Sailboat at dock
Individually adapted sailboat. The boat is relatively small, with room for only three people. The user can control the boat completely independently. The boat has a small diesel motor with very low fuel consumption (2-cylinder Mitsubishi). A diesel heater heats up the cabin and the cockpit (when covered). The cockpit can be covered with a spray dodger. The anchor and sails operate with an electric winch. The boat can be sailed on autopilot. Power is supplied by solar cells sitting on large hatches, see photo below. The hatches are large enough to fit a wheelchair wheel through them. The large hatches also mean that the cabin is light. A link system attaches the sheets to the roof of the cabin up to the mast and back to the cockpit on the starboard (right) side. This sheet can be handled either with a manual or electric winch. The cabin is equipped with a galley including refrigerator, as well as a combined shower and toilet. Stove, oven and water heater run on liquefied petroleum gas. There is a 100 liter fresh water tank and the option to choose between salt and fresh water, see faucet in photo below.
Users comments
The user can spend several days on the boat without going ashore. His body becomes stiff after a week on the boat without using the wheelchair
Made by
Renovation by Peter Riddebäck, 1995
Paid for by
The user
Solar cells on sailboat
LPB cylinders stored in cockpit
Faucet to choose between fresh and salt water
Related tips
Transfer from sailboat to wheelchair with stationary hydraulic lift. 2005
Custom easy-to-use dodger keeps user warm and dry on boat; extremely suitable for persons with physical disabilities. 2005
Technique for wheelchair users to transfer in adapted sailboat. 2005
Solution for persons with incontinence problems. 2005
Adapted kitchen on sailboat in which a person with quadriplegia can cook. 2005
Practical space-saving solution for shower and toilet on adapted sailboat. 2005
The boom of the sailboat and an electric winch can be used as a lift for persons with physical disabilities. 2005
Rain cape appropriate for wheelchair users. 2005
Transfer from wheelchair to sailboat with help from one person. 2005
Cockpit in adapted sailboat with slide-out table top. 2005
