Fitting a dog ramp to the side of a Princess 435

[David435]

Hi All
With the experience available on the YBW forums perhaps somebody can help me.
As in the title we have a Princess 435 which has a tender fitted to the bathing platform by snap davits so there is only easy access from the sides. My son has an Akita dog who goes everywhere with him and I am looking at possible ways to fit a dog ramp which would be safe for the dog getting on and off. The ramp would have to be substantial as the dog weighs approx. 75kgs. As we always lay alongside, then the ramp would have to lay the same way as we would be restricted by the pontoon width. I have thought of getting a folding passerelle but cannot for the live of me fathom out how to fix the thing on a temporary basis. The boarding ladder is the standard Princess design where the ladder hooks into the fixed plates. Any suggestions would be appreciated other than getting rid of the dog.
Thanks a lot.
David

 

[sarabande]

If you make a ramp that is suitable for the dog, it will also be suitable for a person.


Thinking of some pilot ladders. When not in use ladder/ramp is fastened to the gunwhale, level with the deck. To use it is pivoted outwards and the lower end downwards. Supports as lib.

I don't suppose a swap for a dachshund is possible ?

 

[Mr Googler]

Does the ramp have to travel with the boat?

 

[Mr Googler]

How about a 2 part solution.

A horizontal panel the hooks over the gunwale. Nice long padded legs down the hull to take the weight.

You can then use any extending dog ramp used in cars etc. Nothing permanently screwed to the boat and can be used either side. A couple of holes in the ramp and flat section lined up to drop smooth head bolts through for added security if things are moving around a little.

Sorry about the standard of my doodle!

 

[ashtead]

We used a folding dog ramp which folded in half and while never fixed in parallel to hull as per drawing above worked fine at right angles to hull and fitted on pontoon . You don't say age of dog but they can ascend a ramp at a much steeper angle than we would navigate based on our experience with Lab . If you have side gates you could just fit a step fender and protect the hull from paw marks though unless your visitor has hip problems for example giving limited mobility ? Maybe though you could have a stainless pole constructed that would slot into deck mount to take top of ramp and outer end supported by a block and tackle as used for MOB recovery .

 

[snowbird30ds]

I've seen a deck mounted davit used to lift a dog in a harness before.