Survey: what modifications are needed for the aging sailor

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by toddster8

I know I'm only a kid at 55, but has anyone considered over-sizing their winches instead of adding power? Or going to two-speed winches if you have single-sped? My boat came to me with large winches and I almost never even reach for the winch handle. I think the only time I've used the low-speed option was kedging off a sandbar!

I fear that your experience does not transfer to larger boats very well. Winch handles, either manual or drill motor type, are pretty much required all the time on our boat (600 sq ft main and genoa), and low gear is required to get the last bits in... every time!

And bigger winches do help in terms of peak loads,but for many of us oldies, it ain't lack of strength that bothers us, but repetitive motion causing joint pain... like winding winches while sheeting in a big sail. That's where the Milwaukee shines IME.

And for the chap who suggested going to the marina gym for workouts... ummm, ya see, lots of us don't live in marinas at all, let alone ones with gyms attached (actually never seen one of those, myself). I actually think I'd use one if it was there, but not likely in our cruising itinerary!

I think for us, the biggest modifications have been in expectations rather than in equipment. Reefing sooner, being more choosy about wx when coastal, avoiding single overnight coastal trips when possible, not using the kite as often, in general not driving the boat as hard... these things really help, even if they go against years of experience and practice (Ann just HATES to be passed!)

But, even though we've dialed back a bit, we still manage to keep on cruising and enjoying the life. How much longer? Who knows?

Jim

[toddster8]

D'Oh! Yeah, I guess by the time you scaled the winch size up that big the motor would be a pretty attractive alternative.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by sailor1924

Yes on grab bars. I forgot to list that I installed railings at 3' high inboard at the cabin roof matching the outboard rail so that I can have a hand hold from the cockpit to the mainmast for either hand. I've attached a photo not the greatest but if you open it and zoom it you can see the inner rail just below the solar panels and the rail at the mast pulpit.
The back is mostly lumbar and the rails can provide some relief and supplement my balance.

As a suggest. If you need some SS grab rails, check Lowes or Home Depot they carry them for things like invalid bath rooms. Cheaper than anything labeled marine.

[Perfusser]

Hi,
I race with a 75yo gentleman, who was hospitalised as a child with polio, with subsequent significant mobility issues. Jim needs an ankle and knee replacement, but his leg strength is inadequate for surgery to be a success. he also has cardiac issues. He now requires a motorised scooter to get to his yacht on the marina, and a significant amount of manual handling to get on and off.
So what modifications has he made?
He memorised where everything is on his boat- and He has trained his crew to return things to their point of origin- He hasn't been below for years now.
He is very particular about his crew- he wont go out if he has only inexperienced sailors, even though we are on a lake. He is concerned if something happens to him, the crew are in jeopardy.
He also ensures he has enough grunt on board (ie me) to get him off and on the boat, over the pushpit. we ensure we get the boat as close as possible, and probably the best bit of racing-I get to give him an atomic wedgie at the end of the race ( I grab hold of his belt and ensure he doesn't fall in- if he steers poorly, he gets a wedgie).
The outcome- we won the spring and summer pointscore this year, and Jim has committed to another season of racing by ordering a new spinnaker and No 1.

[sailor1924]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

I fear that your experience does not transfer to larger boats very well. Winch handles, either manual or drill motor type, are pretty much required all the time on our boat (600 sq ft main and genoa), and low gear is required to get the last bits in... every time!

And bigger winches do help in terms of peak loads,but for many of us oldies, it ain't lack of strength that bothers us, but repetitive motion causing joint pain... like winding winches while sheeting in a big sail. That's where the Milwaukee shines IME.

And for the chap who suggested going to the marina gym for workouts... ummm, ya see, lots of us don't live in marinas at all, let alone ones with gyms attached (actually never seen one of those, myself). I actually think I'd use one if it was there, but not likely in our cruising itinerary!

I think for us, the biggest modifications have been in expectations rather than in equipment. Reefing sooner, being more choosy about wx when coastal, avoiding single overnight coastal trips when possible, not using the kite as often, in general not driving the boat as hard... these things really help, even if they go against years of experience and practice (Ann just HATES to be passed!)

But, even though we've dialed back a bit, we still manage to keep on cruising and enjoying the life. How much longer? Who knows?

Jim

[DeepFrz]

I have to admit that I haven't read the entire thread but has anyone mentioned exercise?

[barnakiel]

I think more handholds throughout and better backrest in the cockpit are essentials.

And also the other thing, what was its name? The one designed by that German engineer, Alzheimer.

Seriously: in many boats the cockpit - cabin bridge can be cut open for easy access. Many (older) people get minor and bigger injuries getting in and out from the cabin.

;-)
b.

[Dave22q]

I share your concerns. Dinghy- rope boarding ladder off the stern, weighted to hang down. On board, just extra careful. Generally my approach is never rush!

[Mommasails]

So good to know I'm not the only ancient
person trying to sail. My question is how in the world do
these hoists get one up the mast with some measure of security?
Can you weigh more than 100 lbs? We are newbies, and I have a fear
of heights, so need the belt and suspenders means of climbing the mast.
Lastly, do I really need to be able to climb the mast?

[sailor1924]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

I think more handholds throughout and better backrest in the cockpit are essentials.

And also the other thing, what was its name? The one designed by that German engineer, Alzheimer.

Seriously: in many boats the cockpit - cabin bridge can be cut open for easy access. Many (older) people get minor and bigger injuries getting in and out from the cabin.

;-)
b.

Good point about the companionway. On my boat a step was added so the step over height was reduced to 8" and maintained the bridge deck, I've found that the step is very helpful in preventing knee strain moving in and out of the cockpit you can just see the corner of the step in the picture facing forward. I've also got those back jack rests that are easier on the back. I think they're called alzbackersk ???

[Dave22q]

Originally Posted by Mommasails

So good to know I'm not the only ancient
person trying to sail. My question is how in the world do
these hoists get one up the mast with some measure of security?
Can you weigh more than 100 lbs? We are newbies, and I have a fear
of heights, so need the belt and suspenders means of climbing the mast.
Lastly, do I really need to be able to climb the mast?

If you cannot afford to hire a hand to climb the mast, I respectfully suggest you find another hobby. Part of sailing as you age is knowing when to overpay a kid to do what used to be easy !

[sailor1924]

Originally Posted by Dave22q

If you cannot afford to hire a hand to climb the mast, I respectfully suggest you find another hobby. Part of sailing as you age is knowing when to overpay a kid to do what used to be easy !

I think you're right about paying a kid to climb for you. As inferred earlier, it's not been so easy to find a kid to send up the mast, at least where I am. Everyone I know these days is around my age so no kids. I've tried to find a teenager to go aloft for two years without success. It's the reason I came up with the electric hoisting system described in post #18. I'd much rather pay a kid if I could find one.
However there is nothing that can replace the ability to do your own inspection of the rig, so, though forced by necessity, I'm glad I found a way to get aloft without aid.

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by Dave22q

If you cannot afford to hire a hand to climb the mast, I respectfully suggest you find another hobby. Part of sailing as you age is knowing when to overpay a kid to do what used to be easy !

As mentioned above, it can be hard to find a kid to do it, and we don't know whether or not Mommasails would rather do it herself, anyway.

Mommasails, I'd suggest you talk to the rigger at a local marina, and get him to explain his mast climbing equipment to you, and chat about the security issue. They generally use multi-part tackles and wear climbing harnesses. Depending on your physical condition and motivation, if you're not strong enough now, give it 6 weeks at a gym, working with a trainer to increase your upper body strength. Also, you could go to more parts to the tackle. In general, for small women, better leverage is the key to doing jobs that assume average male strength.

Now, you have not elected to tell us anything about the boat involved, nor your age, so it's really hard to make a guess as to whether or not you'd fit in the "hire it out" or "help you to do it yourself" category of boat owner. There are both. If you go back and fill out more of your user profile, those of us who care enough to check there will tailor our answers to your locale, and boat. Let's say for instance you are located in the NE US, that's close enough to preserve your anonymity, but tells us about many of your conditions, weather and boating-wise. Boat type and size, or looking or whatever fits.

Ann

[LeeV]

Originally Posted by DeepFrz

I have to admit that I haven't read the entire thread but has anyone mentioned exercise?

You should read the entire thread first, but in case you don't, I (for one) have worked out my entire life and am reasonably lean and fit, don't smoke, and we only drink socially. I'd just started building a 40' catamaran when I had 3 stents put in my heart (thanks grandpa/mom) and we discovered I have aggressive and advanced osteoarthritis. End of project.

Exercise is fine; we still work out, walk and ride bikes, but as far as my hands go, they'll last another 10 years if I baby them.

I hope you're lucky enough to avoid these kinds of aging issues with exercise; I wasn't.

[icemate]

I'm 73 and on my boat I installed an aux windless control I could use while at the helm and with a sonar installed in the bow, could see anchor when deployed. That and a hoist to bring dingy motor aboard and store without assistance.