Hello all,
I'm a Brain Injury Specialist, and avid angler. I am going to purchase a used flat bottom (Jon) boat, and would like to modify it with a drop-down ramp to make wheelchair (and other patients with an unsteady gait) transfers safe and stable.
I'm on a limited budget so will have to purchase a used boat. I'm holding off on buying it until I know I will get a proper make/model for maximum stability. Pontoon boats have been suggested to me, but I am pretty set on a Jon boat for one main reason; I want to be able to launch from a variety of places so I can take patients fishing back to their favorite spots, pre-injury. This requires the ramp to drop down to the ground (after I anchor in place, of course). Ideally I'd like a 16ft, but I'm open to any recommendations.
I have conducted a lot of research and spoken with anyone willing to talk to me on the subject, but you guys seem to be experts in this area.
I realize completing the actual modification is beyond me, so I will have it done by a professional metal fabricator/welder (even if it means taking out a loan, but once I have detailed specs, I'll apply for grants).
Details on Mod:
Seal - I'm understandably concerned about getting a water tight seal...probably through some type of gasket seal?
Strength - I've been told by a boat engineer that I will need to reinforce the ramp area, I'm assuming with steel?
Location - I really wanted to place the ramp in the front, but have read that the way most Jon boats are welded, doing so may compromise the boat's integrity. I have found a similar mod on another Jon boat online, and his was on the left side.
Functioning - Are there any other considerations I'm overlooking? I know I'll need a pulley/winch system if I can do it in front of boat (but this shouldn't be too difficult for me to figure out).
As mentioned, I need it to drop from boat to shore (I'm thinking a steel ramp to extend distance may be required for some spots)
Thanks in advance for any guidance/advice/referrals/etc. that anyone may be able to provide. After working with so many patients in my field who have no access to adaptive angling opportunities and knowing personally how my mood would be effected if I could never fish again after a sudden accident, I've found my mission in life....
I'm a Brain Injury Specialist, and avid angler. I am going to purchase a used flat bottom (Jon) boat, and would like to modify it with a drop-down ramp to make wheelchair (and other patients with an unsteady gait) transfers safe and stable.
I'm on a limited budget so will have to purchase a used boat. I'm holding off on buying it until I know I will get a proper make/model for maximum stability. Pontoon boats have been suggested to me, but I am pretty set on a Jon boat for one main reason; I want to be able to launch from a variety of places so I can take patients fishing back to their favorite spots, pre-injury. This requires the ramp to drop down to the ground (after I anchor in place, of course). Ideally I'd like a 16ft, but I'm open to any recommendations.
I have conducted a lot of research and spoken with anyone willing to talk to me on the subject, but you guys seem to be experts in this area.
I realize completing the actual modification is beyond me, so I will have it done by a professional metal fabricator/welder (even if it means taking out a loan, but once I have detailed specs, I'll apply for grants).
Details on Mod:
Seal - I'm understandably concerned about getting a water tight seal...probably through some type of gasket seal?
Strength - I've been told by a boat engineer that I will need to reinforce the ramp area, I'm assuming with steel?
Location - I really wanted to place the ramp in the front, but have read that the way most Jon boats are welded, doing so may compromise the boat's integrity. I have found a similar mod on another Jon boat online, and his was on the left side.
Functioning - Are there any other considerations I'm overlooking? I know I'll need a pulley/winch system if I can do it in front of boat (but this shouldn't be too difficult for me to figure out).
As mentioned, I need it to drop from boat to shore (I'm thinking a steel ramp to extend distance may be required for some spots)
Thanks in advance for any guidance/advice/referrals/etc. that anyone may be able to provide. After working with so many patients in my field who have no access to adaptive angling opportunities and knowing personally how my mood would be effected if I could never fish again after a sudden accident, I've found my mission in life....