Cowes Chain Ferry Madness

[mainsail1]

I saw this yesterday. A tug is used to push the ferry upstream against the tide as it clunks across on its chains.
Time for a complete rethink?

 

[Stemar]

Angle grinder at each end. plus a spring ebb?

 

[Babylon]

One doesn't know the exact reasons for this. Could have been an attempt to clear an obstruction on the chains, or some similar purpose?

 

[Lucky Duck]

Its on station at spring tides...

 

[Lightwave395]

They've been doing this for ages, as is common in politics of every form, nobody at IOW council will ever admit what a cock up they made

 

[Sandy]

They've been doing this for ages, as is common in politics of every form, nobody at IOW council will ever admit what a cock up they made

Nothing to do with politics, the company who built the ferry did not do their sums correctly.

 

[Catalina36]

It could possibly be understandable to c0ck up a design and build if it were the first one on the site but all they had to do was copy what was already there. We see it everywhere mind. Despite having built warships for very many years the MoD still can't get ones that work properly.

 

[Babylon]

Nothing to do with politics, the company who built the ferry did not do their sums correctly.

Or the company that designed the ferry.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Or the company that designed the ferry.

And were contracted to do so by the council, whose specification should have precluded all these shenanigans.

 

[ashtead]

Just need to change the ferry for a shorter model which takes less cars and fit shorter chains surely? I see a cheap version is still for sale in Gosport which would fit if they changed the ramps?

 

[mjcoon]

Just need to change the ferry for a shorter model which takes less cars and fit shorter chains surely? I see a cheap version is still for sale in Gosport which would fit if they changed the ramps?

I thought the chains had to span the gap between the ramps. So their length is fixed for that location...

 

[prv]

I wonder if it could be made to work by reshaping the landings (and moving the anchor points a little) so that it can approach the slip from more of an upstream or downstream direction. Then it can hang in a looser loop in the river with no problem.

Would need some substantial infill work especially on the west bank to get it out past the houses on the corner, but maybe ballast and concrete is cheaper than reworking the ferry or continuing to run a stupid-looking tug arrangement.

Pete

 

[Giblets]

They only seem to use the tug on full spring ebb and not on full spring flood. I wonder who is paying for the tug - council, designer or builder?

 

[Lightwave395]

Nothing to do with politics, the company who built the ferry did not do their sums correctly.

Try the history of the farce tracked by the local paper, although for sure I wouldn't defend the company that built it, if this isn't politics I don't know what is:

Island Independents hit back at claims they are to blame for floating bridge fiasco

'We will get to a place where it's reliable pretty much most of the time' — council leader hits back at calls for floatie to be scrapped

What went wrong? — Two years on, floating bridge saga could end up in court

'It's time to make a decision' — Councillor calls for floating bridge to be scrapped

Staggering Cowes Floating Bridge losses revealed — call for transport cabinet member to resign

Petition calls on the Isle of Wight Council to replace the troubled floating bridge

 

[Just_sayin']

They can stand the "tug" down next week ?

Floating Bridge out of action for ten days - from Tuesday

 

[mainsail1]

I wonder why they cannot instal an electric side thruster to replace the tug. If the tug has cost over £150,000 so far it must be worth a side thruster amidships?

 

[Elessar]

I wonder why they cannot instal an electric side thruster to replace the tug. If the tug has cost over £150,000 so far it must be worth a side thruster amidships?

Now that’s lateral thinking.

 

[Rappey]

150hp outboards on each corner and it could travel in any direction !

 

[Sandy]

Or the company that designed the ferry.

I'd still want to check their sums after all it's the builders name plate on the vessel.

It was working well last time I was on it, if a tad expensive.

 

[ashtead]

It works but doesn’t like strong tides which is rather surprising for something crossing a narrow stretch with strong tides. In summary it’s not fit for purpose and no one at the council is taking responsibility but that’s normal for Wight.