Companionway steps as you get older

[MJH]

Originally Posted by whiskybuoy

Looking for advice on monohull models 40-45 ft where the steps of the companionway are easily managed by someone with medium knee/mobility issues as I get older. Many pictures (and boats I've been on) show extremely steep companionway steps with large rise, shallow treads and hand holds only on 1 side that are often quite a reach! This could be an issue for us, as we intend to be liveaboard for 6-8 months a year. Any advice? Thanks.

There is more than one way to approach this issue. First, see a good physical therapist to get your knees into the best possible shape and recommendations on daily exercises to maintain them; you'll feel better both on and off the boat, I do. Second, go down the ladder facing aft. Third, not all sailboat make and model years have the same number of steps. Steps on the original version of the Tayana Vancover 42 only went to the galley level plus there is a one step down from that into the salon level. Later models put it all on one level with more and steeper steps. Lastly, when working around the boat use a set of knee pads to prevent further damage.

~ ~ _/) ~ ~ MJH

[Haddock1]

Originally Posted by nortonscove

Love the Beneteau Sense for this. Also like the separation of noisy from sleeping.

As an owner of a Sense 46 and all so fairly advanced in years (60) I would most defiantly recommend this boat. Not sure what cruising ground you will be applying your hobby but I am based in the med and the large open cockpit for quiet anchorages is fantastic. Also excellent access to the sea from the bathing platform with lifting seats which also makes getting on and off tenders doddle. Three very gradual steps (30 degrees) to main saloon with plenty of grab rails and a hull with chines that are designed to lean the boat no more than 20 degrees, even in a blow, makes this a very manageable boat. Add in electric everything and the perfect craft if you want to continue sailing a mono-hull until the grim reaper has other plans.

[Dr. D]

Originally Posted by Aircool

Pretty much all recent beneteau will give you regular stair companion way.

We are on a 35.1 oceanis, and if you can’t use our companion way with out problem the solution is a trawler

Aircool beat me to it! The "stairs" were one of the factors which made my wife happy to purchase the 35.1 as she has developing mobility problems.

[gonesail]

I saw a recent Tartan where the bridgedeck was only an inch or so above the cockpit floor. Also the Caliber 40 was done this way. Easy in and out for older folks

[desodave]

A lot of us have weighed in re different boats with different companionways. The Admiral had a double knee replacement 2 boating seasons ago. The companionway on our H38 has nice wide steps ( a boon for me and my size 15 feet) and a reasonable slope on it with a good handhold on one side. She had no trouble with it when she first got back on the boat. Her problem was getting on and off the boat (high freeboard), and especially into the dinghy from the sugar scoop rear steps.

[FlightPlan]

When I bought my boat, I found plans in the hold of the boats design. It was custom built by Hood as were the other LH58s. Anyway, on the drawings for the companionway steps was a hand written note that said to extend the run of the steps, because the customer has Basset Hounds. It's very comfortable and the hand holds are along the sides as rounded cut outs. The rise is pretty much standard.

[conchaway]

Go to the gym, and work out.

[Sidney777]

Ideas. 12 volt winch with remote ($90.) and a strap like a bosens chair.
A electric lift like used in a van to lift wheelchairs. Some are like Davits with just a pole that lifts dinghys.
Or like tv commercial where people sit and go up stairs. Just ideas. I bet you can come up with some 12volt electrical assist.
Lots of brainy people to help you design.
( and right here on Cruisers forum)

[Sidney777]

https://www.bruno.com/scooter-lifts/mini-vans
Bruno curbsider (brand name). I have seen lifts/cranes like this used for sale.

[Sidney777]

Wireless remote 12 volt winch $70
https://www.harborfreight.com/2500-l...oaAkUcEALw_wcB

[thinwater]

Replace the steps. It's not that hard.

I've done this several times, to help aging parents and a wife with a bad knee. Most recently I added step to my F-24, for me.

Change the steps!

[MLC]

I am 71. My wife is younger but has more arthritis than I do. I am sympathetic to your concern.

As others have stated, I find the newer models of the Beneteau Oceanis series have easier companionways than most other sailboats. The Beneteau Sense series, which was discontinued last year, has particularly easy companionways.

[Terry Usher]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

99% percent of people who are liveabords six months of the year it seems almost always do so in a Marina, the boat is their affordable Florida home, they don’t cruise.
If a realistic look finds you in that majority, then a power boat is most often a much better Marina Florida Winter home.
Sailboats only really make sense if they are covering long or relatively long distances.

Agree. A cat is better than a mono for me. Had a few of each and sails are for the younger sailors!