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BoatForMyPotplants
United Kingdom
169 Posts |
 Posted - 01 Sep 2011 : 20:38:45
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My mum wants to come on to The Boat For My Potplants, but she's a bit doddery on her feet these days, especially after a small glass of wine. Or perhaps two.
She's confident about walking the plank, but it's the side-deck that she's more concerned about.
So I have a cunning plan, but I'm not sure whether it's feasible or possible, or if indeed it's ever been done before? Any comments, suggestions or ideas would be gratefully accepted.
The idea is to widen the side decks by screwing down some heavy-duty ply from the bow along to the rear deck, of course making sure that it's all properly sealed. The ply could be shaped and contoured to look okay, but I'm also thinking ahead to when I get a motor. Could the widening of the side-decks adversely affect the handling of the boat when I eventually get it out on to the river?
To support the weight of a person standing on it, I would make some 45 degree supports (like shelf brackets) that are fixed to the underside of the ply, and resting against, but not screwed in to, the sides of the hull.
It's a lot of work, but mum's are worth it, eh?
Neil |
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sm0129
33 Posts |
Posted - 01 Sep 2011 : 20:47:47
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It wont affect the handling BUT you could end up doing serious damage to the cabin roof / superstructure when you come alongside a mooring / lock etc.
Most boats have rubbing strakes / fenders to take the stresses of minor bumps- you will probably end up ripping it all of on the first lock you enter(people still have minor bumps after years of boating)
Sorry fpr being negative. |
Edited by - sm0129 on 01 Sep 2011 20:49:14 |
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BoatForMyPotplants
United Kingdom
169 Posts |
Posted - 01 Sep 2011 : 21:10:45
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Thanks for the feedback. I am a bit concerned about the idea, I admit, although the boat's moored on a tidal river and I won't ever be going near any locks, only up and down the River Colne. However, I hadn't yet considered the drawbacks of mooring up against side-on pontoons - so many thanks for pointing that out.
Neil |
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Lester Mayo
United Kingdom
289 Posts |
Posted - 01 Sep 2011 : 21:29:25
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| I would spend the time making a good wide boarding plank maybe with rails to hold onto. I find a pointed stick works with my mother inlaw, just to give a bit of encouragement. |
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mumsie53
United Kingdom
68 Posts |
Posted - 01 Sep 2011 : 23:23:57
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Hi, I agree with Lester re boarding plank..
.my dear old mum is a bit wobbly and has dementia and we have worked out getting onto and off our 32 by having someone both on and off the boat to take her hands and help her balance ..so far we manage a treat.. she is fine to move up and down the boat and sit out at the back..just needs assistance to manoevre the stepping off the gunwales
"growing old is compulsory, growing up however, is purely optional" |
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Lester Mayo
United Kingdom
289 Posts |
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BoatForMyPotplants
United Kingdom
169 Posts |
Posted - 18 Sep 2011 : 08:33:02
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Hi Lester
Thanks for the link. Great idea! Have just returned from hols - guess where I'm off to first thing this morning!
Neil |
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Knighty
United Kingdom
654 Posts |
Posted - 18 Sep 2011 : 09:01:31
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The slide would be easier  |
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df
United Kingdom
5994 Posts |
Posted - 18 Sep 2011 : 09:50:49
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Your plan sounds like it would ruin the look of the boat and lose any value, why not find an alongside mooring to get her on and off so she doesn't need to get down the side at all.
Whats your mooring like?
NBAS--The communal colostomy bag of the boating community.
Visit leomagill.co.uk |
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BoatForMyPotplants
United Kingdom
169 Posts |
Posted - 18 Sep 2011 : 13:18:32
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There aren't any side-on moorings here, but it might be possible one day to build a pontoon. One day. And only perhaps. And I daren't move away from the current mooring position outside The Rose And Crown, as it would be far too far for the pub to bring me burger and chips. They're very good chips!
Neil |
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newcommer
United Kingdom
63 Posts |
Posted - 18 Sep 2011 : 20:06:30
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I Hi all:
use a selvot XL telescopic dog ramp no more leaping ashore when moored near the bank .Try getting an old 30kg dog ashore
Pete
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A serious question for a change...
