Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Bird Dogs => Topic started by: havershap on June 18, 2023, 01:17:25 PM

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Title: Boat Step for Dog
Post by: havershap on June 18, 2023, 01:17:25 PM

I have a 12' Aluminum boat that I want to use for waterfowl hunting.  I'm looking for a step or ladder device to help my dog get back into the boat after a retrieve.  I've had the Avery Dog ramp and it didn't work well.  I would appreciate any suggestions or recommendations.

Thanks

Title: Re: Boat Step for Dog
Post by: metlhead on June 18, 2023, 06:24:48 PM

I've found that a good vest with reinforced handle is easiest for smaller boats. My GWP is 67lbs and one heave works. Tried steps and found them useless. Maybe a large boat.

Title: Re: Boat Step for Dog
Post by: GWP on June 18, 2023, 09:40:47 PM

I have an adjustable aluminum dog step that hooks over the gunnel I would sell for $40 if you are interested.
We went to one of the ‘swim in’ dog ramps and never looked back.

Title: Re: Boat Step for Dog
Post by: havershap on June 19, 2023, 10:50:50 PM

Quote from: GWP on June 18, 2023, 09:40:47 PM

I have an adjustable aluminum dog step that hooks over the gunnel I would sell for $40 if you are interested.
We went to one of the ‘swim in’ dog ramps and never looked back.

I might be interested.  Where are you located and what kind of step is it?  What is a swim in dog ramp?

Title: Re: Boat Step for Dog
Post by: GWP on June 20, 2023, 09:43:25 AM

Over by Westport.

The platform or step one is just that. Pair of hooked aluminum tubes that hook over the gunnel. The down tubes have a number of holes drilled in them.
A set of holes in the tubes welded to the carpet topped aluminum platform so it can be adjusted up or down.

The 'swim in' type 'usually' have some sort of inflatable bladder with a fabric or plastic ramp that extends down into the water. It does not take long for the dog to figure out where the opening is and they start swimming into it.
They swim into the opening and walk up the ramp and into the boat, or as with ours, there is a platform at the top they can sit on or use to get that to get in the boat.
Saves them a LOT of energy over climbing on a platform. Particularly if there is ice and they are cold.
Other than size, I would not go back to a platform after using the swim in type, but the platforms do have their uses.
I can send pic's of the platform if you are interested.