Disabled users facilities on large yachts

[stevelast]

I am involved with a company that is developing a brand of very large motor yachts (superyachts). The basic design of these just happens to be far more suitable for disabled users than almost any other yachts on the market. (We have all main-deck accommodation, limo tender with access via hydraulic platform, flexible cabin layout etc.) As a result we have been approached by a potential customer who is a wheelchair user. This has made us realise that we would like to get more information about the needs of people who are, or have family members who are, wheelchair users etc. Is there anyone who is aware of a forum or website where frustrated would-be yachtsmen discuss these matters?
Steve

 

[grumpy_o_g]

Just noticed this post - maybe worth dropping a mail to Geoff Holt? http://www.geoffholt.com/

 

[Bassplayer]

Not just wheelchair users. If, like me, you have some mobility problems, some boats are a real pita to get on and off or move around on. Like lack of hand holds, very steep conpanionways etc. My experience is only motorboats tho' - I expect sailing yachts would be a bigger problem.

 

[stevelast]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions including the PMs - I will follow them up.

One idea we are also pursuing is that while a 33m. yacht such as ours (www.curvelle.com) is readily adaptable for limited mobility - we actually have the guest space of a 41m monohull, eliminating companionways as all cabins are on the main deck - it is also inaccessible FINANCIALLY on an individual basis to anyone other than the really super-rich. However, there are probably quite a lot of families who have a member with restricted mobility who COULD afford a yacht in the 17-21 m range, i.e. at £1m or so purchase price. But these are then almost impossible to adapt at any sensible price. So there is a catch-22: if it's suitable for a disabled family member, the family is unlikely to be able to afford it.

So we have also developed a private syndicate shared ownership plan that would make it feasible for a number of such families to acquire a specially adapted super-yacht. This would give each family 5 weeks annual cruising for parties of up to 12 people, with a dedicated crew of 6, at about the same capital cost as a "conventional" 18m yacht. It could also be made available in the charter market. However we need to track down a number of people who can give us some feedback on the range of issues we'd need to address, from (for example) positioning of simple handholds to minimum workable dimensions for an elevator (we have 3 guest decks). That will enable us to not only figure out exact costs but give us a feel for potential demand and special requirements for crew members (e.g. nursing experience) and so forth.

Steve

 

[Bassplayer]

If you are registered disabled and, have a charitable trust set up you can reclaim the vat on a boat if either new or is vat chargeable. Might help a bit. But this is usually for the more seriously disabled persons whose particular condition would allow a charitable trust to be set up to provide for them.

 

[stevelast]

Yes we are aware of the VAT issue. In the co-ownership scheme the owners will be shareholders in an Isle of Man company owning the yacht, which will be London registered as a commercial vessel (DNV and MCA class) so VAT is not expected to be payable anyway. The shareholders will have a priority booking system and a discount on the commercial charter rate.

 

[wasnotwas]

Were do u reckon people are going get a million !!!

 

[stevelast]

Were do u reckon people are going get a million !!!

Not me personally either I regret to say but the same ones as look at 18m motoryachts.