Conquer the Cruise Ship Ferry Toolbox in THPS 3+4

Why the Ferry Challenge Matters

I spent nearly an hour circling the Cruise Ship in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 before I finally spotted the toolbox that kicks off “Help Raise the Ferry.” No glowing waypoints, no generous hints—just a workman telling me to fetch a box. If you’re pacing the starboard deck in frustration, I feel your pain. Here’s how I cracked it, plus the pro shortcuts I’ll be using next time.

Prerequisites

• Level Access: Unlock the Cruise Ship by completing the THPS 3 Skate Tour.
• No Special Stats Required: Higher speed and ollie stats help maintain momentum, but aren’t mandatory.
• Gear: Just your board and skater—no special items needed.

Landmarks: Mechanic & Ferry Control Panel

First, get your bearings. The mechanic stands at the ferry’s control panel on the lower deck’s starboard side—look for pipes, an open bay, and a guy fiddling with electronics. Treat this as your reset point. Once you grab the toolbox, you’ll haul it right back here.

Step 1: Trigger the Toolbox Objective

Roll to the starboard loading dock and chat with the mechanic by the ferry ramp. That conversation activates “Find a toolbox.” If you miss him, follow the row of shops on the main deck until you see a stack of cargo containers—that’s your cue.

Step 2: Spot the Toolbox

The toolbox blends into the scenery—it’s on a raised platform just above and forward of the repairman. Don’t waste time below decks or at the stern; focus on the main deck’s roof area.

• Look Up: From the mechanic’s spot, tilt your camera upward until you see a sloped grind rail.
• Scan the Shops: You’ll find the rail at the far end of the shop lineup.
• Avoid False Leads: Skip engine rooms and lower decks—they’re just red herrings.

Step 3: Build Momentum & Reach the Platform

Here’s the physics: speed equals momentum, and precise launch angles minimize friction loss. My go-to combo:

• Speed Boost: Shred the halfpipe near the mechanic, then drop into a manual to preserve speed.
• Wallride Pop: Hit the climbing wall under the “Cruise Climb” sign at full tilt—angle your approach so you pop off smoothly.
• Grind Launch: Land on the sloped rail; maintain a tight grind angle to avoid wobbling.
• Timing Your Ollie: As soon as you’re solid on the rail, snap an ollie toward the toolbox ledge. Hesitate and you’ll skid off.

Step 4: Secure & Return the Toolbox

Landing beside the toolbox is half the battle. You must grab it without slipping off the narrow ledge, then ride back to the mechanic.

• Head-On Approach: Align directly with the box instead of coming in diagonally.
• Speed Control: Ease off the stick as you exit the rail to avoid overshooting.
• Micro-Ollie: There’s a tiny up-slope before the crate—pop a small ollie to clear it.

Once “You found a toolbox!” appears on your HUD, carve a straight line back—no detours. Hit the repairman’s spot and watch the ferry lift.

Advanced Tips & Pro Strategies

• Manual-to-Grind Link: Top players chain a manual into the wallride for extra momentum and style points.
• Vert Drop Shortcut: Use the quarterpipe opposite the shops to drop directly onto the platform—risky but time-saving.
• Alternate Rail: A secondary grind rail off the “Cruise Climb” wall can work, but its lower angle demands flawless timing.
• Minimal Transitions: Pros minimize mid-air adjustments—plan your line to reduce micro-corrections and maintain speed.

Common Pitfalls & Quick Fixes

• Wrong Deck Search: Don’t scour the stern or engine rooms—stick to the starboard shops and roofline.
• Failed Grind Jump: If you’re skidding off, rebuild speed on the halfpipe and fine-tune your launch angle.
• Bailing on Return: Remember: slow is smooth. Skip flashy tricks until after you’ve delivered the box.

Wrapping Up

After about 20 minutes of trial and error, I can now fetch and deliver the toolbox in under a minute. Master these tips, stay patient, and soon you’ll nail the Ferry challenge faster than you ever imagined.