BWCA Hand rails for public docks Boundary Waters Listening Point - General Discussion
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yogi59weedr
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11/15/2020 07:34AM  
I'm going to try and get these installed on public docks. Your thoughts?
These rails are like the rails you would find on a pool. My local infisherman club on the Mississippi river here in Moline Illinois, helped to get these installed, providing money and labor...

I have had 3 ankle and 4 hip replacements (same hip) surgeries. Not much for pushing off with my right leg. This makes it tough for me to get in and out of the boat from the docks..

I have good upper body strength. These rails allow me to help pull myself up out of the boat.

I plan on talking to the club to get cost estimates and designs. I plan on getting a proposal together and handing it over to an Ely CPO and let him run with it. I hope this would benefit all who are in my position.

I tried to get out of my boat last August on Moose Lake and, short story, took a swim when I spun around the pole I was using to pull myself up out of the boat. No injuries, but really embarrassing for a guy to have people see it, then help me out of the water. Did in my phone for the rest of my trip, also.

Just looking for your thoughts and ideas. Maybe some contact info on who to approach about it.
 
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1lookout
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11/15/2020 05:09PM  
Great thoughts, good intentions . First step is MN DNR 1-800-646-6367.

After years of engineering studies and such you may get an answer?
What is an Ely cpo?

Good luck
 
yogi59weedr
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11/15/2020 05:25PM  
Conservation police officer...I thought with the right information and plan they could get farther with a plan and get a feather in the cap, so to speak
 
OtherBob
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11/15/2020 05:48PM  
I have thought about installing a folding handrail on my canoe to help my 77 year old bod in and out of the boat - like what you can put on your bathtub. Chosen Valley once had a line of handicap assist devices, but all they show now are their portage pads.

Maybe all I need is a loop of rope on the thwart to pull myself up.

The ultimate would be a powered seat lift like those recliners advertised on late night TV.

It doesn't seem that long ago that I could vault in and out at portages (but it was).
 
Grandma L
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11/15/2020 06:08PM  
I have been using a rope loop on the thwart right in front of me, I usually paddle stern so it works. My bowman is a great “kid” who holds the boat and makes sure I get to land safely, gets me in my small pack and sends me on my way!
 
11/15/2020 06:57PM  
yogi59weedr: "Conservation police officer...I thought with the right information and plan they could get farther with a plan and get a feather in the cap, so to speak"


MN DNR Trails and Waterways handles docks on State accesses.
 
yogi59weedr
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11/15/2020 07:17PM  
Thank you . I have a start to a plan
 
andym
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11/15/2020 08:57PM  
Are you suggesting a rail that is perpendicular to the side of the dock and boat. That seems reasonable. A railing parallel the the side of the dock could get in the way of some docking maneuvers.

There are programs to involve people with disabilities in sailing and systems set up to get people in and out of boats. Many of the sailors are in wheelchairs. A simple system is a wood box on the dock with a wood ramp that goes down into the boat. The. The sailor can move to the box and slide themselves down the ramp. See the section on transfers that starts on page 38 of this manual. That may be overkill for you but provides another option that can be moved around a dock from spot to spot and could help more people. It is also something you might be able to carry with your boat.

I’d start by having some pictures of what you want so the idea is clear. I know that the town has turned out in force to help some locals with disabilities enjoy the outdoors.

Good luck.
 
yogi59weedr
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11/15/2020 09:26PM  
I will get pictures. Hopefully they are still in the water. If not, they are stored a short distance away. I still have to talk to the guys at the club. The poles they use to anchor are rather large diameter and hard to grip. Even with large hands like myself. More like a tennis ball not a softball.ive got some great info. Stay tuned for pics and more info.
 
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