My balance is great until my back starts hurting and tightening up and that's dictated by the conditions(wind & waves). After my spinal fusion it took me 8 - 10 months of training to feel safe on my boat. Most of that time per my Nuerologist was my damaged nerves healing.
I don't fear falling too much at my age(49), I do fear damaging my rods if I apply 250 lbs on them.