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Men working on Spirit of Pilar conversion to adaptive boat

Thanks to the generous support we received from friends, family and strangers we converted the replica of Ernest Hemingway’s sportfishing boat Pilar at Shannon Boat Company in Bristol, RI to a totally accessible boat for people using wheelchairs, canes and crutches. A custom-built electric lift for access to the cabin and lavatory below, a large wheelchair accessible head and a safe boarding ramp was engineered and installed.

 

Walt Schulz waits to greet visitors aboard Spirit of Pilar at Mystic Seaport Boat Show announcing SRMHF

Due to high insurance premiums and Covid 19 issues the last several years curtailed our efforts and Spirit sat in dry dock in Rhode Island waiting to begin work again. But with the many generous recent tax deductible donations we received, we were able to bring Spirit back to life again with brand new high-low helm seats, flush level cockpit sole, fresh coats of varnish and paint and many more accessible features.  We are so grateful to all your help that allows us to continue our program by helping to pay for insurance, marina fees, operational and maintenance costs to get Spirit back in the water bringing folks out on the water again.

A THANK YOU FROM ERIC LeGRAND, RUGERS EX-FOOTBALL PLAYER WHO WAS PARALYZED IN A GAME

YOUR HELP

When you make a gift of a tax-deductible contribution, you help make it possible for SRMHF to:

  1.  Offset the costs of maintenance, fuel, insurance, supplies and adaptive fishing and boating
    gear

  2.  Hire and train staff/volunteers to work with individuals with special needs participating in
    the SRMHF program

  3.  Get the word out about the SRMHF boating program to disabled veteran groups and 
    others  with disabilities to coordinate a regularly-scheduled boating opportunity for those
    who wish to participate

  4.  Advertise and promote the SRMHF boating program through boat shows, websites, YouTube, advertising media, social media, mailings and dedicated literature to make the program visible to those in need and to secure contributors to a program that will change the paradigm of shortfall in boating recreational activities for those with disabilities.

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Man in wheelchair looking out over the water

Working together we are hopeful that we can give the priceless freedom of the wind, water, and spirit to the warriors in our society who have to overcome adversity every day.

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SRMHF is now on GoFundMe. To make a gift by credit card or money transfer, please click on the button below or contact bill@shannonyachts.com

Two paralyzed veterans catch a fish on SRMHF fishing excursion

To donate by check please make your check out to:

SHANNON RIVER MARINE HERITAGE FOUNDATION

or SRMHF
19 Broad Common Road
Bristol, Rhode Island 02809

We thank you for your generosity
Buy a Book and Help Out
Cover ebook.jpg

IF you are a novice in the boating world, a first-time boat buyer, or an experienced boat owner, you're bound to have a multitude of questions and concerns.  RELAX, IT'S ONLY A BOAT, A Survival Manual for Boaters written by Walt Schulz is treasure trove of critical boat information for anyone interested in boats. This 260-page spiral bound book (or digital copy) is written in a light easy-to-read format with a touch of humor.

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All proceeds from the sale of RELAX, IT'S ONLY A BOAT are donated to SRMHF. 

 

Visit https://www.relaxboatbook.com 

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Thank you for your support.

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