AR190 Dog Ramp / Steps

[Paul Paulo Pablo]

I was looking into the Paws Aboard dog ramp for my boat, and actually have a friend that sells them. When her husband looked at the ladder of the 2017 AR190 I got, he said that it may not attach properly. Apparently he had the same problem with his Cobalt and so they can't use one on their boat either.

Has anyone had experience with the Paws Aboard ramp, or any others, with the AR or SX190? I'd love to hear your experiences and advice.

For reference, my dog is a 75 pound goldendoodle. Still trying to figure out how we're going to keep her in the boat when we don't want her to swim!

Thanks!!

 

[d_coyne1984]

I will need a better solution to this myself. Last season I just put a life jacket on my golden and used the lifting straps on the back to haul him in, but he was less than a year old and under 40lbs then. If I happen to find myself with some free time this summer I may toy with some ideas to fasten a couple of side-joined 1x6's to the lader and then a hinged support. I'm thinking a few mini straps (minerallac strap for those unfamiliar with electrical jargon) could be used to fasten to the ladder at a couple points and would allow for fairly easy install/removal. The bottom may need a weight to prevent from floating though. It shouldn't cost more than $30 to build. Way better that $200+ as long as you don't mind looking a little redneck, but lets face it, I'm really not that classy anyway.

Something like this:

 

[Paul Paulo Pablo]

D_coyne I'll definitely consider building one if I have to, but I'm hoping that I can buy something that'll get the job done reliably.

Anyone have a system that works with Yamaha?

 

[haknslash]

If I were going to build one I'd likely try thick heavy duty marine styrofoam carved out to notch into the swim platform, some textile carpet for traction and protection for the dog and ropes or turnbuckles for securing to the swim platform. Weighted on the ends if needed. Quality styrofoam is easy to carve and work into great shapes.

The net type ramps I've seen just don't seem to offer the support and stability needed for big dogs and the Paws Aboard style seems like a child's playground ladder attached to your existing ladder which looks like it would be a challenge for dogs to get traction when wet.

I'm not sure if it's doable on the 19' boats but you could maybe buy a secondary Westline ladder and convert it to be your dedicated dog ladder with a few mods. Similar to this guys pontoon....

 

[jared24]

My lab uses this, Load-A-Pup. It attaches to my AR190 ladder well and has a safety strap in case it comes off due to other boat wakes. It's an easy hop onto the stern for my 75lb lab. Easily one of my best boat investments when you consider how many times my dog is in/out of the water...

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Load-Pup&i=39839

 

[OptiLee]

@jared24 I'm thinking about getting one of these now based on your recommendation. Does it sit in the water? My dogs wear life jackets but is it at a level they could swim up to and climb on? They're smaller than yours - about 45lbs each but we're looking for something a bit easier on the back because the LOVE jumping in, getting out, repeat. Any info would be great, thanks!

 

[jared24]

@jared24 I'm thinking about getting one of these now based on your recommendation. Does it sit in the water? My dogs wear life jackets but is it at a level they could swim up to and climb on? They're smaller than yours - about 45lbs each but we're looking for something a bit easier on the back because the LOVE jumping in, getting out, repeat. Any info would be great, thanks!

The platform will be around a foot under water if you attach it to the top step of the ladder. It's perfect for them to swim right on, then jump to the lower swim deck. You'll love it. Also makes a nice spot to sit for humans in between dog fetches.

 

[OptiLee]

Great, thanks for the reply @jared24 I'm going to get myself one. I think my dogs will be able to really utilize it! Did you get yours from overtons?

 

[Bluewater272]

If you're into rednecking it, I saw this on FB. I plan to make one, dont really want a contraption that'll make the ladder unusable for people swimming with the pups.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/yamahaboatowners/permalink/1798352340209966/

 

[jared24]

Great, thanks for the reply @jared24 I'm going to get myself one. I think my dogs will be able to really utilize it! Did you get yours from overtons?

Yes Sir! They have some promo codes usually around the holidays. BTW, it doesn't make the ladder unusable for humans as stated above, if anything, it makes it easier as it's a much bigger platform to step up to the swim deck from. I'm sure there's a weight limit posted for it, but I've had some "beefy" friends use it with no problems...

 

[Bluewater272]

BTW, it doesn't make the ladder unusable for humans as stated above, if anything, it makes it easier as it's a much bigger platform to step up to the swim deck from. I'm sure there's a weight limit posted for it, but I've had some "beefy" friends use it with no problems...

Good to know, watched a few videos on youtube of it and it seemed like it'd be a PITA to use.

 

[jared24]

Good to know, watched a few videos on youtube of it and it seemed like it'd be a PITA to use.

It's not that bad. It fits flat in the rear compartment so you can store stuff on top of it. If we're going to being anchoring a lot, I usually just keep it out under the port side bench (AR version) for easy access. My lab goes crazy when I grab it cause he knows it go time...

 

[PeterB]

One other option- Saw this at the Chicago boat show but have not used one
http://www.petloader.com/pet-loader-h20-details

 

[BobJohnson]

We use “ dog on water ramp”. Love it. You inflate the blue tubes and there is a thick net in the middle that the dog is able to swim into and walk up right onto the swim platform. It is very sturdy. Leaves ladder open. And once deflated is not a space killer.

 

[JDFester]

Any newer products out there? Looks like most of these are not on the market anymore. I have found one load-a-pup, but wondered if there are any fresh products? My dog jumped in (a little unexpectedly) and swam around a while. The look on his face when he realized he didn't have a way back in the boat was pretty funny! Turns out he was able to climb the boarding ladder, though I am sure it wasn't fun and that ability will likely fade as he gets a little older...

Oh, and I wonder if there'd be a market for Jetboaters.net logo doggie life jackets? Joey loves jet boating!!!

 

[BigAbe75]

If you're into rednecking it, I saw this on FB. I plan to make one, dont really want a contraption that'll make the ladder unusable for people swimming with the pups.
Yamaha Boat Owners

@seanmclean Did you ever get around to making one of these?? I’m thinking about it, but just wondering about folding it in half. I need to stow it in the ski locker, obviously, but I also need to fill up that ballast tank.

 

[Bluewater272]

@seanmclean Did you ever get around to making one of these?? I’m thinking about it, but just wondering about folding it in half. I need to stow it in the ski locker, obviously, but I also need to fill up that ballast tank.

Nah, never did. I just make him wear a lifejacket when in deep water (not at beach/sandbar), and just the handle to lift him back in the boat. I still kind of want to, but looks like it'll take up a bunch of space.

 

[\\\Wolverine///]

I know my boy has been kicking my ass getting him on and off the boat. Once in the water he is happy as can be. It is the getting him off and on. Some claw marks in my swim platform Sea-Dek. He is a 95 pound Chocolate Lab / Pointer mix and he wears his life jacket, but he fights me on and off the boat. Have been using a boogie board to help ease the transition but it isn't working haha