Dog boat ramps...anyone have one or built one????

[bullcity101]

Ok, weird post here I know.
My wife and I love taking our lab out on the boat but hate that she can't get on and off by herself and really it gets quite cumbersome. I was wondering if anyone has a doggie boarding ramp or has built one that could share how they have done it. I have looked into buying one and after searching have found that they are some serious $. Now I have a 15ft skiff that we bought for $1000, so we aren't looking to spend $350 on a dog ladder. I was thinking hinging a folding piece of marine plywood with something like strips of wood for her to grip and pull herself up. Maybe some sort of floatation on the bottom to keep it on top of the water while she is climbing into the boat. Pool noodles maybe?

Let me hear your ideas!
Capt. John

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Dog boat ramps...anyone have one or built one????

Mount a boarding ladder on your transom and your dog will learn how to climb it.

I have this one on my boat:
http://www.basspro.com/Folding-Ladder-Universal-Mount/product/803/128751

 

[Rixster510]

Re: Dog boat ramps...anyone have one or built one????

******** sells a few different ones I believe.
http://www.********.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Load-Pup&i=39839

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Dog boat ramps...anyone have one or built one????

the paws aboard boat ladder is $175 (found it on Amazon for $150). Cabellas has their own brand for about $80, load a pup by great day is about $80, and supper skamper pet ramp is about $50

 

[southkogs]

Re: Dog boat ramps...anyone have one or built one????

We got life jackets for our dogs ... my golden will swim herself to exhaustion. But they also have handles on the back. It makes hefting both dogs on board fairly easy.

 

[ccave04]

Re: Dog boat ramps...anyone have one or built one????

We got life jackets for our dogs ... my golden will swim herself to exhaustion. But they also have handles on the back. It makes hefting both dogs on board fairly easy.

I also just purchased a life jacket for my lab (90 lbs.) for safety (I am afraid he may decide someday to just dive off boat) but mostly because of the handle on the back to lift him back on the boat. I bought the life jacket from pet smart for about $35.

 

[bullcity101]

Re: Dog boat ramps...anyone have one or built one????

Thanks for all the replys! I have a lifejacket for her now and the handle is great, but the issue is we are all off the boat so no one to lift her on. I will look at all the suggestions you all had.
Thank you!

 

[bullcity101]

Re: Dog boat ramps...anyone have one or built one????

******** sells a few different ones I believe.
http://www.********.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Load-Pup&i=39839

hyperlink was broken, could you repost?

 

[soggy_feet]

Re: Dog boat ramps...anyone have one or built one????

i believe that link was intentionally broken...

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Dog boat ramps...anyone have one or built one????

hyperlink was broken, could you repost?

Since iBoats sponsors the forum, they'd appreciate it if you'd link to products on their site rather than drive traffic away.

 

[bullcity101]

Re: Dog boat ramps...anyone have one or built one????

Got ya, although I do not believe that product is sold on iboats. have to check. I LOVE Iboats!