PONTOON

Question
I HAVE A MILLION QUESTIONS, BUT ONE AT A TIME.  I'M HANDICAPPED (A QUAD) AND TRYING TO REBUILD A 24FT ALUMINUM PONTOON BOAT.  IS THERE A JOYSTICK CONTROL FOR THE THROTTLE AND STEERING.  MY GOAL IS TO BE ABLE TO TAKE OTHEIRS LIKE ME (IN A WHEELCHAIR) OUT ON THE WATER COMFORTBLY.  AND DO YOU KNOW OF ANY ORG.,CLUB,ASSOC,OR PROGRAM THAT MAY HELP.

Answer
Hello Tom,
Depending on where you live you can try contacting groups such as, the Lyons, jaycees or even local VFW posts. You may also try contacting local Coast guard Auxilary members for info on handicapped sailing/boating services. I don't see any reason why a boat cannot be adapted similar to a car for throttle and steering. I have recently installed an electronic throttle and gear control on a small boat that could easily be adapted for your use. This electronic throttle and gear control when pushed or pulled would put the boat in foward or reverse as well as engine speed. One of the nice features of this control is that it takes little force/pressure to go from foward to reverse.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
[email protected]