I am new to this forum, but a lifetime boater. I have been in a wheelchair over 25 years (half my life). It has given me plenty of opportunities to be creative on adaptations to continue boating. I will be happy to share several of my work-arounds.
I started out a sailor and ended up driving power boats after a surfing accident in 1983. I have owned/sailed/raced 8'-40' prior to my accident, and 18'-26' power for the last 25+ years. Jet boats, I/O, and now mostly outboards here in Florida.
I am fortunate enough to live in Sebastian (great fishing, don't tell anybody) and have many friends here and in Key Largo Florida. Both places have friends with docks. Once I get the boat in the water I am good to go, and in many ways have as much freedom on/in the water as anyone (regardless of the wheelchair). It is much like single-handed sailing, things work well with a properly configured boat. That is what I am looking for.
Currently I have a 1993 26' Bayliner Rendezvous deck boat, and a stripped down 1993 Hurricane deck boat (no seats).
The Bayliner is my second one, I sank the first one off of Sebastian inlet summer of 2007 (put additional forward bilge pumps in the hulls!) I have installed a cable hoist on them to assist me in getting on-and-off the boats. I even hoist myself off the boat to scuba dive in the Keys.
We have lots of "skinny" water in most of my boating playgrounds.
I want to expand the opportunity for more wheelchair users to get out on the water. I have a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) [Access Marine] that I currently manage, and it is my intention to acquire one or more boats prior to the end of the year.
So much for my background, on to my question(s)...
I am looking for about a 25'+/-, a flat wide roomy cockpit that I can easily roll around on (as well as perhaps an additional wheelchair user). I like an open transom as well, and possibly a side tuna door to better facilitate getting a wheelchair on-and-off of the boat on both a dock and into the water.
Obviously a fly bridge is of no use. A windshield or hardtop is desirable to get out of the elements on occasion. I can always add a hard top (hot Florida sun and frequent rain showers).
I know there must be boats out there that fit my needs (new or used). This is where I am asking your collective help. Some of you I believe know of boats that I have never heard of, and I want to learn about them to make my decision.
Outboards may have their place as well in order to increase my option in flat cockpits, and it is a trade-off with a true open transom.
I like the look/lines of a Blackfin 25, and Bertrams (I grew up in So. Cal and those were the lifeguard boats, way before Baywatch), but many of them have engine boxes or one or more steps in the sole.
Having aged myself I have no idea what may be available in boats less than 20 years old. I like classic lines, and there may be much newer, more efficient, and lower maintenance boats available.
Please provide me with any suggestions that you may have.
Your suggestions are appreciated.
I started out a sailor and ended up driving power boats after a surfing accident in 1983. I have owned/sailed/raced 8'-40' prior to my accident, and 18'-26' power for the last 25+ years. Jet boats, I/O, and now mostly outboards here in Florida.
I am fortunate enough to live in Sebastian (great fishing, don't tell anybody) and have many friends here and in Key Largo Florida. Both places have friends with docks. Once I get the boat in the water I am good to go, and in many ways have as much freedom on/in the water as anyone (regardless of the wheelchair). It is much like single-handed sailing, things work well with a properly configured boat. That is what I am looking for.
Currently I have a 1993 26' Bayliner Rendezvous deck boat, and a stripped down 1993 Hurricane deck boat (no seats).
The Bayliner is my second one, I sank the first one off of Sebastian inlet summer of 2007 (put additional forward bilge pumps in the hulls!) I have installed a cable hoist on them to assist me in getting on-and-off the boats. I even hoist myself off the boat to scuba dive in the Keys.
We have lots of "skinny" water in most of my boating playgrounds.
I want to expand the opportunity for more wheelchair users to get out on the water. I have a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) [Access Marine] that I currently manage, and it is my intention to acquire one or more boats prior to the end of the year.
So much for my background, on to my question(s)...
I am looking for about a 25'+/-, a flat wide roomy cockpit that I can easily roll around on (as well as perhaps an additional wheelchair user). I like an open transom as well, and possibly a side tuna door to better facilitate getting a wheelchair on-and-off of the boat on both a dock and into the water.
Obviously a fly bridge is of no use. A windshield or hardtop is desirable to get out of the elements on occasion. I can always add a hard top (hot Florida sun and frequent rain showers).
I know there must be boats out there that fit my needs (new or used). This is where I am asking your collective help. Some of you I believe know of boats that I have never heard of, and I want to learn about them to make my decision.
Outboards may have their place as well in order to increase my option in flat cockpits, and it is a trade-off with a true open transom.
I like the look/lines of a Blackfin 25, and Bertrams (I grew up in So. Cal and those were the lifeguard boats, way before Baywatch), but many of them have engine boxes or one or more steps in the sole.
Having aged myself I have no idea what may be available in boats less than 20 years old. I like classic lines, and there may be much newer, more efficient, and lower maintenance boats available.
Please provide me with any suggestions that you may have.
Your suggestions are appreciated.
Last edited:
, but I like it! I might just have to get one for conversational value if nothing else. I'll need to learn more about the use in saltwater, but I can certainly remove the wheels if I keep it on a lift.
