Simon wrote: Sat Sep 03, 2022 8:51 pm
Jobbo wrote: Sat Sep 03, 2022 11:10 am
That’s exactly why we need to go. I’d like to use the hovercraft since I can’t see how it is commercially viable but it’ll inevitably be the car ferry.
I remember you posting on my FB when I used the IOW hovercraft a few years ago. It was rammed that day, both ways. There's no doubt they make their money from it, seeing as you're only aboard for about 15 minutes and it's not 'cheap' time.
None of the ferries to the IOW are cheap though; it’s a short crossing but the operating costs aren’t any lower than cross channel crossings.
I’m glad the hovercraft remains busy though. IIRC it’s the only scheduled hovercraft service in the world now. It’s not even necessary to use a hovercraft to get across the Solent - a traditional hull ferry could do the job, or a SeaCat type could do it pretty much as quickly as the hovercraft. So it feels to me like something that has a finite lifespan. I guess if COVID didn’t kill it, it should be ok for a while yet.