The boat that we use for our motor boating is called a Wheelyboat and is designed to ensure that it is accessible for those with limited a mobility or in a wheelchair so that that nobody is excluded from getting out and enjoying being on the water.
The boat has a drop down front that allow the easy access, a flat open space which allows for any mix of wheelchairs or seating depending on the group and a specially designed helm position that allows a wheelchair user to steer the boat.
ABT provides a helm and a crew member so that you can sit back and enjoy yourself or if you like you can have a go at steering and helping take the boat through the locks. As long as it is not too large and is well behaved you can bring the family or service dog with you.
If the trips are being run for a large group we tend to stay in the area between Temple Lock and Marlow. These trips are typically 30-40 minutes each and allows us to take most if not all of the group out on the water.
If it is just one family or small group where everyone is on the boat at the same time we can travel further. The duration is agreed with you and can vary up to 3 hours depending upon your interest.
From our base at Bisham Abbey we can travel the river in either direction. Downstream to Marlow, through Marlow lock and down toward Bourne End and Cookham where the adventures of Toad of Toad Hall took place. Going upstream we can go through Temple and Hurley locks and onwards to Medmenham. Allegedly the old haunt of Sir Francis Dashwood and the infamous Hell Fire Club.
As travel along the river you can admire the impressive houses with their lovely gardens coming down to the river as well as taking time to feed the ducks and swans and watch all the boats, small and large, coming past.
The boat has a passenger limit of 8 adults (not including the crew) and a total weight limit of 680Kg including the weight of any wheelchairs. The boat is not suitable for the very heavy (>100Kg) wheelchairs.
For larger groups we will run several trips with those waiting being able to relax on the river bank or under our stretch tent where there are picnic tables and toilets close by.
All passengers and crew are required to wear life-jackets, however these are very lightweight and self inflating so are comfortable even in warm weather.
Unfortunately we cannot normally accept passengers that are strapped into their wheelchairs, however the ride is very smooth so most people can manage being unstrapped for a sort period. If this is a problem please discuss with us before booking.
As with all our boating activities, other than sailing, we require an appropriate number of responsible adults to be part of the group.