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Back in the water for the year after hip replaced

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Tim M
1st Mate

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60 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/05/2012 : 19:17:59

This is meant as encouragement for those facing similar physical situations - generally age related (I am 63)- that can cause setbacks in and bring up questions about the end of one's boating life. After two hernia surgeries I got the boat in the water for only two months last year and then had total hip replacement just before Christmas. My physical therapist was not encouraging - to say the least - about my ability to again sail and hike the islands with all the movements of climbing in and out of the dinghy, docking, moving about on deck in a chop, etc. that cruising requires. The main problem being that a wrong movement can mean dislocation - without a pain warning - and then being immobile, may mean a helicopter ride to the hospital to have it surgically replaced. Having sailed the waters of the Pacific Northwest for 40 years I too had my fears based on too much knowledge of what all can go wrong. So I did all the physical therapy and miles of serious walking with a 'wait and see' attitude and now after our first voyage of the year to Cypress Island I am very encouraged and know that it is something I'll be able to do for years to come. I actually think I can climb in and out of the V-berth better than I ever could (I'm 6'2"). With constant awareness and being thoughtful of how you move about, the danger is very little greater than for anyone.
The picture is Harmonie at dock after our first voyage of the year this past weekend and shows off a couple of my off-season improvements: new Tohatsu 9.8 ultra long and new windows.

I still don't have the right prop on the motor (the 4 blade 8.75x7 would max out at 4520 rpm at WOT) and ordered the 8.75x5 because from the prop authorities at Mukilteo Prop Shop (and I agree from experience) it is the only prop to use pushing a 5000 lb. + boat at 6 knots with this engine.
The windows I attached to the cabin sides with UHB tape - which worked great. I used 3/16 smoked plexi because of superior adhesion, better UV protection of the adhesive and more scratch resistance than lexan. I used the equivalent of 3M vhb4991 in 3/4" width ordered from findtape.com and afterwards squirted in a little grey silicone in a couple places where the irregular opening wasn't totally covered by the tape.Next winter I'll make the frames for the inside.
Someone asked once what the best improvement anyone made to their boat was. I couldn't find the thread, but for me it has to be removeing the molding and the opening up of the v-berth access by over a foot by cutting out some plywood on both sides. It enables two large folks to actually use it. Also removed the little door-panel at the foot end - gives me 6" more space to stretch out.

I hope to do a lot of sailing this year - if it ever warms up here. I think I'll be able to do it for years to come - though we'll probably sit tight in wild weather. I encourage everyone to pursue your boating dreams with all available abilities for as long as possible - in spite of life's setbacks - because there will be a time when you won't.
Keep sailing until you can't.

Tim M
Harmonie
1980 Cat 25, SR/SK
Pacific NW

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/05/2012 : 19:25:26

Tim,
Great story, and glad you were able to overcome adversity and get back to doing things you enjoy.

Are you based out of Anacortes?

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Tim M
1st Mate

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60 Posts

Response Posted - 06/05/2012 : 19:30:37

B'hamster.

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waterbaby
Navigator

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USA
168 Posts

Response Posted - 06/05/2012 : 19:45:58

Tim,
Thanks for sharing your story and I'm really glad you have managed to find a way back to the thing you love. Good luck and fair winds!

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 06/05/2012 : 20:50:29

Thanks Tim! I've got a few years on you, no artificial joints, and no longer own a sailboat, but I still have spartan cabin with v-berth, a dinghy with outboard to wrestle with, and a VHGF with whom to enjoy all of the above... There is life after youth!

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.