Made in South Africa: Wheelmaster Boat for Wheelchair Users
By Ari Seirlis
The "Wheelmaster" is specifically designed and aimed to assist any active paraplegic to have access to any waterway for the purpose of fishing - birdwatching - photography etc.
Stan Bransby, a paraplegic himself and confined to a wheelchair approached Dabbie Products of South Africa with his problem and simply stated "I want to go fishing by myself". After several brainstorming sessions with John Jorgenson of Dabbie Products, and a bit of planning and hard work, the first prototype exceeded initial expectations on its first trial run.
It offers any active wheelchair user an alternative to get them out on the water independently so that they can participate in their chosen sport, be it fishing - birdwatching - photography etc. This unique concept to our knowledge is not available anywhere else in the world.
Assembling the craft around the wheelchair
It allows the user to assemble the craft while seated in their wheelchair. Once assembled they still have mobility on land as the pontoons are clear of the ground.
On land the craft is fully mobile while ashore
Users can then wheel themselves down and launch themselves into the water and away they go using the large oar system provided as standard or the option of an electric trolling motor and battery.
The oar system is standard - Note the wide stance of the craft
The user can then exit the water unassisted by simply coming ashore until the wheels of the chair make contact with the ground and traction can be obtained to allow the user to propel the craft out of the water.
Coming ashore and up the slipway without assistance
The Wheelmaster is very stable. The pontoons are manufactured froom heavy duty "Rubber Duck" type material to cater for users up to 120 - 130kg and up to 20 inch wide wheelchair seats. The main pontoons are fitted with large internal safety. This arrangement allows the safety bladder to be totally protected by the outer main bladder.
The craft comes with a line tray for fly fishing or simply to use as a convenient work surface. The front cross brake is used to secure an electric motor and the special self catering anchor system - both these items are immediately accessible to the user.
Ready to go fishing - Note the motor and anchor to the front cross bar
The two side decks allow storage of cooler and tackle boxes - or simply to place a flask or mug down on. These decks can be quickly repositioned to allow more room for ones hands when accessing the push rim on the wheelchair when coming ashore. To use this craft unassisted the user needs to be active and have mobility in their upper body, arms and hands. With a few practice runs the craft can be assembled and on the water inside twenty minutes without any assistance - and half that time with a helper. The user's wheelchair seat sits well clear of the water.
Rear View showing the battery storage and side deck storage decks
The craft has been reviewed by SAMSA - the "South African Maritime Safety Association" and approved for use by the Durban Port authority and is cleared for use offshore up to a distance of 500 meters from the shore. Obviously in these conditions suitable safety equipment must be carried.
This photo clearly shows the seated height above the water - just your feet will get wet
Dabbie Products will continue to refine the design and will consider any specific needs you may have within reason.
A two person craft can also be made so that an assistant or friend could also accompany, afloat should that be desired.
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