Jura Fast Rib Ferry

[kev]

Just used the new passenger Rib from Tayvallich to Craighouse on the island of Jura, its operated by Islay Sea Safari, they use an 11 meter redbay ,it takes 12 passengers and does the crossing in approx 40-45 mins depending on the weather,excellent way of getting there in under an hour ,takes about 3 hours going by the cal mac ferry, does two runs per day, except on a tuesday day off.Great way to travel well worth £15.00 .

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by kev

...excellent way of getting there in under an hour ,takes about 3 hours going by the cal mac ferry, ...

actually its more significant than that - as the Calmac ferry doesn't go to Jura - you get it to Islay, then drive (or bus if foot passenger) across Islay then get another short (non Calmac) ferry to Jura - and then drive (or minibus if foot passenger) to get to the east of the island if thats where you are going.

[kev]

Originally Posted by Polwart

actually its more significant than that - as the Calmac ferry doesn't go to Jura - you get it to Islay, then drive (or bus if foot passenger) across Islay then get another short (non Calmac) ferry to Jura - and then drive (or minibus if foot passenger) to get to the east of the island if thats where you are going.

If you go to port askaig from kenacraig then use asp seascot ferry to jura then bus to craighouse then 3 hours is about the quickest you can do,
If going to Port Ellen then your looking at about another 20min on the ferry,then about 40 mins bus/car drive to port askaig.

[Tim M]

For £15 I recon thats a bargain!

[willk]

For £15 I reckon that's heavily subsidised!

Repayments on a £125,000 (?) RIB
Skippers wage
Fuel for a twin 300hp RIB that is thirstier than a thirsty thing...

£15?

I took a similar trip that cost £80, no subsidies, and the boat carried 20.

[nikster]

twin 300 diesels burning red at 70ppl doing 25 kts wont be that bad - maybe £30 per sector for fuel, then contribution spread over 4 sectors per day for the rest of the DOC's - like salary, insurance, depreciation, cost of finance etc, on-costs, profit and contribution to overhead etc could be eeked out of it especially if they can average £500 per day....

I think the potential for Ribs as ferries has yet to be fully appreciated in the western isles and outer hebrides etc - massive oppurtunities for those that are interested.. PM if interested

[BruceB]

It is probably subsidised as a little known Euro law calling for "social Inclusion" is driving several projects off the west coast as we speak, from ferries to bridges/causeways.
The summer is fine and most ferry operators could probably make money but the winter weather and smaller numbers would make it uneconomic to run most of these services all year round.