Portsmouth to Santander or Bilbao ferry, salt damaged paintwork

Peatmoor

Peatmoor

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Joined
Aug 19, 2014
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46
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Location
Matlock Derbyshire
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32,924
MH
Dethleffs Premium Liner
Exp
Since 1986
I have a large motorhome which was parked on the open deck of Brittany Ferries Baie De Seine ferry during our last winter crossing to Spain. The sea was rough across Biscay with winds blowing spray over the vehicle open deck, covering all vehicles parked upon it with salt water spray. My MH was covered in salt upon arrival in Spain. After having washed the vehicle it was realised the paintwork has lost its high gloss shine. A recent engineers paintwork diagnosis reports the paintwork has been surface damaged by salt ingress. I invite comment from others who have experienced similar salt experiences on these open deck ferries.
 
Happens all the time, if the paint is not too badly affected, often a good light cutting polish will bring it back followed by hours of waxing. "Red" btw is one of the worst to be affected by "atmospheric" pollution, I am not at all sure of the chemistry, could be sunlight? but I spent a lot of time on an old Mini once, which had stood outside for years, just "cutting" and polishing.

We used to see it all the time on the trucks that regularly used the North Sea Crossings, in the 70`s.

You have my sympathy though, I have spent DAYS just cleaning and polishing my R-V after a winter in Spain!, there seems to be never ending acres, still to be done!. And cleaning the old style "rubber" roof`s!!! ?
 
I wax the MoHo with Carnauba wax before traveling. The salt can be really harsh on the gel coat otherwise.
 
Augusta08 said:
I wax the MoHo with Carnauba wax before traveling. The salt can be really harsh on the gel coat otherwise.
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My large motorhome had just had a £950-00 Diamond Glaze paint treatment 3 weeks prior to the crossing to Spain, but the salt has eaten into the treatment. It now requires a full "T cut" and a re-treatment.
 
Drive round next time? That will stop it happening again lol

I have seen vans ruined by parking on sandy beaches and strong winds overnight have sand blasted them

One of my slide out toppers ripped in high winds in June

These things happen and no one is to blame or should be held responsible.

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We were on the outside deck on the Cap Finistere in our gold PVC on the Bilbao to Portsmouth crossing when the beast from the East hit. We were hosed off I presume on arrival as we could see OK! The paintwork was fine, perhaps we were lucky, maybe Tourershine works or maybe some people want to blame badluck on someone. It's weather, if you don't like it then travel on Pont Aven or drive through France via the tunnel. Pont Aven is the only one that has enclosed decks for all vehicles at the moment.
 
Speve said:
I don’t think the OP was looking to blame anyone just asking for comments by others that have suffered the same?
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I’m sure you’re right but there have been other threads when people have complained , blaming Brittany ferries so my apologies. I would blame my hormones for being a grumpy old bag but they’re long gone so I’m just a grumpy old bag.
 
We regularly cross to Spain using Brittany Ferries and have on many occasions been white with salt.

But we have never suffered any paint damage.

I wonder if the "Diamond glaze" is not as robust as they advertise?
 
Think I would be asking the question to Diamond Glaze (y)

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I took some pals on a 4WD drive tour today to see the big waves as the wind was howling today. As usual, I stop after 10 mins and wipe the windows with a cloth :)

We got home and the car was white with salt.
 
Peatmoor said:
I have a large motorhome which was parked on the open deck of Brittany Ferries Baie De Seine ferry during our last winter crossing to Spain. The sea was rough across Biscay with winds blowing spray over the vehicle open deck, covering all vehicles parked upon it with salt water spray. My MH was covered in salt upon arrival in Spain. After having washed the vehicle it was realised the paintwork has lost its high gloss shine. A recent engineers paintwork diagnosis reports the paintwork has been surface damaged by salt ingress. I invite comment from others who have experienced similar salt experiences on these open deck ferries.
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My heart goes out to you.
We were also on the outside and had £3000 of damage. Brittany blamed god, the insurance blamed Brittany. God wouldn't comment.
 
wiljoy said:
My heart goes out to you.
We were also on the outside and had £3000 of damage. Brittany blamed god, the insurance blamed Brittany. God wouldn't comment.
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WOW. How come it was so much to rectify what did they do?
 
Why the fridge and Sat dish

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Thats really terrible,I assume that ferry was shipping green ones over the bow. Was the rear of the van facing the bow of ship.
Should I find myself in a similar situation I will fit the winter covers on fridge vents.
how did the carpets get flooded through the fridge vents maybe something wrong there as the fridge rear is mean't to be sealed from interior worth checking.
Sounds like you had a terrible voyage!
 
We found the usual crap workmanship didn't include sealing the fridge so water just came in freely. Fridge vent on the roof was the issue.
Never done a Portsmouth to Bilbao again and never will.
 

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