WHAT IS ERGONOMICS AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?

 

'The applied science of equipment design is intended to maximise productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort.'

 

Spending a day in a boat is great fun but sometimes you come home with a few aches as a result of the ride, seating position or fishing posture.

 

When standing in a boat, walk over to the side and see if the coaming hits you in the thigh just at the right height - 100mm to 200mm above your knee, but not too high. Your toes should locate under the side deck and coaming so you can stand with your back straight. This is the ideal fishing position. No stress on your lower back, but you're nicely wedged against the side of the boat and ready for anything.

 

Next time you stand in a boat, do this test standing against the coaming. Is it comfortable? Do you feel secure? Is your back straight? Can you comfortably lean over and net or gaff a fish?

If you want to get a feel for the ideal ergonomics and fishing posture, stand in the cockpit of a Bar Crusher and you'll immediately understand.

 

The seating position in a Bar Crusher is also carefully designed. A seating position should provide good visibility of the water and allow you to grab a rod quickly should a fish strike.

 

Likewise, the large hatch in every Bar Crusher cuddy cabin model allows easy access up forward without getting your shoulders stuck. The cabin offers good head room and the handrails around the boat are placed to give the crew a comfortable and secure grip when they need it most.

 

The rear bench seat folds away neatly so the back coaming is unobstructed and the step-through in the transom is a perfect height to allow easy access from the stern.