crowdsourcing for accessible boating wisdom

[DaveC426913]

Not related to Macs.

I have a friend with advanced MS who is scooter-bound. She used to go sailing as a youth, but that ... ship has sailed.
Now her and her partner are considering motoring. A pontoon boat is a pretty likely option.

They are completely new to boating, and are looking to me for advice on all aspects of getting a boat, but also on what their options are in our area (Southern Ontario) for cruising and docking and storing.

Ideally, I'd like to find a forum that deals with general boating for disabled enthusiasts. And ideally, I'd also like to explore services in our area. But these are probably asking too much.

Suggestions?

[NiceAft]

https://www.boatdealers.ca/articles/dis ... ssociation

Might these people be able to give some suggestions?

[DaveC426913]

https://www.boatdealers.ca/articles/dis ... ssociation

Might these people be able to give some suggestions?

Yeah, I've found this before, but they concentrate specifically on sailing. I'll reach out to see if they have any advice useful for motoring.

[OverEasy]

Hi!

I’m a great advocate for people with disabilities to get out and experience what nature has to offer.
But in doing so one has to be very sensitive to what disabilities are to be accommodated and how.
Water is very unforgiving and should always be addressed with the respect and caution it deserves.

If I might make a suggestion I’d think you should keep an open mind about this before immediately zooming in on an immediate boat type solution. This is a big thing for your friends and you have the unique opportunity to help them.

You might want to suggest that they try on a couple different types of vessels before committing to any particular one.

Which sort of depends upon:
A) What they want to do on the water.
Do they want to explore the waterways? Go fishing? Take extended day trips? Weekend trips? Longer?

B) What they can do for themselves and what they will need help with.
Are they capable of launching/retrieving a vessel? Are they near a marina that has appropriate protected piers and walkways that are clear, smooth, unobstructed and with railings? Would a properly sized boarding ramp be required? Floating piers are nice in that they follow the float of a vessel but they can also be subject to wave or wake action. Safety is paramount.
The ability to get on/off a vessel under a variety of circumstances and locations is an aspect that has to be considered with kindness and thoughtfulness.

C) How long they want to do it.
A season? A couple of seasons? A couple of years? Indefinitely?
Short term might lead them to try using a rental or working with a dealership to try out different options before committing to a particular purchase.
A short duration spin on the water is quite different than being out for the day (or longer).

D) What can their budget allow.


One needs to keep an open mind and make sure that the interface facilities exist for readily getting on/off the vessel safely. The aspect of being in a scooter is wide open to interpretation. What is the specific individuals capabilities is more of a parameter. If they are semi mobile and can walk short distances is quite different than the other extreme.

The Personal Flotation Device (PFD) needs of a person with a mobility disability are unique and different. It needs to be thoughtfully tailored to their specific needs.
Whereas a person without a disability can maneuver across an inconsistent dock surface with lines, hoses, cords, cleats, storage boxes and equipment that has some pitch and roll due to the water it floats upon it is a singularly different set of challenges for someone reliant upon a scooter for mobility. Having moved several I can attest to their limitations, maneuverability and weight aspects. At the same time your friend will need to be able to move about on the vessel. Sturdy handholds, supports and railings as well as comfortable seating take on a much higher priority.
(Hint: A good idea is to try out a scooter yourself for a couple hours to better understand what your friend is contending with. Privately try placing yourself temporarily within your friend’s limitations for several hours. I have done it in the past…and it was both eye opening and humbling.)
Weight also comes into play if the scooter is to be on the vessel… A boat floats and where weight is placed on a vessel determines its stability, pitch, list and handling.

What kind of “house facilities” are needed?
Nothing can ruin a person’s experience on the water faster than needing to comfortably and with dignity being able to use the head when out on the water. It is even more important for those dealing with physical limitations to be able to do so within their own capabilities when possible.

There are an inconsistent variety of resources available….
You might want to start with your friend’s physical therapist. This is someone who can be a great resource and help in understanding capabilities.
The MS Society is another starting point. They have a capability of networking with others who have had similar desires and can provide references and referrals to those who have worked out solutions for their own challenges.
If you have a good marina nearby like “Safe Harbor” they can also be a good resource.

Might I suggest contacting Mobility International USA (MIUSA) is a disability-led non-profit organization See more: https://www.miusa.org/about
They have a resource tool look-up. Search on “mobility” as a start and see what might apply.

Mobility International USA
132 East Broadway, Suite 343
Eugene, Oregon 97401

Phone: +1 541-343-1284
E-mail: clearinghouse@miusa.org See more: https://www.miusa.org/contact

Best thing would be to actually call them and talk with them. Your friend isn’t the first person to want to get back out on the water again.

We hope this has been of some use to you.

You have a unique opportunity to help.
Please keep us posted on your journey…..

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[DaveC426913]

Thanks OE. These are exactly the kind of questions I've been compiling for them to consider.

[ris]

DaveC tell your friend with MS to look up Dr. Terry Wahls eating protocol for MS. She did a Ted talk on her eating protocol. I personally started this protocol in March 2021 and it has changed my life in 4.5 months. I have had MS for 21 years. I still can not do mentally or physically what people without MS can do but the difference in my life from February to mid August of this year is almost unbelievable to me and my wife. I would be willing to talk to this person if they would like to talk.
Richard

[WinSome]

Here’s the group to connect with in Burlington bay,Ontario. They have a unique program to assist with sailing needs. Able sail.
https://burlbay.com/able-sail
Great info and inspiration for the rest of us. They slip and sail alongside the rest of us. Enjoy

[DaveC426913]

Here’s the group to connect with in Burlington bay,Ontario. They have a unique program to assist with sailing needs. Able sail.
https://burlbay.com/able-sail
Great info and inspiration for the rest of us. They slip and sail alongside the rest of us. Enjoy

Yes, there's one of these at Harbourfront Toronto as well, which we've checked out.
But it really concentrates on sailing.

[Jimmyt]

My uncle had a stroke, leaving him mobility-challenged. Pontoon boat and floating dock with ramps at their lake house allowed him to get on the water fairly easily. Easier to work the issues when you own the property and have the financial means to solve problems.

I think the pontoon boat is a great way to go. Who doesn't love a floating party platform? And, throw on a pair of 450's...