Introduction

Boating without barriers – the accessible aluminum boat for work and leisure

Faster 545 SCA, which was launched in February 2022, is a pioneer in accessible boating. Designed in collaboration with active boater Heikki Konttinen of Eseko Oy, accessibility and ease of handling have been at the heart of everything - and the solidly built Faster 545 provides the perfect platform. The hydraulically operated bow ramp makes docking easy and accessing the boat effortless, while the even aluminum deck and meticulously designed placements of the consoles make it easy to operate the boat, even from a wheelchair. Hand-crafted from durable marine aluminium, the hull is built to withstand extreme usage and can thus easily be beached on stony shores, sandy beaches and along jetties. In other words, the boat is no longer an obstacle to enjoying the archipelago and having an active boating life, even though one might sit in a wheelchair or move a bit more arduously than the average Joe. Concerning driving capabilities, the 545 SCA does not deviate from those of the standard Faster boat models, i.e., it effortlessly slides through the water and splits waves in a firm but smooth manner.

Despite their relatively compact size, the Faster 545 models are in a class of their own in terms of carrying capacity and modification possibilities. In addition to the eight-person capacity, the boat can carry up to 125 kg of luggage and other gears. The bow ramp of the accessible 545 SCA model has been redesigned to ensure easy access directly from the dock or beach along the boat's own ramp, and the ramp’s low threshold facilitates passage. The hydraulic bow ramp is raised and lowered at the touch of a button on the dashboard or by remote control. The hydraulic system allows the ramp to be pushed down so low that the boat stays firmly in place when boarding using ramp power alone, making it much easier to handle the boat when operating it alone. The ramp also allows the bow of the boat to be raised to the level of the jetty, making passage unobstructed even from jetties of different heights.

The placement of the consoles has been carefully planned together with Konttinen, who himself is wheelchair-bound. The driver’s console is familiar from the standard 545 SC model, but the co-pilot's console has been replaced by a narrower tabletop and a handrail to allow safety, as well as better access to the door and easy turning even when operating from a wheelchair. The protective door between the desks has been slightly widened to make it easier for wheelchair users to pass through. The driver's console features the familiar 9-inch Raymarine Axiom+ chartplotter with CPT-S echo sounder and all the necessary controls within easy reach. The windscreen, which is made out of glass, provides good protection for passengers, and it is surrounded by a sturdy handrail-styled frame for security and easy support. Safety is further enhanced by the sturdy railings at the bow and stern, and the high freeboards familiar to the Fasters. The bow deck is vast and even, so in addition to easy maneuverability, the bow is ideal e.g. for transporting bulky items to the summer house in the archipelago, or it can be utilized for fishing straight from the boat.

As with the other Faster models, the 545 SCA's versatility is one of its greatest assets. Faster’s familiar quick-fix mounting rail runs along the boat's internal hull sides, making it easy to attach any accessories you might need. The list of accessories includes for example load-binding hooks, rope boxes, additional seats that double as storage boxes, fender racks and an anchor holder. Both at the bow and the stern of the boat there are standardly fitted attachment points on the aluminum deck surface, where you can for example tie down bulky items or secure the wheelchair while driving. Behind the windscreen there is space for two removable shell seats. One seat is delivered with the boat, and it can easily be removed without the need for separate tools.

Each 545 SCA boat is individually tailored to meet the specific needs of the boater.

Gallery

Accessories

Detachable aluminium storage box, which also functions as an additional seat. Width 110 cm.

Aluminium seat/storage box, 110 cm

Detachable aluminium storage box, which also functions as an additional seat. Width 60 cm.

Aluminium seat/storage box, 60 cm

Detachable storage box, which also functions as an additional seat. Width 118 cm.

Box 118 cm

Detachable storage box, which also functions as an additional seat. Width 44 cm.

Box 44 cm

Detachable storage box, which also functions as an additional seat. Width 78 cm.

Box 78 cm

Covers to protect bumper.

Bumper cover pair

Adjustable and comfortable fully padded comfort seat that offers good support. The front section of the seat can be flipped up, which facilitates steering from a standing position. Color or seat padding: grey/dark grey. Price includes a cover for the seat.

Comfort seat

Adjustable and comfortable fully padded comfort seat that offers good support. The front section of the seat can be flipped up, which facilitates steering from a standing position. Seat is striped. Price includes a cover for the seat.

Comfort seat R20

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