How to Build a Boat Ramp for Dogs
Boating is a popular pastime in the United States. Many people want to take the family dog with them but getting your best friend on the boat can be difficult. Building your own dog boat ramp will help your four-legged friend board the boat safely and easily. The ramp project takes little more than basic carpentry tools and a few supplies from a home improvement store.
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Things You'll Need
- Plywood
- Indoor-outdoor carpeting
- Tape measure
- 3/4-inch plywood Rubber matting or outdoor carpeting
- Saw
- Carpet staples
- Dock bumper
- Rope
- Power drill
- Door hinges
Instructions
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Build a dog boat ramp
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1
Measure the distance the ramp must reach from the dock to the boat. Add an additional foot to overlap the space and account for rising tides.
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2
Cut a piece of plywood 2 feet wide by the height found in Step 1.
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3
Cut indoor-outdoor carpeting to fit the plywood. Secure it on what will become the top side using carpet staples.
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4
Cut dock bumpers to fit around the outside edges of the cut plywood. Secure in place with the staples.
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5
Drill two ¾-inch holes 6 inches from the top and 4 inches in on one of the boards. This is the part of the ramp that will be placed on the boat.
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6
Thread two pieces of rope through the holes and use to secure onto a cleat or other part of the boat.
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7
Hinge the two pieces of plywood together in the center using two door hinges. When not in use, the ramp can be folded and stored.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Use heavier plywood for larger dogs.
If you don't want to use carpeting, use non-skid mats.
Be sure to tie your ramp to the boat before taking the dog onboard so it doesn't slip.
Acclimate your dog to the ramp by slowing showing him how to get on and off the ramp.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
