How to keep sailing a little bit longer

I could use one of those today, cleaning the remnants of foam and glue from the heads in Jazzcat. My arms are still sore from yesterday's efforts.

Just one issue - how much? I'll bet it ain't cheap.
What is the average cost of an exoskeleton?

between $70,000 and $85,500

Key takeaways: Exoskeletons improve function, mobility, and productivity; they also prevent occupational injuries associated with repetitive and strenuous movements. A full-body exoskeleton is accessible to the general public for a price between $70,000 and $85,500.

Exoskeletons: Costs and Where to Buy One - Healthnews
 
That's about what I figured for a "development" model. I know Festool are pricy, though a lot of craftsmen reckon they're worth it, but the blurb says
For dry mortarless construction, painting, wallpapering or installation tasks – on walls or ceilings – the ExoActive exoskeleton gives users an added boost when their arms get tired and takes the load off their neck.
That sounds like it's aimed at fairly ordinary working folk, and I can't see them forking out more than about 1/10 of that.
 
That's about what I figured for a "development" model. I know Festool are pricy, though a lot of craftsmen reckon they're worth it, but the blurb says
For dry mortarless construction, painting, wallpapering or installation tasks – on walls or ceilings – the ExoActive exoskeleton gives users an added boost when their arms get tired and takes the load off their neck.
That sounds like it's aimed at fairly ordinary working folk, and I can't see them forking out more than about 1/10 of that.
Large company HR departments are often interested in developments that help prevent claims of industrial injuries, so it is most likely aimed at big trade users doing the job 40hrs a week rather than the diy market who don’t do the work often or your average sole trader Plasterer who doesn’t get litigious against themself
 
The Festool one, not the medical full body device, is said to be in the region of sub £3000. They might well sell some at that price.

We’ve been thinking about this very problem, the sheer amount of physical labour, including folding and unfolding on our boat. We are trialling a Makita 18 volt right angle drill with a winch drive bit. The drill is quite a butch one, top 18 volt model with 72Nm of torque. It certainly folds and unfolds us with no effort. I already have a load of batteries and several chargers, but the drill, with 1 x 5ah battery was £200 lightly used, about £380 if we’d bought it new. It has more power and a bigger battery than the cheaper dedicated electric winch handle, and even new would be cheaper.

The exoskeleton, we’ll give that a few years.
 
Last edited:
Top