good deal on Paws Aboard Doggy ladder

[wesbstcroix]

I was in a thread here reading about someones suggestion of the Paws Aboard doggy ladder. Amid all my research I accidentally closed the tab where I meant to post this.

This ladder is exactly what we were looking for so our 80lb lab and 15 lb miniature american eskimo could get on and off the boat with ease. The mfg site had them listed at $300 but currently are for sale for half that, with free shipping, through walmart - http://www.walmart.com/ip/Paws-Aboard-Doggy-Boat-Ladder/21564577

Cheaper than the used ladders I could find on ebay so thought I would mention it.

- Wes

 

[jrseitz]

I have one of these and although the concept is a great idea, the functionality is fair at best. I used mine with a 140lb Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the ladder handled the weight just fine. The problem is how the paws on board attaches to the boat ladder. The paws ladder has a very poor design with the two top brackets that sit on the boat ladder step. The two Velcro straps (which mine did not come with) help but not much. Any time there is the slightest of wave or wake, the paws ladder will rise up and the top brackets slide off of the boat ladder. I added two large carabineers to the paws ladder which clip on to the boat ladder. Then I use an ATV tie down to snuggly secure the top of the paws ladder to the boat ladder. I also use bungee cord to secure the bottom brace of the paws ladder to the boat ladder.

I have called the paws ladder manufacturer to discuss the problem and they were NO help at all. Like I said the concept is a great idea but the mechanics just plain suck. Oh... one other "watch out". There are two plastic braces that snap in the center of the paws ladder to keep the ladder straight (it is hinged in the middle for easy storage). Both of my plastic brackets are currently sitting at the bottom of the Tennessee River. I use a metal bracket now with wing nuts to keep the paws ladder straight. Just my .02 cents but I have been fighting with this thing for several boating seasons.