Like a lot of fishermen, Pat Simmons lusts after the elusive and mighty tuna.
Unlike a lot of fisherman, Simmons is also handicapped. He drives a wheelchair, and admits he is lucky to be alive after a severe auto accident 15 years ago.
So, if the dream is to go fishing, tuna fishing, how does the dreamer meet the challenge of mating a wheelchair and a tuna boat?
For Simmons, a 36-year-old Yarmouth resident, his dream led him down a country road to Walpole and Bruce Farrin’s Boatshop.
Farrin and his son, Brian, started with a classic Maine fishing boat design, a 34-foot long Calvin Beal fiberglass hull.
“We talked with Patrick and fitted the hull out to meet his needs,” said Brian.
“I still do a lot of things I once did. I just do them differently,” Simmons said, adding, “I was an avid recreational fisherman before. After (the accident) I could no longer hop in a canoe, I need a stable platform if I am going to be on the ocean,” he said.
For the Farrins, the first order of business was to figure a way to get the owner on board. To that end, they widened the traditional tuna door so he could roll on from the dock. Then a ramp would let him into the wheelhouse.
A series of special clamps and straps fixed his chair to the controls. A nearby fold out platform will allow him to slip out of the chair and on to a bunk for a nap.
Typically, most helmsmen stand as they operate a boat. In a regular boat, a helmsman in a wheelchair couldn’t see over the dashboard.
Brian and his aide, Brent Benner, ultimately raised the wheelhouse deck and modified the placement of the windows so Patrick could have a clear view. Then the controls were placed and set up so he could operate them with his left hand.
Once the modifications were designed, Brian and Brent installed a mighty Cummins diesel engine, tucked in bow thrusters to make her more maneuverable, and even put in LED lights to save the batteries, always a good idea when setting off on an off shore trip.
To make it easier to maintain, Brian avoided using traditional wooden trim.
The project took place over the winter, and the Farrin Boat Shop hummed while craftsmen outfitted the hull and modified it to meet the needs of their client.
When will she be finished?
“She will be finished when she is finished,” said Brian.
Sometime, in the next month, they will hold the traditional launching party and Pat Simmons’ dream will turn into a reality.
He plans to sail her to South Portland where she will be docked.
“I can’t wait to see her splash,” he said.
