Addaptations for Arthritis and Age in General

[thinwater]

We grouse about the aches and pains. But what have we done to solve the problems?

• I've changed the steps several places to accommodate my wife's bad knees (one has been replaced). Also extra hand holds to give a boost and more stability.
• I extended the transoms 2' to provide better dingy boarding.
• I've changed the helm seat for better back support. The side-to-side as a killer after a certain number of hours.
• Some talk about power winches. So far I have no arm/shoulder troubles.
• Some things are just about procedure. Anchoring and docking can be near zero exertion if the machinery and process is right. Sail handling can be like that.

What have you done?


This sea chest provided just the right boost, without looking like an accommodation.

[rwidman]

I have a power boat so some of those issues don't exist for me or my wife. It took only one or two anchorings before I switched out the manual windlass to an electric one.


I installed a grab bar on the transom to make it easier to climb the swim ladder and get onto the swim platform.


My wife just had her second knee replacement.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by thinwater

[*]I've changed the helm seat for better back support. The side-to-side as a killer after a certain number of hours.

What did you do for this one?

So far I haven't done anything other to have "throw" cushions placed around the boat at various locations to increase the chance that I will remember to put one down on the deck before putting my knee down.