In the spring of 2007 , Ontario Portable Boats received an intriguing phone call from a gentleman by the name of Lawrence Euteneier who resides in our nation's capital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Lawrence explained that he has been an avid fisherman and boater since his earliest years. This is where the story takes a dramatic turn from the ordinary. Lawrence has been registered blind since the age of eight. Even though Lawrence is now without sight, his passions continue to be boating, fishing and helping other individuals achieve a better quality of life through ongoing research.
Lawrence explained to me that he had a project that he wondered if we could help him with. Using a 12 foot folding Porta-bote, he wanted to create the World's First Fishing Boat for people without sight.
A lofty goal indeed, I thought, until my brother in law Rodger and I drove to Ottawa and met Lawrence and his family in person. After we met Lawrence it was impossible to say no. He is a very intelligent, engaging character who has a great zest for life, especially the great outdoors. Lawrence has a great theory about life that really stuck in my mind. You should not be afraid to take risks in life as long as they are well thought out, calculated, manageable risks. Lawrence figured he could calculate and minimize the risks of sightless boating with technology available from many sources.
Lawrence already had his " Blind Fishing Boat Project " well in motion. He had contacted companies that supplied him with a talking compass, hand-held sonar, beeping locater tags, automobile reverse sensors, the latest in GPS technology, and numerous other devices. It is propelled up to 6 km / p / h with a MinnKota Maxxum electric trolling motor.
We helped Lawrence assemble the Porta-bote one time, by guiding his hands over the hull, and explaining the design of the Porta-bote as we went. Lawrence felt very confident that he could assemble the boat by himself. Lawrence did so and successfully used his porta-bote for numerous fishing outings in 2007 including some tournament fishing.
Lawrence has received both the " Meritorious Service Medal " from the Governor General and the Federal Public Service Award in " Excellence " for his ground breaking work in the field of technology for people with disabilities. Lawrence possesses a Masters in Environmental Science for which he traveled and lived abroad in Canada's far north and Sweden.
The website www.blindfishingboat.com and public appearances of the Blind Fishing Boat showcase technology for fishers and boaters with limited or no sight. Lawrence also reports on fishing techniques that can be mastered by such fishers and on equipment that is ideally suited for their use.
Lawrence also attends fishing and boating shows and is always willing to speak about his research and experiences on the water at public events or club meetings.
Order Today Call
Ontario Portable Boats Toll free 1-877-388-3679 Local 519-347-2722
Delivery is available.
"Questions or comments - Contact OPB"
