getting ageing dog onto the boat from a dinghy

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niccapotamus

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we have an ageing dalmation - about 30KG of lazy lump. we are also moving to a pile mooring so have to get him onto the boat from the dinghy - we have a seawolf 30 which is a bit like a cobra 850 - so no fancy bathing platforms or anything. His ability to jump is seriously curtailed these days so we are going to have to lift him I think.

the only solution i can think of is a handy billy rigged to main halyard, some sort of sling and just hoist him from the dinghy - despite the indignity of it all.

Anyone done this or have a better idea?

ta

nick
 
niccapotamus said:
we have an ageing dalmation - about 30KG of lazy lump. we are also moving to a pile mooring so have to get him onto the boat from the dinghy - we have a seawolf 30 which is a bit like a cobra 850 - so no fancy bathing platforms or anything. His ability to jump is seriously curtailed these days so we are going to have to lift him I think.

the only solution i can think of is a handy billy rigged to main halyard, some sort of sling and just hoist him from the dinghy - despite the indignity of it all.

Anyone done this or have a better idea?

ta

nick
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A proper life west for dog with lifting handle - i can lift our dogs by hand with these (30 kg plus). But we usually use the sugars scoop swim platform.
This life west has got 5cm wide straps.
A handy billy i less strain on your back and it should work
DSC00790.jpg
 
We used to haul our cocker spaniel up using just a rope attached to his life jacket. He was not 30kg though. So some sort of tackle will be needed plus a harness of some kind.
 
Daydream believer said:
this will wind up the dog lovers but - seriously- leave the b..y thing behind
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Wouldn't have put it quite so harshly but have to agree. Last dog we had loved being with us on the boat when it was in the marina but on the water or at sea, hated it. Fortunately found a lovely kennels close to the boat and she went there whenever we went sailing. They loved her and she loved being there, so much so that she often seemed reluctant to come back to us!!

When she passed on, we vowed not to have another dog until we stopped sailing. Still sailing and no dog.
 
davewarburton said:
Wouldn't have put it quite so harshly but have to agree. Last dog we had loved being with us on the boat when it was in the marina but on the water or at sea, hated it. Fortunately found a lovely kennels close to the boat and she went there whenever we went sailing. They loved her and she loved being there, so much so that she often seemed reluctant to come back to us!!

When she passed on, we vowed not to have another dog until we stopped sailing. Still sailing and no dog.
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The problem with kennel is that not all are good. We had a Beardie that got a parvo-like virus and died after being in kennels even though it had all its innoculations, a friend had their dog always contracting kennel cough and our Yorkie was traumatised after being in kennels. We would not use kennels for our dogs unless there was no other option. However at 12 years old I can see we will soon have more difficulty getting them aboard from the tender but they are only 12 and 14 KG so not too heavy.
 
I would be tempted to get the dinghy lashed alongside really securely (make up dedicated lines) and then just lift the dog. 30kg is not that much if the ergonomics are right.
Our retriever x was over 30kg until she went on a crash diet. Hoik front paws onto side-deck, and then lift the back end. She soon learned to duck under the guardwires.
Admittedly getting back into the dinghy is harder- she is learning to use my knee as a step.
 
Be careful of your animal jumping from the dinghy and missing the boat.

At anchor in Phuilladobhrain, Dave had taken Sukie LBB, ashore. Problem occurred when they returned to Shafa (Maxi 22')
Sukie jumped and missed, fell into the water, swam Round Shafa, a distance around 55 feet.

Sukie then tried to lick herself dry of the salt water so Dave poured a bucket of fresh water over her.
She was not amused. Dave was.

Sukie at Phuilladobhrain

DSC_2698.jpg
 
thanks to everyone who replied (with positive helpful forum enhancing comments that is). It''s helpful to hear your experience. He's reasonably accustomed to boats - just can't leap over high (or even low) fences these days - even needs a hand into the boot of the car. I can't see him missing the dinghy (unusual of a cat to misjudge a jump) but he'll be wearing his lifejacket with the big grab handle just in case

we've found a "proper" dog sling for £25 reduced from £110 :) which should allow the person on the boat to get a firm grip/handybilly lift whilst the person in the dingy can give his arse a shove

cheers

Nick
 
The proper dog sling sounds like a good idea. The usual dog LJ just has 2straps underneath so don't spread the load very well. Our old dog loved being on the boat but would jump overboard and swim to the shore as soon as we were near our mooring.
 
Niccapotamus,

do be careful for all your sakes.

Years ago, before doggie lifejackets were available, my father was lifting our Westie ( big for the breed ) from the dinghy onto the boat, which is low freeboard but at the time the guardrails had no pelican hooks - something I recommend highly for all boats but would be a special boon to yourself.

Our dog struggled and went into the water, a strong ebb at the Folly ( pile moorings before the pontoons were added ).

Dad dived in after him and both were rescued down tide, but our Westie Benjy had ruptured something, he died later that evening; he was only 6 years old and seemed a very fit dog.

So I would say, the harness / lifejacket you already have, pelican hooks on the guardrails, and consider having the mainsheet lower block on a large carabiner, so the boom can be used as a crane.
 
niccapotamus said:
we have an ageing dalmation - about 30KG of lazy lump. we are also moving to a pile mooring so have to get him onto the boat from the dinghy - we have a seawolf 30 which is a bit like a cobra 850 - so no fancy bathing platforms or anything. His ability to jump is seriously curtailed these days so we are going to have to lift him I think.

the only solution i can think of is a handy billy rigged to main halyard, some sort of sling and just hoist him from the dinghy - despite the indignity of it all.

Anyone done this or have a better idea?

ta

nick
Click to expand...

I had mine cremated. Now he is really easy to bring on and off the boat.
 
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