Era begins for charter boat with a difference

CHARTER boat, what charter boat?

It has been the question on Mike Brown’s friends’ lips for the past 12 years after the wheelchair-bound boatie began a crusade to build and modify his own fishing charter boat to specifically accommodate the disabled.

Now he’s finally done it, with the business set to begin on Sunday.

“I’ve had people waiting for years,” he said of interest in the boat.

“I’ve had people calling me saying: ‘When are you getting that f***ing boat ready?’

“Just put yourself in a wheelchair, it sucks. You’re limited with what you can do, so a fishing boat will change lives. Your problems just drift away.”

Mr Brown said it is the only specially designed disabled fishing charter boat on the eastern seaboard.

While other boats may accommodate disabled passengers, Mr Brown said his charter boat was the only one to have wheelchair access to all decks and areas via a custom-built lift. The boat also had ramps for ease of access with the boat also taking bookings for ablebodied passengers.

The Hope Island resident said his charters would be staffed and could fit 14 people.

“It’s a big deal to have something out there like this, giving them freedom,” he said.

“Now it’s here you’re not sitting wondering what to do. You can fish in a comfortable boat, happy days.”

BlackPond Marine Consultants marine surveyor Joe Akacich said the vessel complied with all relevant regulations and worked under a safe management system.