How to get a dead car off Bowen Island.
A car that will not start cannot just roll onto the ferry. Here are the realistic ways to get it off the island, what each involves, and the one that costs you nothing.
The ferry is the whole problem
On the mainland a dead car is a phone call to a scrap yard. On Bowen, anything that cannot drive needs a truck to carry it across Howe Sound, and that truck has to come over, load, and catch a sailing back. That round trip is why so many dead cars just sit on the island.
- A car has to drive on, or ride on a tow truck or trailer.
- The truck needs space on a sailing both ways.
- Busy sailings can mean waiting for the next one.
Three ways to get it off the island
Get it running and drive it on
If it only needs a battery or a small fix, this can work. You still have to sell or scrap it on the mainland, and that means another trip and more of your time.
Hire a tow from the mainland
A tow truck crosses, loads the car and catches a sailing back. You usually pay for the tow, the truck's ferry fare and the driver's waiting time. That can cost more than an old car is worth.
Sell it to someone who picks it up
That is what we do. We price the car on the phone, book the crossing, load it at your place and pay you. The ferry and tow are on our side, not yours.
What makes an island pickup go smoothly
Book midweek if you can
Weekend and holiday sailings fill up fast. A weekday pickup usually means a tighter time window.
Describe the road
Bowen roads can be narrow, steep and gravel. Tell us how the car is parked and what the driveway is like.
Clear out loose fuel and propane
Take jerry cans, propane tanks and spare batteries out of the trunk. Ferries have rules on dangerous goods and we do not want to be turned around at the terminal.
Have the paperwork ready
Registration and photo ID that match. Lost papers? Call first and we will tell you what works.
If the car still runs
A car that drives is a different story, and usually worth more. See what we pay on our cash for cars on Bowen page. If the car belonged to someone else, like a parent or a past owner of the property, the estate and left behind vehicles page explains what we need first.
Call and get a number while you are still on the phone.
Most Bowen calls end with a firm offer in a couple of minutes, ferry and tow already counted. If it is after hours, use the form at the top of the page and we will call you back.
- Straight cash quote, no obligation
- Ferry and tow costs always included
- Paid in full before your car leaves the property
Dead cars and the ferry, answered
Can a car that doesn't run go on the BC Ferries?
Only on the back of a tow truck or on a trailer. A car that will not start needs a truck that can carry it across, which is the part we arrange.
Who pays the ferry fare for the tow truck?
When you sell the car to us, we do. The crossing and the tow come out of our side and are not taken off your price. If you hire a tow yourself, you will usually pay for the truck's sailing and its time.
How long does a pickup on Bowen take?
The loading part is quick. The timing depends on the sailings, so most pickups happen the same day or the next. Calling in the morning gives us the best chance of a same day run.
Do I have to go to Horseshoe Bay?
No. You stay home. We load the car at your place and handle everything from there, including the crossing back to the mainland.
We bring the truck, you keep the cash
One call gets a dead car off the island. We book the ferry, load it at your place and pay you before we leave.