, his status aerial got knocked off. He had under declared his height. It would be much easier for the ferry company if everyone just put in the correct details at time of booking.

 

[WillH]

Just a footnote to my post above, I too am travelling to the Western Isles this month, I measured the van with the bike rack extended just to check my length. Maybe we'll see each other out there, really looking forward to this trip.

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[pops]

We are on the Isles at the present, The ferries are very busy so I would make sure you give the correct length. Enjoy your trip and I hope the weather stays like it is at the present, sunny and with warm wind.

 

[The Wino]

We are 5.99m but our bike rack takes us over had no problems though

 

[DavidG58]

I haven't checked what difference it makes, but the ferry prices are so much lower this year I doubt it is enough to get anxious about, just pay what they ask for on the manned check ins. But I doubt they will argue with you for a few inches.

Have a great time, will be there myself week following Falkirk

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[Bobby22]

I haven't checked what difference it makes, but the ferry prices are so much lower this year I doubt it is enough to get anxious about, just pay what they ask for on the manned check ins. But I doubt they will argue with you for a few inches.

Have a great time, will be there myself week following Falkirk

David the price jumps by 50% from 6m to next up 8m and can be as much £56 for a return........if getting on and off a few islands will soon add up.

I would tell them the official size of the vehicle and save having to take the step off........they won't come out and measure you in the rain. LoL

 

[ambulancekidd]

David the price jumps by 50% from 6m to next up 8m and can be as much £56 for a return........if getting on and off a few islands will soon add up.

I would tell them the official size of the vehicle and save having to take the step off........they won't come out and measure you in the rain. LoL

What rain? The sun has been splitting the tree's up here since the beginning of last week. The midge's aren't even out yet. The exceptionally high winter water levels wash away the larvae & it shows but they will make an appearance sooner or later.

 

[34127]

I think you will find the western isles are very relaxed about things and wouldn't care about length as long as it looks about right.
A few years ago I was travelling on the Jura to Islay ferry (which only takes about 10 vehicles), the person collecting the fares was talking to one of the passengers and when I tried to pay he wouldn't take any money and just waved me past.

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[pops]

Good morning, another good sunrise on South Uist. @Bobby22 is right about the price difference.

 

[shawn&emma]

Lived on mull for nearly 5 years and every time we went on or off they had the tape measure out. We are 9.8 to the tip of the tow ball. As has been said the price jumps up dramatically. If you are close to the upper end of your length category and they think your over they will measure you.
At Oban it was the same chaps and they knew me but still measured, obviously thought all the rain was making it grow.
Used the Corran ferry which didn't measure and the Lochaline-Fishnish did on a couple of occasions.
The ferry to Mull is likely to be busy due to the big reduction in prices, as has been said before they will need to make sure they have room for everyone booked.
If you've booked your ticket and are a tourist you will get on. There have been times when the likes of the island delivery vans and even the post has been pushed back to another ferry so tourist can be taken.
Shawn

 

[Bobby22]

Looks like @Attila the Hen you would be better taking the step off for this trip.
Get yourself a portable step or a sturdy box....better that than paying 50% extra on each leg of your journey.

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[Attila the Hen]

Why on earth didn't I think of a sturdy box? Maybe it's all those early mornings taking their toll. I could use it to store dog food! You know the best ideas are always the simple 'obvious' ones........
Many thanks.

 

[Photo4x4]

I would tell them the official size of the vehicle and save having to take the step off........they won't come out and measure you in the rain

Oh yes they will! We travelled from Oban to Mull this month and were measured from tip to tail (7.5 m which included the folded bike rack). As has been mentioned, if several vehicle owners 'understate' the length of their vehicle at busy times someone at the end may not be able to get on the ferry.

If you have understated and they catch you out you will end up having to pay the extra anyway and could be refused access to the ferry. Perhaps you are better going with the moveable step idea if you want to save money.

KH

 

[Bobby22]

Oh yes they will! We travelled from Oban to Mull this month and were measured from tip to tail (7.5 m which included the folded bike rack). As has been mentioned, if several vehicle owners 'understate' the length of their vehicle at busy times someone at the end may not be able to get on the ferry.

If you have understated and they catch you out you will end up having to pay the extra anyway and could be refused access to the ferry. Perhaps you are better going with the moveable step idea if you want to save money.

KH

Yes......updated @ post 12

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[Attila the Hen]

Yep, we took the step off and invested in a plastic tool box that we keep ready by the back door & store the dog food in. It's working a treat! When I give the van length as 5.99m I get a quizzical look then a grin when I explain about taking the step off. So far the ferry operators have been great and we are really enjoying ourselves despite the frequent wet and the midges. The crossing from Tobermory to Kilchoan yesterday was fantastic!

 

[Bobby22]

Yep, we took the step off and invested in a plastic tool box that we keep ready by the back door & store the dog food in. It's working a treat! When I give the van length as 5.99m I get a quizzical look then a grin when I explain about taking the step off. So far the ferry operators have been great and we are really enjoying ourselves despite the frequent wet and the midges. The crossing from Tobermory to Kilchoan yesterday was fantastic!

Have any actually measured the van???

 

[FIDGET]

Watch your lenghts on the Isle of Wight Ferry (Wightlink) they check all motorhomes & Vans.
They stopped us , ticket length 6.7 mtr , van 6.72
All sorted at the ticket office after rather strong words. but must remember to book 6.72 next time.

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[pappajohn]

Watch your lenghts on the Isle of Wight Ferry (Wightlink) they check all motorhomes & Vans.
They stopped us , ticket length 6.7 mtr , van 6.72
All sorted at the ticket office after rather strong words. but must remember to book 6.72 next time.

Three quarters of an inch over..... unbelievable jobsworths.

 

[FIDGET]

Three quarters of an inch over..... unbelievable jobsworths.

yep my thoughts !!!!

 

[Attila the Hen]

No, they always ask if we have anything on the back like a bike rack, but otherwise the only potential problem on the ferries has been all those mad twitchers over to see this black legged cuckoo, though what they are doing all looking out to sea beats me. So farThe wildlife has been finding us - we've seen otters, a sea eagle, rock pipits and Dolphins, all from inside the van. Hey Ho, another hard day in paradise......

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