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Sal's Dad
 
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Default Converting boat for wheelchair access

A lot of not-very-helpful responses, but as noted by someone else, a good
more detail from the original poster would be helpful. "Wheelchair
passenger" could indicate anything on a wide spectrum of mobility/functional
limitations, and says nothing about boating experience, preferences, or
skills. Likewise, the trip locale and conditions, hull design and power,
and skipper's skills are (as always) vital considerations.

That said, Bob Hicks, editor/publisher of 'Messing about in Boats' magazine
has written of his experiences working with disabled friends in kayaks. As
I recall, the paddler had plenty of upper body strength and coordination -
getting in and out took a bit of thinking, and excursions were subject to a
super-dose of prudence and planning.


Can anyone tell me how I would go about converting a small 14 foot
boat for a wheelchair passenger - and is there any companies in the uk
that specialise in this.


Ottawa has a handicapped sailing school at the the Nepean Sailing Club.
I'm sure there must be handicapped kayaking, hard not to with so much
publicity and marketing around kayaks. (Would not be surprized to hear of
some group promoting kayaking as a means of bringing about world peace.)
I'd try searching the Internet for hadicapped boating. You might get some
info or a contact at www.nsc.ca (Nepean Sailing Club).