Hunter 216 for Disabled Sailing???

[SailAnyWay]

We are a non-profit sailing program for people with physical disabilities. We currently sail a Cape Dory Typhoon that works very well but looking to add a 2nd boat. We have researched the Sonar, Freedom 20, Independence 20 and the Ensigns but some of those are simply not available used in the midwest. We prefer not to purchase from Florida, etc..
We are considering the Hunter 216. Many used available in our area within our budget of under $10,000 with trailer...
The question is this: Our sailors are paralyzed from waist down or worse. We remove them from their wheelchairs at the dock and place them in a custom designed seat in the cockpit. The issue is that they can not transfer to the highside on a tack. One person, 225 pounds +, will always remain on the low side. The able-bodied crew will be able to go high. As long as we don't push it too hard will the boat remain stable and dry with a 225# person still low? Again, we don't push the envelope so we always ease or reduce sails as the conditions warrant.
It is just the 216 we are looking at. Can't afford the newer 22.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Mike,

Chuckwayne and I are the experts with that boat. I have worked with Shake a leg too designing several boats for the handicapped. Send me your name, phone number and location via forum email. I will get back with you next week as I am leaving to go out of state for surgery which is oh fun.

 

[SailAnyWay]

Crazy Dave,
Thanks for the reply. I will send you our direct contact info. In the meantime, we may have a 216 being donated to us. In your opinion would the 216 work for us with some of the adaptations as done at Shake a Leg? We sail the Bay of Green Bay so not the ocean or great lakes but we can get 2' waves at times.

 

[chuckwayne]

I'll defer to Dave on the modifications but the 216 is pretty stable unless you push her. The 500lb lead keel and beamy hull makes her very forgiving and stable in a chop. You can also put a reef in the main to reduce heeling.

 

[SailAnyWay]

Thanks ChuckWayne for the reply. We will keep on the "hunt" for a Hunter 216...

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Chuckwayne,

Spoke with this gentleman and discussed the boat with him. If he pursues, I suggested he keep our contact information. I respect him working with the disabled as I have in some cases too.

 

[chuckwayne]

Thanks, Dave, me as well
Chuck

 

[SailAnyWay]

Ok guys. We did it! We purchased a 216 (2003), It has been launched and we are now ready to go into the "adaptive" phase. We need to design and build at least two "adaptive" seats. We had done this on our Cape Dory Typhoon and now know what works from a user perspective. We also found that the seat must be easily removable so that when the skipper or crew don't need the seat (ie blind person, person with use of lower body, or able-bod deliveries...) we can pull the seat out. The thing we need to do with the 216 version is make sure that the method of fastening the seat involves as few holes as possible to avoid any possibility of causing pressure cracks and so the modifications do not reduce resale value if she ever needs to be sold for conventional use.
We have created an adaptive seating design for accessible sailing in the Hunter 216. (see video link below) Again, the seat design itself is what we know works for the size, shape and needs of our disabled sailors. Where we need input from users of this forum is in the mounting methods. If you view the video at the link below you will see we are thinking of mounting at least one aluminum plate behind the seat, possibly a second plate if needed. The plate(s) would be permanently mounted using an adhesive. The plate would be 1/4" to 3/8" thick aluminum but would have double that thickness where the threaded holes will be too allow at least 1/2" of thread. The only visible signs of adaptation will be the two or four holes through the seat back (and possibly the vertical section just below the seat). If the seat is not needed it will be stored below or left at the dock. If the boat is later sold there would only be the two (or 4) holes to deal with, the backer plates would remain. We will need to build one for each side. (one port/one starboard).

So the question we have for those of you that are familiar with the 216 and with structural modifications to same is: Does the method of fastening shown in the video seem to be structurally sound and would the likelihood of causing cracking be minimal?

Link to video of design concept for adaptive seating in Hunter 216 >>>>>

https://vimeo.com/131761905

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I looked at the video which was very helpful. There are some suggestions.

1. Any holes you drill thru for bolts, make sure they will be large enough for the bolts to go thru or that can be a source of cracking should you try to put a bolt thru a smaller hole. Also caulk with silcon and the West Marine brand use to be made by siliflex which is what I used exclusively as it does not shrink, UVB protected, tenancious to holding, will not mildew and so forth. Make sure first.

2. If using a rubber gasket between the aluminum frame and ACP plastic, make it light color so it will not absorb heat.

3. I like the fact on the inside you will go across with the 1 X 3 to spread the load but I would add an extra one above for support spread across as when the folks get out of the seat, it will help from a tremendous pulling on the bottom.

4. Great thinking on bottom lip extending out to allow water to escape from the cockpit seat. Also good that you will grind the edges so they will not be pointy. However, fine sand those so there are no fine sharp pieces protruding.

Call me anytime as you have my phone number and when finished and sailing, please send me a photo of those folks enjoying the boat.

 

[SailAnyWay]

Thanks Crazy Dave. All excellent points. We will go with the second backer (higher up). Since I am 6'3" and it is going to take me an hour just to squeeze myself out of there I will go ahead and put the third backer in just below the seat (near the calves) so it is there if we need it. We have a West Marine close by so will pick up the recommended caulk. We will be sure and post photos and/or video links as we go.