I am 6.1' - 235lbs and I have no problems standing up in my PA. I even fly fish standing up with no issues as long as it's a relatively calm day. The PA is pretty hard to tip but you can fall out of any boat. Just be careful.

I think you can use the rope tied to the front to help get you up. I understand your issue. I also have a problem with the onset of "old age" mobility. I can still get up to a standing position in the PA but it's a challenge. You won't be putting your full weight on the handle doing it as you're suggesting or asking. I'd recommend trying to get the rope to stay back nearest the hull and not out on the end of the handle. I think you'll probably be more "steadying and hoisting" at the same time. Your legs and probably the free arm will do most of the work but the rope will give you the jump start. The angle you'll be employing won't put near the weight/stress on the handle as when lifting the PA..... Saying won't is foolish. Just try to keep any stress on the handle near or below normal carrying weight. Good luck. Hope that makes sense.

Standing UP in a PA seems to be a bit of a strugle with a bad knee and a very low center of gravity.. How do you guys/gals do it? Or a better questions would be will a rope tied to the front handle be ok? Will the handle hold up to a pull of about 200 pounds?? Matt where are you? Thanks for any help.

Me-225lbs / 6.2 and I have a set of ram tubes mounted on the side boards. I have used them for a controlled drop into the seat as well as a gentle handle to standup. With a small swell in the ocean I can stand and get seated now without any handle. I was thinking about a quick release belt that would attach to the side boards to keep my feet firm on the deck. Now having been out a half dozen times sighting fish I am ditching the idea. If you plant your feet on the deck and grab the siderail you can pull yourself forwad into a surfer postion. from here standup. keep your knees bent slightly and feet spread for better control.

Steve