Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I’m looking for a boat that will be used mainly for my brother-in-law and myself to fish. My brother-in-law is handicapped, so I figure a pontoon boat would be the safest. I’ve been looking at either a 16’ or 18’ since it will mostly just be the 2 of us, and I don’t expect to ever have more than 7 people on the boat. Also, does anyone have experience with either putting a harness on a boat seat or securing a wheelchair?

at least a 22 foot for the 2 of you that has enough room to move a chair around and at least a 26 foot for 7

Agree at least a 22 footer that will give enough room for a wheelchair. As for a harness if you are wanting to secure the chairmwhile moveing I would check with an auto parts and see about getting the same wheelchair locks they use in a van that are mounted to the floor. That way you have something permanent and is safe.

Good advise from all. Only thing I can add is to make sure he wears a lifejacket not only on the boat but on the dock too and to be careful in your thinking of harnessing him into a seat. Bad things happen very quickly on the water and you may not have time to release him.

Very kind of you to include your B-I-L on your fishing trips. It's not easy. I know because my wife is handicapped, but she still can enjoy the boat.

http://www.qstraint.com/en_na/

I think you'll find what you're looking for here.

We used these in my mother's handicap van. My brother has a small non-medical transport service and he uses the tracks and straps in his van.

They've got several different methods of restraint, be it adjustable or fixed.

Also, you didn't mention new boat or used. Looking at boats, I've seen wheelchair boarding ramps straight off the bow, so that would mean a wide enough front gate. The good thing is you have options.

Hope this helps!

You might want to check with a dealer to see if the front or side gates are wide enough to handle the width of a wheelchair. Maybe a manufacturer can configure a wider door--under the situation. Maybe the boat for him would exclude much of the seating--if you're going to be fishing.

There are others in the same condition enjoying boating.

I really don't want to go larger than 18 if at all possible. I was looking at the Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 & 18; both advertise a wheelchair access side door as standard, and other boats have them as optional upgrades. Looking at new or last years model.

I like the idea of the rails to fasten wheelchair, but I still need to talk my brother-in-law to use one. He is 62 years old and has always used arm crutches with his leg braces. He uses a harness or seatbelt in vehicles, but I understand the issues on a boat.

As someone else mentioned, pull some of the seats, and an 18 footer is certainly acceptable for a wheel chair. Just confirm that the boat is carpeted under the seats before buying.

Don't worry about replying. Consider this food for thought.

You didn't say what kind of water you plan to fish? A Pond? Small Lake? If there's little to no wave action, or wakes from other boats, I'd bet you could likely get away with no chair restraint at all. Just set the wheel brakes.

Is the chair motorized? If it is, its heavy and would take a good jolt to bounce it around. You'll know real quick if you need more modification to keep the chair in place.

I looked at that Bass Buggy and I assume you're removing one of the bow fishing seats as place for him. If you're putting 7 adults on that 18 footer, you're asking a lot out of that small a boat.

You mentioned leg braces, so I'd be more concerned with adequate personal floatation device(s) if he rolled off the dock. Both for him, and the chair.

My mother went through 2 push chairs and 3 motorized ones during her years of rolling around. We always had to plan ahead and make sure we could transport her safely.