Design ideas for disabled sailors

A wonderful post!

One of the best I have seen in years.

And on probably one of the most relevant threads around.

At least for here in the good ole' U.S of A. With all these severely wounded soldiers coming back from the present war, I can see no higher purpose for a boat designer to give these people some relief and maybe even some enjoyment.

While I'm here, I would like to make a pitch for smaller boats. Most disabled people I know do not have a lot of money.

The problem is to make something that is easy to self rescue if it capsizes.

The vessel can then be small, light, and cheap.

My latest design is a 'puddle duck racer' (see pdracer .com) with a slatted cockpit sole and a bunch of 1 gallon milk jugs for flotation. The idea being, if the boat turtles, it won't take a lot to right it and, being half full of water, it won't be too hard to pull one self back on board, then bail the water out.

If I ever get a chance to build it, I would like to see if I can rescue it without using my legs.

Being an 4 by 8 foot scow, a 'puddle duck racer' has a great deal of initial stability. Reducing the size of her rig could all but guarantee that she would never capsize for someone even more disabled.

Attached are some drawings. The milk jugs go under the wide side decks. They displace only 80 lbs per side.

 

Try this links from Sailing.org on about disable sailing.

sailing.org/1075.php
sailing.org/1077.php
sailing.org/1083.php
sailing.org/1500.php
sailing.org/13151.php
sailing.org/1520.php
sailing.org/1518.php
sailing.org/1516.php

Also you a look at John Marples design Int 3 Metre Class Tri which is for both Able Bodied and Disabled persons.

 

Alan,

there is a page describing the 'Spirit of Scott Bader'

http://www.disabledsailing.org/data/dsahq/scott bader/Scott Bader.html

I think this cat is pretty well set up for disables sailors and I like the concept. I wonder if anyone has some firsthand experience.

Simon

 

The revised address for this site was given as

http://www.inter24metre.org

but there seems to be no such site. This is a shame as I have seen them in action and being made - very impressed

 

Boat Accss for Wheelchair User

Here is a photo of the McKinnon Hugger in use on the refurbished WWII minesweeper Sea Wolf in Glacier Bay, AK:




This is modifed hang glider seat (bosun's chair) designed by Brazilian disabled adventure sports promoter Dad Moreira. Used here at Parque do Sonhos, Socorro, Brazil on the 1 km long zipline "Panico:"




And this is a manual lifting aid called the Comfort Carrier by Broadened Horizons:

 

Quadripiplegic to Sail the Atlantic

Geoff Holt: Atlantic Challenge & Disability Sports Ambassador

Leaving Today!
10th December 2009, Geoff Holt embarks on Personal Atlantic, setting sail on a 60ft, purpose-built, wheelchair-accessible catamaran on a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. The 3,000 mile journey will take him up to a month to complete, across some of the most hostile waters in the world.

In completing his Challenge, Geoff Holt will become the first quadriplegic to make the journey, unassisted in every aspect of the sailing.

Impossible Dream is a wheelchair accessible catamaran of unique design

Follow his trip and look at the videos on his website:
http://www.geoffholt.com/

 

Thanks Brian-I wish Geoff the best of luck-and good sailing!

 

Bon voyage et bon chance!

 

Cruising sailboat for disabled. With crew.

Built in late 70's, this vessel was literally designed around the owner's wheel chair. The interior and deck reflect the need of wide walkthrough all around.

 

Yves-Marie,

it would be interesting to hear about the ergonomic concept of your design and the solutions to enable the use of a wheelchair on board.

Cheers

Simon

 

Broadblue Rapier 550

Modern technology has produced a vessel that would very effectively meet a handicapped persons needs

http://www.yachtingworld.com/yachts-and-gear/broadblue-rapier-550-boat-test-62395

But I still believe the original 'Impossible Dream' is a better looking boat

 

Impossible Dream video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM2m3qElqI4