Assist help

Big dave

Member
Does anyone have any ideas on how to enter and exit the boat while at the dock with limited use of the dominant arm. Any pictures or ideas are welcome. When I say limited I mean very limited.
Thank you
Dave
Raven Dancer
 
The boats with the cantilevered top, are strong enough to swing by--you could use the non dominate hand. Another possibility is to put a "inverted stable"--like on the swim platform of large yachts bolted into the gunnel--that way, the non dominate could be support and balance with the upside down "U" of the SS tubing--make it high enough that you could carry enough weight. Also these are often made removable. Pull out of the socket, when under way. There also also supports for power cords, which fit into a fish rod holder type of socket--some have a nice big loop on them for support.

A couple of photos to give the idea:

Dock_Grab_Handle_4ef0d71067217-500x500.png


9052.jpg
 
With the boat in the water or on its trailer? I would some nice folding aluminum stairs, something build for a camper or trailer maybe. Of course theyd have to be sturdy probably even mounted to the boat. My dad slides in and out of the boat on his butt and takes his time, better safe looking a little goofy for 20 seconds then having him fall face first into the boat
 
Dave,

Just to clarify. Are your 22 gunnels even with the dock or higher? Also , do you always tie up on the starboard side?

If your gunnels are higher then I agree with the external stairs option. I would even bolt them to your dock if you're allowed to.

If you tie up on the port side, it looks like you'd be able to step on the swim platform and then climb over? I can't remember how the step would be though....that may be tricky if you've got mobility issues.

Finally, as Dr. Bob said you need some strong handholds of some kind. But I dont know if I like the idea of putting it in the rod holder....there could be slippage and movement. I would do a through bolted setup and install 2 points of contact. Maybe one on the gunnel and one through the roof. You need to be confident that when you hold it, it will support your entire body weight if you need it.

Dave, is your weak /injured arm a permanent thing or will it improve? Good luck sir! I like your sense of adventure and your continued use of your boat. Very inspiring.
 
But I dont know if I like the idea of putting it in the rod holder....there could be slippage and movement.

What I wrote is

fit into a fish rod holder type of socket[/
.
There are specific sockets for the staples. Many fish rod holders do have a crossbar in the bottom, which engages the grooved butt of offshore rods, and they attach without significant rotation. The WindLine product pictured about is designed specifically as a hand hold, and designed to fit in those designated fishing rod holders.

Also putting 2 or 3 steps from the gunnel to the cockpit will help on the inside of the cockpit--both boarding and and leaving.



08889_f.jpg



For a single step on the dock, we carry a plastic folding step, similar to
816jlcxf%2B3L._SX425_.jpg
 
The issue I’m dealing with is reverse shoulder surgery from a fall from last mid December about 4 1/2 months ago. My PT said no pulling or lifting heavy objects. Well I’m pretty heavy and I really don’t want to loose my balance and fall again.
I guessing my main issues will be exiting the cockpit on to different docks and trying to crawl into bed since I can’t crawl. I’m open to all ideas as I’m not going to give up boating!
Thanks Dave
Raven Dancer
 
Big dave":lhykjg13 said:
The issue I’m dealing with is reverse shoulder surgery from a fall from last mid December about 4 1/2 months ago. My PT said no pulling or lifting heavy objects. Well I’m pretty heavy and I really don’t want to loose my balance and fall again.
I guessing my main issues will be exiting the cockpit on to different docks and trying to crawl into bed since I can’t crawl. I’m open to all ideas as I’m not going to give up boating!
Thanks Dave
Raven Dancer

Just take a cruise or two 'til your shoulder heals.
 
The closer the step distance, the better it will be for your balance. Thus using one of the two steps (with brackets) will make it easier getting out and in.

Using one of the balance handles and the one on the side of the boat's aft cabin bulkhead, and on the top of the cabin lip aft, will both help--in and out.


C_Dory_25_AC_and_railing_007.jpg

I see that in your Raven Dancer album, you have already done this forward. The only reason not to do this aft, is if you already have a radar arch you can hang onto.

As far as the bunk--cutting out the bulkhead on the port side makes entrance and egress easier. I have always thought a grab handle on the under side of the deck like a "monkey bar" would allow one to lift and pull as they went into the bunk or out.

If you have not already discussed this with your Physical Therapist or occupational therapist--do so. Many are more than happy to help; you find solutions to these types of problem.
 
ssobol":1msdi9v6 said:
Big dave":1msdi9v6 said:
The issue I’m dealing with is reverse shoulder surgery from a fall from last mid December about 4 1/2 months ago. My PT said no pulling or lifting heavy objects. Well I’m pretty heavy and I really don’t want to loose my balance and fall again.
I guessing my main issues will be exiting the cockpit on to different docks and trying to crawl into bed since I can’t crawl. I’m open to all ideas as I’m not going to give up boating!
Thanks Dave
Raven Dancer

Just take a cruise or two 'til your shoulder heals.

I was just about to suggest the same thing. Go to Alaska from Seattle. It's safe, affordable, the food is good, you'll probably see some whales, and may even win at bingo. Take care of yourself.
 
Sorry to hear about your shoulder. They always seem to take a long time to heal.

trying to crawl into bed since I can’t crawl

When I had a guest on my boat and I wanted space and separation, I took the centre cushion out of the V-Berth so I was actually able to crouch and walk in and sit on the bed and then climb in. The bed was narrow, but it worked just fine and we didn't have to crawl over each other to get in or out.

It might work for you. I put the porta potti in the cockpit out of the way.
 
Thanks one and all for your caring thoughts and great advice. The pictures were also a big help. Some of the ideas will be used and I will let you all know how things turned out. I know with folks like you guys supporting me my boat days are far from over.
Thanks again one and all I hope to see you on the water.
Dave
Raven Dancer
 
Dave, As to sleeping, you may find that going into the V-birth head first, and sleepin with your head at the pointy end might be easier. I did this after cracking a couple of ribs on one trip, and it made continuing the trip possible. Easy to crawl in amd back out. No turning around in there, or backing in, both of which are way to hard for "us".

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
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