Hi everyone,

My wife and I recently bought a home in Southwest Florida. I grew up around boats — Donzis, Cigarettes, and similar performance hulls — and being on the water has always been a big part of my life.

Over the past several years I’ve dealt with major back issues (putting off surgery), and before I make a big investment in a performance cat (Thundercat/MTI/OL ), I’m trying to figure out if I can still comfortably handle time out on the water.

I know this is an unusual ask, but I was wondering if anyone in the Fort Myers / SWFL area who runs a similar type of boat (or any performance boat) might be open to taking me out for a short ride so I can see how my back handles it. Even 30–45 minutes would tell me a lot.

I’m happy to cover fuel and compensate you for your time. I completely understand if it’s not something you’d be comfortable with — just figured this community might be the right place to ask.

Thanks for reading!
Rj

If you have not already had the surgery, you should contact Doc Jannsen in Denver. He has probably fixed every boat racer still racing and several people I know from LOTO. He is a super nice guy and one of the best.
Advanced Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management Care | Center for Spine & Orthopedics

I would look at a suppression seating system. I had a dissectomy (L5S1) to treat an athletic injury in college. I’m still cautious with my back 30 years later. I purchased a mower a few years back with a suppression seating system and it is absolutely wonderful for my lower back.

I know nothing about these, but this topic effects alot of us, so i hit google for a few minutes.

These are pretty affordable. I was surprised.Again, i have no hands on experience.
https://seaspension.com/product/low-...sion-pedestal/

I have had back surgeries
still see chiropractor weekly

Boats, truck, yard, walking, standing, hunting
All can hurt
I just take it one at a time
Always mindful of not being superman and jumping into the boat
Or off a stand or raking
Or etc etc
suspension seat might help
biggest thing you cannot control is that one wave that catches you off guard
At anchor or moving and does the jar
our that grab of a docking line at a weird angle
Thats a big investment to find out
one hit and you are done
Applaud you looking for a test ride. 👍
There is a reason it takes me 2 weeks to do season maintenance
Plus I keep breaking bones...
My walking casts have grease on them