The One-Legged Pirate (Arrrrrgh)

[SereneWarrior]

OK, time for my first truly stupid question in years (OK, weeks...errrrr, days...Oh all right, today!): What's the easiest way to board a 53MY one-legged? I had ankle reconstruction surgery a couple weeks ago and am still in a cast unable to bear ANY weight on one leg. For reasons I won't go into here, I must shift berths from my current marina to another across the creek in preparation for having the boat hauled out for the winter. Once aboard, I can sit in the chair and drive while my unbelievably competent admiral/first mate handles lines, etc.
The obvious reply would be to wait until fully healed (i.e. next year). However, I need to move the boat on the First of December. To miss the date and wait till just this Friday will mean another $400 or so going from my pocket into the ever-sucking pocket of my current marina. If at all possible, I'm not going to let that happen. My current marina is uninterested in assisting with the move as it means lost income for them. The place across the creek is unable to assist till later as they are fully booked with haulouts, etc. right now. My boating buddies cannot do it till Friday at the earliest and that's too late.
So, I just need to get onboard and I'm home free....literally! Current plan is to wait for low tide and try to "scoot" onboard butt first thru the midships liferail gate while my incredibly patient wife keeps me from slipping into the drink (Yes, I trust her that much...and that's with a good life insurance policy!). Boarding will be from a fixed dock (not floating). Will rig a safety line and hope for the best unless somebody here has an obviously superior suggestion.
Ya' know, this stuff NEVER gets boring! If anybody wants to witness this Three Stooges-like affair (or even assist) just be in Deale, MD tomorrow morning! Jeff

 

[Freeebird]

Does your boat have a davit?

Seriously, it would bring whole new meaning to having your ass in a sling, but it might be an answer to getting you up on the bridge assuming you have someone onboard who can operate it.

 

[Boatsb]

I would look for some good friends to help you.

 

[J's Dream]

Is there any wave action where you're currently docked? If the gunwale and dock are at the same height, place 2 2x4's from dock to deck, and place a piece of plywood on top of them (may want to put a screw or two from the 2x4's to the plywood). Now you have a plank to walk across, even with crutches.

 

[SereneWarrior]

Already considered the "a$$-in-a-sling" solution and rejected it as just too entertaining for my neighbors...would never live that down! Also, dock to gun'le height difference is simply too great to overcome w/ a ramp. Now, it also looks like the weather tomorrow will be dodgy with 3+ inches of rain and 20+ kts of wind. I know it's just a simple berth shift... but given the condition of my ankle, the poor weather forecast, lack of help, etc. I'm just going to wait till Friday when I'll have the assistance of some experienced boating friends. Weather on the 3rd is forecast to be clear, calm and bright. I'll eat the transient berthing fees at my soon-to-be ex-marina and be thankful for not damaging either myself or SERENITY. Sometimes I don't like risk management, but I can rarely justify arguing with it.

 

[Freeebird]

I can't believe your neighbors would laugh at the davit thing. I know I wouldn't as I'd be too busy shooting video so I could laugh later in private... over and over.

 

[SereneWarrior]

Enough alcohol and we could all laugh DURING the operation! The video would likely go viral on youTube. Fame, fortune, and perhaps a new reality show called "Boaters of the Chesapeake" would be mine! Of course, I'd be known in these parts forever as the next "Jackass"....

 

[bobk]

Have you considered hiring a captain for a few hours? In my view it would be preferable to risking damage to the newly repaired joints.

Bob

 

[Robby]

Have you considered hiring a captain for a few hours? In my view it would be preferable to risking damage to the newly repaired joints.

Bob

Fly Randy up there .Might even find a place to park for free Bird!!!!Robby

 

[SereneWarrior]

Yes, the good friend who will move the boat for me Friday is a Navy Admiral I've known for life. We were ship captains and then commodores together and we still cruise together with him in his 1970 Grand Banks 46 Alaskan and me in the 1970 Hatteras 53MY. We even hosted a 40th birthday party for the "girls" this past summer! He's a lifelong friend, but not available to shift the boat tomorrow. Regardless, it's all good. Thanks for the suggestions and the entertainment!

 

[Trojan]

Run a knotted line from the fly bridge to wherever your boarding ladder is and pull yourself up one step at a time using your good leg and your arms. It should not be hard your only going one step at a time.
Or use a block and tackle with a sling from the fly bridge.
Do it early morning or at night then no one will see ya.

BILL