Our Fleet

Some CRAB guests with physical disabilities require assistance to transfer from a wheelchair, walker or cane into and out of a boat. There are a variety of ways to do so, including use of a Hoyer lift, transfer box slide, and personal assistance. In all cases, the boat is securely tied to the dock for safety and ease of transfer.

Guests with paraplegia or amputated limbs are routinely able to sail the First 22A's once they’ve been assisted aboard. CRAB’s trained Skippers and Crew assist guests on and off of the boat.  CRAB operates from floating docks so the height of the boat’s hull does not vary and the boat is securely tied to the dock. The transfer box is a metal box with a hinged extension that unfolds and can be positioned like a slide into the boat. There is a stainless steel handrail on the side. A guest in a wheelchair can stop next to the transfer box and, with assistance, shift to the transfer box then gently slide into the boat next to the cockpit seat.   After transferring to the seat, guests are made secure by a four-point shoulder harness and belt.  The process is reversed for disembarking.

In addition to the transfer box, CRAB has a Hoyer hydraulic lift that is used to lift a guest from their wheelchair in a hammock-like sling.  The sling is raised by a hydraulic pump and then the arm of the lift is swung over the boat's cockpit seats and lowered to allow a person to safely and comfortably board the boat.  CRAB will work to facilitate a guests boarding abilities, but ultimately it is CRAB’s responsibility to determine how a guest shall be boarded.  We appreciate your patience and understanding.

All CRAB guests are provided assistance to board our fleet because boats shift and move when a guest steps aboard.  Don’t feel embarrassed if a CRAB volunteer reaches for your wrist and elbow to assist with boarding.  Safety is our number one priority at CRAB.