Actually, to my surprise it arrived last Friday which was perfect, since we left last Saturday morning for an 8 day Boat trip with the Pooch on board! We used the ramp, and it worked out pretty good for us! Here is my list of likes and dislikes:
Like:
Lightweight but strong aircraft aluminum construction, and folds up compact enough that it stows easily under the rear bench in the cockpit!
EASY, EASY to install and remove from the swim ladder
Is actually easier for People as well as Dogs to climb up out of the water, which is important, becasue most of the doggy ramps get in the way of people using the ladder!
Makes boarding the dinghy or swimming floats and getting back into the boat easier, as you can use the ramp as a seat which is a few inches into the water.
Dislikes: (Only one)
With the ramp on the bottom step which we needed to do for our pooch to be able to climb up from the water, it is a bit of a large step up from the ramp to the swim platform. Our dog is approx 55 lbs and mostly Samoyed mix which is medium sized, maybe 24" in length from shoulder to hind leg and maybe 18" high, she can make the step, but it is a stretch for her. It is almost like it needs a middle fold out step to make the transition from the ramp to the swim platform.
As I write this, we are on Day 8 of our 8 day trip and are supposed to be travelling home this moring, but the wind gusts in the LI Sound are as high as 30MPH. Since we allowed for an extra day cushion, we may hang here for the day and head home tomorrow morning when the winds are projected to be only 5mph and seas of 1' or less! Tacking an extra day on our trip isn't a bad thing either. At this point we are only approx 50 miles from home so tomorrow will be an easy trip!
Conclusion, I would highly recommend the "Load a Pup" ramp. Even for a small dog, at least it allows the pooch to get out of the water, and they can hang on the ramp until you lift them onto the swim platform. For medium to large dogs, it seems to work fine!
_________________ '04 FW 268Vista "Andiamo"
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