About Wheels on Deck, Inc.©
Wheels on Deck provides fishing and cruising experiences for wheelchair users on Bazinga, a 43-foot Blackwell Express, located at the Safe Harbor Marina in Wanchese, NC. Our goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable day on the water for those who otherwise may not have the opportunity or ability to do so.
Bazinga, a custom boat built in North Carolina, is structurally well-suited to provide specialized sport-fishing trips and cruising excursions. Renovations were specifically made to accommodate up to two wheelchairs in a secure manner.
Experiences We Offer
Inshore Trips & Cruises
Inshore trips (half or full day) are available for cruising or fishing for Flounder, Cobia, Sheepshead, Spadefish, Striped Bass (Striper, Rockfish), Spanish Mackerel, Red Drum, Black Drum, Tautog.
Special Event Cruises
Celebrate life’s milestones with a cruise - perfect for birthdays, Mother’s Day/Father’s Day, anniversaries, or just a chance to spend time with your family and friends out on the water.
Offshore Fishing
Offshore trips fishing in the Atlantic Ocean are available (half day or full day) for Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Tuna, Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Swordfish, Wahoo, Sharks, Tilefish, Grouper.
Accessibility Accommodations
Wheelchair users can board Bazinga from a floating dock by utilizing a ramp with specific safeguards in place. Once on board, additional needed space has been created which enables users to move from the deck to the helm via a scissor lift. The chair is safely secured with specialty braces. A second lift takes users below deck into the cabin. The cabin is equipped with heat and air conditioning, and offers an accessible toilet with a privacy curtain, shower, and sink. To ensure that requirements for wheelchair users are being met, we have followed the wheelchair accessible guidelines available from the ADA.
In addition to the accessibility enhancements, Bazinga has been upgraded mechanically with new shafts, propellers, and fuel tanks. It is powered by twin Cummins diesel engines, and is equipped with new electronics including a redundant Garmin GPS system, VHF radio, autopilot, new tower and hardtop, and a fresh-water misting system.
Support Wheels on Deck
Wheels on Deck is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit public charity organization. We are actively seeking donations to help further our mission. Donations will help provide more affordable fishing experiences for our clients as well as cover maintenance costs and improvements to Bazinga. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
“You are killing me, fish, the old man thought. But you have a right to. Never have I seen a greater, or more beautiful, or a calmer or more noble thing than you, brother.”
