Portable Boarding Ramp Suggestions Needed - Bulkhead to 240 'Dancer

[rpasquarello]

:huh:

I am looking for suggestions for a portable boarding ramp setup for my 2010 240 'Dancer to go from a stationary bulkhead (ie Sailor's Haven or Watch Hill) to my swim platform.

Main use would be for my two 90+ pound chocolate labs to get in and out of the boat while tied up to the dock. Secondary use would be for my wife getting on and off as well (she'll kill me if if list her weight -- LOL !).

I also don't want to get banged over the head for the cost...

All ideas are welcome!

Rocco

 

[sbw1]

The pig lady has a boarding ramp. Do the search of this thread and you will see a pic.

 

[MonacoMike]

Welcome aboard. You might want to do a search about boarding pigs. Not only is it funny, it has a lot of boarding ideas, if you can read through the tears from laughing so hard.

 

[tdschafer]

Rocco,

You may have a hard time with a ramp to your swim platform from the dock. At low tide it will be too low! I have seen people at Fire Island with ramps to the top of the gunnel or rail around the cockpit. Another option is people mount a cooler to the platform and use that as a step. Probably would work for the wife but not sure how good it would be for the dogs.

 

[AKBASSKING]

Yep first thing to come to mind was Kojac the CSR Pig!!!!

 

[rpasquarello]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

Sounds like I may have to get a folding ramp to the stern gunnel. Any suggestions on models/brands/prices. I'm in Suffolk County, Long Island.....

 

[tdschafer]

My brother picked up a really cool one for his 49 footer that he leaves at Davis Park all summer. As it gets steeper the thing turns into stairs! It also has a handrail!! Big bucks though.....I think it was over $800.00.

 

[StressAweigh]

You could go with one of these

http://www.discountramps.com/folding-dog-ramp.htm

 

[rpasquarello]

Todd,

I think if I spent $800 bucks my wife would throw the ramp overboard quickly followed by me!

Rock

 

[rpasquarello]

Thanks for the link, I already have one which is shorter that I tried to get the dogs to use for my MDX. They usually look at it for about 2 seconds, ignore it and then jump up into the back of the truck instead...I could swear I hear them laughing at me at the same time......

 

[tdschafer]

Todd,

I think if I spent $800 bucks my wife would throw the ramp overboard quickly followed by me!

Rock

I hear you my man!! I just like the handrail aspect. It has proved it's worth more than once after partaking in some adult beverages!!

 

[rpasquarello]

Now I'm thinking of getting a PawsAboard ramp as an alternative. http://www.pawsaboard.com/ladder.asp

Would use it in the water for the dogs and also lean it up (sorta reversed) from the swim platform to the bulhead when docked for the dogs and wife.

Opinions?

 

[tbirdvet]

How much weight can this ladder hold?

 

[rpasquarello]

How much weight can this ladder hold?

I happened to call the manufacturer from FL today before I read you post. They had no weight limits on the box or in their own installation manual.

The woman in customer service said no one ever asked that question before and had to email the owner of the company.

They called me back later in the day and simply told me "any size dog."

 

[The Bill Collector]

I weigh in at 205 lbs. and with arms full of cases of water, tea, beer, vodka...... I'm a little north of that. I made mine with marine plywood and 1x2 screwed to sides for strengthening and little rails to keep you on the ramp. I covered the top in in/outdoor carpeting and drilled two holes, one in each corner of the end where it rests on the swimstep to run a light line through to attach to my pop cleat on the swimstep. (under $50)

 

[rpasquarello]

Sounds very do-able and the price is right. What size marine ply did you use (thickness and lenghth)? How heavy is it?

Thanks!

 

[jrock1062]

Here is what I use for the dog $90

http://www.google.com/products/cata...HEgQfRgbW1DA&ved=0CE8Q8wIwAg&biw=1003&bih=531#

 

[rpasquarello]

Think it'll reach up to the bulkhead at WH or SH from my stern at low tide?

 

[The Bill Collector]

rpasquarello;475391]Sounds very do-able and the price is right. What size marine ply did you use (thickness and length)? How heavy is it?

Thanks![/QUOTE]

20" x 48" x 1/2" thick plywood plus the 1x2 side rails + a little indoor/outdoor carpeting - weight is under 10 lbs

 

[rpasquarello]

Thanks for the photo and great detail. I really appreciate you taking the time.

-Rocco-