Dog-Swim Platform to Deck

[csmith0230]

Any suggestions/experience on rigging a monohull to allow for a dog to climb up on the deck by them-self?
We will be living on a 41' Morgan Out Island starting at the end of August, and I'm concerned about our 30lb English Cocker Spaniel, Remington, being able to climb aboard unassisted.
He loves to swim, and I am positive he will end up in the water frequently, but I would rather not have to constantly hoist him up as the ladder on this boat is awkwardly placed and hard enough to climb by oneself. The boat does have an approx. 16-20" swim platform across the transom, but the transom is angled out over the platform making it an awkward spot. (attached pic is not the one we will be on, and doesn't have platform, just so you can see for reference)
I am thinking that maybe 2 staggered platforms would allow for him to jump from one to the next and make his way up to the deck. He is very athletic and agile, so I think he could manage a 2-3' jump to an approx 16"x16" platform.
Any suggestions are much appreciated!
Thanks,

[csmith0230]

Here is a pic of the actual boat. I was thinking it was a full swim platform, but not even that...
I have my work cut out for me...

[micah719]

Your boat might have too much freeboard, but perhaps something like this:
Dog Ladders by WaterDog Adventure Gear

Or two of them, one into a dinghy, and one from the dinghy to the boat.

And of course one of these for each crew member once the happy little feller is aboard...

[csmith0230]

@micah- you are sure right about the dog stinking! No doubt about where the saying "smells like a wet dog" came from....

[JPA Cate]

CSmith,

Make sure the dog can use the ladder easily: they age so much faster than we. If he learns while young and agile, he will be able to manage it longer.

The ladder in the link looked a little steep for a water spaniel, but perhaps they have some with easier gradients? The ladder being foldable seems like a good idea. The biggest problem is that there is a lot of freeboard with your boat, so perhaps you might be able to make a ladder for the dog using as a basis, one of the folding ladders, you make timber steps, with non-skid on them, and maybe that would work. Have you worked out yet how long the ladder would have to be to get to deck level? what an acceptable gradient is?

Good luck, and good success with it.

Ann

[JKP]

They sell these prefab two level steps at west marine that can slide quickly in and out of an almost flush fitting. Our family friend that had a 48' sportfisher with a swimplatform along the entire stern. He mounted the flush bracket right above the water line so that when he slid the steps in they were a foot or two underwater. This allowed his older lab and smaller Coker mix to quickly get out of the water on to the back swimplatform and walk through the gate into the boat without the assistance of humans. You might be able to rig something like that.

[csmith0230]

Ann, JKP,
Thank you both for your input. I think building a proper swim platform might be a good first step. Will keep you posted on my resolution.

[Vamonos]

I don't know if it would solve your problem or what your budget is. I've had my eye on these for a little while to help getting in and out of the dinghy.

Folding Teak Shower Seat



Richard
Vamonos

[crazyoldboatguy]

http://www.amazon.com/Boat-Ladder-Do...boat+swim+ramp


Lots of types of doggy ladders. Many of them expensive ($300+) This could help.

[adlib2]

Originally Posted by csmith0230

Any suggestions/experience on rigging a monohull to allow for a dog to climb up on the deck by them-self?
We will be living on a 41' Morgan Out Island starting at the end of August, and I'm concerned about our 30lb English Cocker Spaniel, Remington, being able to climb aboard unassisted.
He loves to swim, and I am positive he will end up in the water frequently, but I would rather not have to constantly hoist him up as the ladder on this boat is awkwardly placed and hard enough to climb by oneself. The boat does have an approx. 16-20" swim platform across the transom, but the transom is angled out over the platform making it an awkward spot. (attached pic is not the one we will be on, and doesn't have platform, just so you can see for reference)
I am thinking that maybe 2 staggered platforms would allow for him to jump from one to the next and make his way up to the deck. He is very athletic and agile, so I think he could manage a 2-3' jump to an approx 16"x16" platform.
Any suggestions are much appreciated!
Thanks,

Have you attempted to see if the dog can access the deck from the platform? You might be surprised. Had a border collie that climbed from my platform and also a 14ft ladder in the yard. Couldn't get down though.

[Bulawayo]

Originally Posted by crazyoldboatguy

http://www.amazon.com/Boat-Ladder-Do...boat+swim+ramp


Lots of types of doggy ladders. Many of them expensive ($300+) This could help.

Never knew such a device existed.......seems a very useful product.

[hamburking]

Originally Posted by csmith0230

@micah- you are sure right about the dog stinking! No doubt about where the saying "smells like a wet dog" came from....

My dog would head straight down below, and SHAKE, soaking the main cabin with dog water. Its a good thing dogs are so cute, or it would be keelhaul time for sure!

BTW, I had a sugar scoop stern, that helped...but mostly I would get out there and push her butt up till she was on the stern.