Moreton Island _ Even Scarier ???

[castlemaine]

Once had a trip from Moreton on the Combie Trader in 30knots, that was scary especially when for the first time the skipper told us to stay in our cars and where the life jackets were. Cars on deck were soaked in sea water coming over the front.
But I was told recently that a couple of years ago the main drive-on door fell off one the ferry (don't know which one) as it was leaving Moreton and everyone had to get back on the island and catch another ferry. Can't be sure if this is true but heard it from 2 sources.
Any Ausfishers verify this?
Cheers

[CHRIS_aka_GWH]

I think i remember that but the door didn't "fall off"

when the lone wolf and I had waistlines (read that as many years ago) we went over in a little beaten up suzie owned by a mate and the bay chop was at its best. There was a bloke in a soft top jeep with all the flash extras and shiny bits you could imagine and velour everything inside, big speakers etc. I can still see him sitting there proud as punch at the driver wheel with a leg up on the dash - the ultimate alpha male....

The cars were packed tight on the barge and we hit the bay proper and of course it started raining saltwater - in a big way - we donned spray jackets. This blokes and his missus were frantic - they had packed on top of the soft top and tarps and there was little room to unload to get at them. Needless to say by the time they got the top on the barge had just about found calm water again.

It all made for a good show.

On the subject of barges

A certain barge recently found itself dry on a certain island named after an animal that looks like a sheep and rhymes with boat ::).

chris

[BrandonH]

Dam :o I am heading over in a couple of weeks and didn't want to hear this!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lol...

If anyone is over there between 3rd and 6th of november let me know and we can get together for a drink/fish ;) will be on the eastern side if there is some good gutters around witch I think there will be::)

Cheers N
Tight Lines

Brandon...

[madfisher]

Hi Castlemaine,
Yes you are correct the Combie Trader did lose its drawbridge a couple of years ago. Took a couple of days to find it just out the front of Bulwer, they had helecopters, divers and you name it looking for it as it was worth a lot to replace. It had just left the Island and had the drawbridge down too far in the water to clean the sand off and the cables snapped, lucky it was not rough that day for the people going home. Needless to say I don't think they do that anymore. I have a house at Bulwer and saw the whole thing happen, I don't go on Combie Trader as its too far away from where I live, I catch the Micat which is smooooth as to ride on and very little salt spray.
Don

[castlemaine]

Don
Talked to a lady yesterday who has family on Moreton also confirmed exactly what you said. How lucky are you guys living there :) :) Thanks for the info and happy fishing.
Cheers, Castlemaine