Boat Set-Up For Paraplegic(Not Sure If This Is The Right Forum)

[skeet88bt]

I have a buddy that is now a paraplegic and loves to fish. I was just wondering if there is anyone out there that maybe has gone through this process before. Any ideas would be great on how to set up the boat for his use. Also tips on getting him in the boat and things of that nature. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[minnowhooker]

I would go with a pontoon type of boat because it would be more level with the dock, easier to get a chair in an out plus hand rails around the boat.

If it were just a regular boat I'm not sure.

[skeet88bt]

I would go with a pontoon type of boat because it would be more level with the dock, easier to get a chair in an out plus hand rails around the boat.

If it were just a regular boat I'm not sure.

Thanks for the advice minnowhooker. I have a 18' Skeeter bass boat right now and the places we fish are suited better for a bass boat. I know a pontoon would probably be easier but would like to make it work with a bass boat. I would do anything to get this guy in the boat because he is really an avid fisherman. If anyone has any ideas at all I would greatly appreciate it. I know when he gets out of rehab he will want to get out there and do some fishing so I want to have a good set up for him. Thanks

[Gavin]

I think that Kevin Turner @ Riverpro boats in Hillsboro has down some boat setups with wheel chair access in mind...might want to give him a call...might want a swivel platform that you can attach the chair to in front or back...so he can turn around easilly without the chair fallng in the water. Cheers.

[FishinCricket]

A quick google search yielded a few promising looking results, though I would first suggest checking out any local options like the one Gavin mentioned above.. This website might give you a few ideas though..

http://www.stormboats.com/Handicap.htm

[skeet88bt]

Hey guys I really appreciate all your suggestions. I will look into all of them and if you have anymore don't be shy...I am willing to do anything to make it work. Although, I don't have all the money in the world so I am trying to come up with some ideas maybe I can do on my own or relativley cheap. Thanks again.

[grizwilson]

Been through this my self with a friend and sister. Both were able to roll their chairs to the nose of the bass boat (forget hull damage) and transfer themselves into the boat from there able to work to the seat, then fish, life is good. Butt seats bad, full seat with arms the best. Pontoon may be great in a dock, bass boat better from bank. ALWAYS put a note on the wheel chair if you leave it at the ramp or put it back in the truck. It is rather stressful returning to search and rescue looking for the person missing from the chair. Do not be in a hurry, BUT the MOST important thing, take them as often as you can, enjoy your time together it is good for everyone.

g

[skeet88bt]

Been through this my self with a friend and sister. Both were able to roll their chairs to the nose of the bass boat (forget hull damage) and transfer themselves into the boat from there able to work to the seat, then fish, life is good. Butt seats bad, full seat with arms the best. Pontoon may be great in a dock, bass boat better from bank. ALWAYS put a note on the wheel chair if you leave it at the ramp or put it back in the truck. It is rather stressful returning to search and rescue looking for the person missing from the chair. Do not be in a hurry, BUT the MOST important thing, take them as often as you can, enjoy your time together it is good for everyone.

g

Hey I appreciate your comment. I was honestly thinking that myself.......(just get up on the bank and transfer him in) So you think I should probably look into buying chair with arms? The only thing I worry about is if I need a harness or something to keep him in the chair....I was just thinking for when he gets a fish on. He is paralyzed from the nipple down but may be able to have a surgery that will give him feeling from the waist up. I know it will be awhile before we get out there but I just want to be prepared. I want his fishing experience to be as comfortable as possible.Also, please give me any advice on what to be prepared for.

Thanks again for your kind words.

[exiledguide]

Leaving Hemmingways today at BPS I saw a young fella in a wheel chair get into truck cab and load his chair into the bed of his pick up with a with an electrical arm that first lifted the bed cover and then lifted the chair into the bed of the truck. I ask him who did the work modifying his truck and he told me United Access in Springfield. They also have offices in St Louis and ,I believe in Columbia K.C. Toll free number 877 503 9399. He said he was quite pleased with the work they had done. Hope this helps.

[grizwilson]

The nipple down is a rather high injury. That said I would suggest some manner of loading the chair into the boat or using a spider chair as obviously he would need a life jacket and straping him in a chair attached to the boat would be dangerous. In Arkansas I have seen several ramps on the White River with a ramp you can pull the boat next too and a devise to lift a person into the boat. I know there is a set up at the conflunce of the Norfork and the White. Let me do some looking.

g