Lift to Pull Disabled From The Water - Finished

[Flanker]

The customization has always kept me from doing it also. I have considered the little 12v electric jib cranes and I have even seen a pool chair lift at a YMCA that used hydraulics drawing the water from a water hose( I might have to check that one out again) but in the end I did not want to install something on my boat that looked out of place.
We trailer our boat and have a launch ramp right next door, so I installed a gate on the deck attached to the house and I roll right onto the boat and my wife launches me. I them motor back to our dock and pick her up there. I have a piece of plywood on board that I can use as a makeshift ramp when we dock somewhere else.

[STEVEBRENDA]

Okay, I need some more input and advice on the strengths of different thicknes/size aluminums. I called the steel company and they were of no help.

So if I am wanting to build something similiar to a door frame, and hang my lift from this frame. What size/thickness aluminum should I get for the side jams, and what size/thickeness should I get for the header? I am assuming a 600 pound capacity as this is more than triple what I weigh.

Thanks in advance.

[STEVEBRENDA]

We got to try the lift and frame out this week end. It lifted my 115 pd daughter and with no problem and my buddy that designed the frame. He weighs 200 plus. The lift had no problem and the frame seemed very stable, as if it were part of the boat. It gently dropped them in the water and broght them back up to a standing position. I was a wooss and would not get in the 70 degree water.

The frame was design to have to pins that you pull and then it can come off.

I will try to upload some pictures tonight.

[STEVEBRENDA]

Pics of lift trial, everything worked great!

[bassn386]

I think you have something that might be patentable. At least do some investigation to file something to protect your ideas. You can Google this to find out what you have to do.
There have to be literally tens of thousands of people with disabilities who would love to be able to enjoy the water as you are doing, but don't have a good way to get into the water from a boat and then get back out again without being manhandled.
You probably didn't start off with the idea of commercializing this, but that's what happens with a lot of great ideas.
Talk with the pontoon dealers in your area, show them some photos if they're not on the lake.

[STEVEBRENDA]

Two problems with patenting the system. 1) as you can see, Griffin already has the patent on the heart of the system, their lift. 2) Every boat is set up so different that every install would almost be a custom job.

I do not know how much the lift would be new, but my understanding is that they are very expensive new (well over several thousand dollars). The only disabled people that could afford the lifts might be a few retired people or someone with a little money. Insurance definetly would not pay anything on a modification such as this.

I am going to look into it maybe to help other people, but I do not think I would pursue it as a profit venture

[rrhodes]

Awesome job!!!!

[skeptic]

The lift is something I would definitely be interested in as well. My daughter is disabled and confined to a wheelchair. It's not too difficult lifting her on the boat before we launch (she's 95 lbs) or tossing her overboard (just kiddin') but getting her back in the boat once she's done chillin' in the water is a tough task which usually takes at least two people. I believe she would get out of the boat more often if she felt it wasn't so tough getting back out of the water. She's 23 years old, drives her own van and is fairly independent. This would be great for her. Thanks.

[lakerunner696]

Excellent job. It really looks good also. As for me I will need within a few years something to help me in and out. My issue is I have a fused hip so need one that is a stand on instead of a sit on. Would need a higher frame that might fold or collapse for trailering.

[STEVEBRENDA]

My issue is I have a fused hip so need one that is a stand on instead of a sit on.

The seat just hangs on the lift, I have considered using something different as well. This was a freebie. Also keep in mind this was the intial trial. I am sure their will be some fine tuning and change of preferences.

Would need a higher frame that might fold or collapse for trailering.

I do not think you will need a higher frame, I am 6'2". The current frame is about 7 feet tall. The frame removes with two pins, it can't get much easier than that unless you are prone to losing pins.

skeptic, PM me some time.

[hinklecrew]

doing a great job. gotta love the versatility of a toon!

[spurhunter]

Great looking system!

All I could add at this time would be to look at possibly a pivoting top that would lean forward to "load" the person easier, and then pivot backwards to hang over the water so its easier to drop in and come back up without rubbing the boat. Of course this would add to the complexity of the design.

[STEVEBRENDA]

Finally got to personally use the lift this weekend. Works Great!!! Made one modification in that I used a swing set swing instead of an actual sling. This worked alot easier as it did not float around and went straight down in the water due to the weight of the chains and seat. The plastic coated chain also di not bring as much water into the boat.

[HandymanHerb]

Good work, glad you will be able to get in back in easy.

[lakerunner]

Any updates on your lift??? I am planning building one this winter.

Also can you give the sizes and thickness of your frame?