Walkboards

Although not an integral part of the boat from a strength standpoint, the walkboards are crucial from a livability and safety standpoint. The walkboards on the Rucker sit on the elevated part of the rib base so walkboard planning can actually affect the exact shape of the rib base. A lot of time is spent walking back and forth on these boards so don’t underestimate their importance. Some boats have elevated walkboards inside the caprail, some elevated walkboards outside the caprail, however we have always had walkboards which are inside the boat directly on the rib base. In my opinion this makes for a cleaner appearing design and if you don’t have plans for a canopy work fine. If you have plans for a canopy, then you will have to consider whether there is room for inside walkboards or if they will need to go outside the boat. Whatever you do, plan your walkboards as an integral part of your design, not an after thought. Also consider safety, there are inside walkboards which have space between the walkboard and the planking, a perfect place to have your ankle broken as you fall overboard. Also, there have been outside walkboards on some boats which I believe have had serious limitations from a strength standpoint.

Other factors to be considered are that inside walkboards will block your access to the planking when looking for leaks and should be able to be removed on the river easily. Outside walkboards will also widen your boat which if you plan on venturing into some of the smaller areas behind islands may be a consideration. Walkboards are also your best source of emergency lumber in the event you have serious damage done to the boat while on the river. When planning walkboard design, be aware that you want to make your boat easy to live aboard without walking directly on the inside of the planking. Walking on the planking the first years of a batteau is probably something you can get away with, but as a boat ages it is asking for disaster. Boards have been pushed away from the ribs in on several boats in the past by individuals stepping on the planking. It has created situations which have required repairs while in the middle of the river, something which can affect your enjoyment of that day.