"In their myriad forms, boats, boating and waterborne pursuits have an enormous attraction and play a key role in the lives of many.  However, opportunities for disabled people to participate are few and far between.  The Wheelyboat Trust aims to redress this balance and give disabled people the chance to pursue their favourite activities afloat.  They provide a wonderful service and long may they continue."

IMPACT REPORT We have produced an impact report (download here) that describes what we do, how we do it and the benefits of our work.

SUPPLYING WHEELYBOATS
Our principal role is to help groups and organisations acquire Wheelyboats that they operate on behalf of their members, beneficiaries, visitors, etc:

  • Sailability groups

  • Outdoor activity and education centres

  • RYA training centres

  • Watersports providers

  • Special Educational Needs schools

  • Sailing clubs

  • Country parks

  • Hire-boat operators

  • Sea Cadets

  • Sea Scouts

  • Canal trusts

  • Angling clubs and fisheries

  • Organisations set up specifically to operate their own Wheelyboat

For more information about operating your own Wheelyboat and how we can help you acquire one, download our guidance notes.

FUNDRAISING SUPPORT
The most important and time consuming aspect of our work is the fundraising we undertake to support individual Wheelyboat projects.  Wheelyboats are unique craft that we design ourselves and have built to order.  Raising funds to discount their cost has been our policy from the outset and helps ensure that Wheelyboat supply and availability is maximised across the UK. With our help, the cost of a project should therefore never be a barrier to it going ahead.

To find out about the current batch of Wheelyboat projects we are fundraising to support, click here.

BUILDING WHEELYBOATS
Wheelyboats are hand built and fitted out by our boatbuilding partner, Jim Coulam, at his factory in Lincolnshire.  Wheelyboats are supplied on-the-water ready with a comprehensive range of optional extras including trailer, seating, water ski/towing post, A-frame and navigation lights, GPS, chartplotter and fishfinder, storage and bimini covers.  We recommend Suzuki outboards for their performance, reliability, fuel economy and value for money.  Their programmable tilt limiter means we have increased cockpit space by designing a smaller engine well.

DESIGNING WHEELYBOATS
The role Wheelyboats play in enabling disabled people to participate fully in waterborne activities continues to expand.  Our longevity and the positive health and welfare benefits our work brings about is a direct result of our programme of new Wheelyboat design and innovation.  Over the years there have been eight distinct Wheelyboat models that have expanded the horizons of their disabled users from fishing on small lakes, the Trust’s original purpose, to powerboating on inshore waters and all manner of activities in between.  The latest model in development is the V24.

PUBLICITY
It is important to create a splash and publicise a new Wheelyboat's launch. Our PR managers, Adela Cragg PR, work with us and the new Wheelyboat’s operator to plan the launch and promote and publicise the new facility. 

We publish a list of all Wheelyboats in operation, their location and the activities they are used for so that disabled people can find out where to use them.  To download the latest list, go to our locations list page.

INSURANCE
We have teamed up with insurance company, IRCM, who have created bespoke cover for Wheelyboat operators.  The policy includes comprehensive cover for hull, machinery, equipment and other fittings, third party liability, passenger liability and employer’s liability (for volunteers skippers and crew).  To find out more contact Mark Elcocks at markelcocks@ircmsc.co.uk or on 01902 796793. www.marineinsurance-ircm.co.uk

'AFTER SALES' SUPPORT
Wheelyboats are low maintenance but when necessary we can arrange for them to be serviced, repaired and, after several years of use, fully refurbished.  We supply replacement fittings, e.g. new bow door seals, and other spares and parts including outboard motors. 

When the time is right, we will help operators upgrade their Wheelyboat to a newer model.  We will recover the old Wheelyboat, repair and refurbish it and find it a new home where it can continue providing a service to disabled people.

WHEELYBOAT SURVEYS
We believe it is important to keep in touch with Wheelyboat operators to find out how their Wheelyboat is doing.  We send out a survey form periodically enquiring about the Wheelyboat's location, activities it is used for, its upkeep and condition and the numbers of people who are benefiting from it.  

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