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Previously, the length of some individuals’ daysailers were governed by bladder capacity or duration of restraint since the Freedom 20s had no head. Further, many users had no need of the double-belted pivoting seats. Don Backe had had his eye out for years for the right craft to solve these problems. Gendell’s gift of the Holland-built classic was just such a boat.

First, John White and his associates at Whitehall Yacht Yard awlgripped the hull, cabin and deck over the winter and splashed her this spring after painting the bottom as well. As many know, awlgripping is a premium and very costly finish, more durable even than the original gel coat. Upon seeing that Gendell remarked, "She looks like a keeper," and the name stuck – an appropriate term for a crab as well.

Next, John Callawaert of Eastport Spar & Rigging (ESR) and his staff (including longtime CRAB volunteer Pete Reynolds) replaced all standing and running rigging, and the wooden boom with a custom aluminum one. The spars were epoxied and Tides Marine of Ft. Lauderdale furnished at no cost its frictionless (nearly) sailtrack system for the fully battened mainsail being built by UK Allan sailmakers who also provided the rollerfurling genoa, all at reduced cost as well. A rollerfurler system was provided by Harken at half price. A custom extended pulpit surrounding the cockpit ala the Colgate 26 was fabricated by ESR as well for maximum safety and comfort by CRAB’s users.

Finally, interior painting by Hank Hilverts and woodwork trim refinishing by CRAB’s own Bob Christman completed Keeper.

This Marshall 22 Catboat is being modified to accommodate sailors with disabilities for overnight cruises.

Completed: Removal of previous modifications, install new cabin sole, cockpit sole, cabin bulkhead, new rudder, new Yanmar 18hp inboard diesel, shaft, shaft log and propeller, hoses and pumps and filters, new wiring and electrical system, central electric winch to multiply strength of physically weak person and for boom to load wheelchair/scooters.

Still to do: Full-batten high roach mainsail with special track and batten cars for easy handling, custom stainless work-boom gallows, bow and two stern spirits for at-ready Bruce patent anchors, Bimini folding sun shade (many disabilities are extra-sensitive to sun and heat-MS, paraplegics), audio compass (for blind), complete cockpit seating, cabin top structure (all custom), paint hull, deck, cabin, interior and bottom (epoxy awlgrip), winter frame and cover, rigging, custom trailer so this prototype can travel to as exhibit of adaptive ideas. Cost to complete: $40,0000