The best dog boat ramps provide your dog with a safe way to enter and exit a boat. The main reason behind dog ramps is to make it easier for dogs to climb certain heights without having to wear out their joints.
Many dogs love swimming and taking your dog out with you for boating adventures is one of the best things you can do for him. While you may want to give your dog the best boating experience, it is both difficult and dangerous for dogs to get into and out of boats without a ramp.
Benefits of Using Dog Boat Ramps
- It Makes it Easier for Dogs to Get in and out of the Boat. Small-sized dogs have problems getting out of tall boats while bigger dogs are reluctant to jump. You eliminate this fear when you provide a ramp for them.
- Easier for The Owner-You don’t have to lift your dog in and out of the boat anymore.
- Less Risk of Injury- Dogs can easily get injured when they jump from a certain height. Using a ramp helps lessen the risk of injury and your dog stays healthy.
- Versatility-Dog boat ramps are quite versatile. Their lightweight and portable design make them suitable for use on the boat, vehicle and indoors among other places.
8 Best Dog Boat Ramp- Help Your Pooch Get In and Off Your Boat
There is a wide range of dog ramps available in today’s market, but most of them aren’t designed to be used outdoors. While a handful of these products might be useful in aquatic use, here is a review of the best dog boat ramps.
#1) PetSTEP Original Folding Dog Ramp
Suitable for medium to large-sized dogs, the PetSTEP Folding dog ramp is one of the best dog boat ramps. This versatile dog ramp can either be used on dry land or in water.
This is a superior, paw-friendly pet ramp with a soft non-slip ridged rubber surface not common in other ramps. The non-slip rubber surface is not only soft on paws but also provides superior traction even when it is wet.
The dog boat ramp opens and closes with ease, and folds down into a small and compact size for easy transportation and stowing. Additionally, it weighs just 18.5lbs and has cut-out handles for ease of transport.
With its advanced composite plastic construction, this dog boat ramp accommodates dogs weighing up to 500lbs. Additionally, it is rustproof and corrosion resistant as well. It can also be cleaned easily with soap and water.
Key Features
- Lightweight and portable.
- Easy to open and close down.
- Easily folds down to a compact size.
- Advanced composite plastic construction.
- Superior traction in wet and dry conditions.
- Extra-ordinary, soft non-slip rubberized walking surface.
- Accommodates dogs weighing up to 500lbs.
- Durable and sturdy construction.
- Five years warranty.
#2) Petsafe Happy Ride Folding Pet Ramp
Petsafe Happy Ride Folding Pet Ramp provides your dog with an easy and convenient way to get in and out of the boat making it one of the best dog boat ramps. The good thing about this ramp is that it is not just economical but also the lightest full-size pet ramp on the market today.
This is made possible by the rugged and sturdy all-plastic construction. By being lightweight, it becomes easy to transport it from one point to the other. Its sturdy construction ensures that it supports dogs weighing over 150lbs.
The high traction walking surface gives pets a sure footing even under wet conditions. Additionally, the four rubber feet keep the ramp stable while in use. You don’t have to worry about it collapsing while the dog is using it.
To prevent accidental opening, this pet ramp features a safety release latch. When not in use, it folds down into a compact size that’s easy to stow. Use mild detergent and water to keep it clean and disinfected.
Key Features
- Safety release latch prevents accidental opening.
- Easy to keep clean.
- Lightweight and easy to transport.
- Folds down into half the size for easy storage.
- Four rubber feet enhance stability when in use.
- High traction walking surface provides pets with a sure footing.
- Supports dog’s weights above 150lbs.
- Relatively affordable.
- Quick and easy to use; no tools needed.
#3) Great Day Robust Safety Pet Loading Platform
Great Day Robust Safety Pet Loading Platform is all you need to provide your dog with a safe way to climb up and down. This platform is made from aircraft-grade aluminum which isn’t just lightweight but also durable.
It is finished in a durable off-white powder-coat enamel to ensure many years of use while complementing different boat colors. With an easily hooked front, you get to easily secure the product on any boat with a boarding ladder.
This pet loading platform has a holding capacity of about 200lbs, making it suitable for medium to large-sized dogs. There are traction ridges on its surface to ensure that the dog has adequate traction even when the surface is wet.
Additionally, there are security straps linked to the platform diagonally to lift its frame and prevent it from falling. When not in use, this platform folds flat for compact storage.
Key Features
- Folds flat for compact storage.
- Fits most boats that have a boating ladder.
- Easy to install with no tools needed.
- Durable, aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
- Steady footing.
- Lightweight and portable.
- High traction walking surface provides pets with a sure footing.
- Easy to use.
- Weighs only 7lbs with a holding capacity of 200lbs.
#4) Petsafe Happy Ride Deluxe Telescoping Pet Ramp
If you are an outdoor fanatic looking for a safe way to get your pet to climb up and down from the boat, Petsafe Happy Ride Deluxe Telescoping Pet Ramp is the way to go.
The ramp features raised guarding rails with an anti-slip surface to enhance traction. This makes it suitable for elder dogs with mobility issues such as arthritis. Considering how easy it is to use this ramp, you get to easily train your dog how to use it.
Additionally, the dog boat ramp is super lightweight. It is only 13lbs but it can support dogs weighing above 400lbs without bending. The combination of aluminum and plastic construction makes the ramp extremely lightweight but sturdy.
Undoubtedly, this one of the best dog boat ramps on the market today. The ramp utilizes four rubber feet to keep it stable while in use. With the telescopic design, this ramp is an easy slide-out to use and slide-in to stow. A safety release latch prevents accidental opening while the included carry handle makes it easy to carry around.
Key Features
- Easy to clean.
- Convenient carry handle included.
- Safety security latch prevents accidental opening.
- Ultra-stiff design ensures many years of use.
- Four rubber feet enhance stability while in use.
- The telescopic design makes it easy to use.
- Lightweight yet very strong.
- High traction walking surface provides pets with a sure footing.
- Weighs 13lbs with a holding capacity of 400lbs.
- Easy assembly process.
#5) Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp 71-Inch-Long Extra Wide Portable Pet Ramp
It’s the joy of every pet owner to have a pet ramp that provides their pets with easy access in and out of their boats, cars, or any other place. Pet gear portable pet ramp comes with different features meant to provide your dog with convenient access in and out of any boat and ranks highly among the best dog boat ramps.
This pet ramp features a removable mat for excellent traction especially when the slope is steady and a latch to carry the ramp when traveling. The removable mat is pressure-activated, so your pet will grip easily onto it, without putting so much weight on it.
Most pet owners prefer using this rug over other carpet treads because it allows your dog’s paws to have a wider surface area in contact with the ramp. This results in better stability especially when walking down a steep slope. Since the mat is removable, you get to clean it with ease.
Additionally, there is a highly visible reflective material that helps guide your dog up and down the ramp. For easy storage, this portable dog boat ramp folds into a small and compact size. It also features built-in handles for easy portability.
Key Features
- Easy to clean.
- Easy fold for compact storage.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Side safety reflectors allow for maximum visibility.
- Highly visible reflective material guides the pet up and down the ramp.
- Suitable for pets up to 200lbs.
- Bottom grippers enhance stability during use.
- Firm and very sturdy.
- The pressure-activated removable mat offers excellent grip.
- Safety leash included.
#6) Skamper Ramp Super
Help your dog get on and off the boat quickly and with ease using the Skamper Ramp Super pet ramp. This pet ramp features a quick and simple assembly process. Suitable for small-sized dog breeds, this pet ramp helps them exit a water body especially if they fall in accidentally. The lightweight, ribbed plastic ramp floats on water, providing the dog with a convenient way to exit the water body.
Additionally, the ramp has been made from UV- resistant polypropylene which is both sturdy and very durable. The ramp comes complete with a nylon rope, nuts, bolts and wing strings. Solid construction, durability, quick assembly and lightweight design are just some of the attributes that make Skamper Ramp one of the best dog boat ramps.
Key Features
- Hard-wearing polypropylene construction.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Suitable for small-sized dog breeds.
- Quick and straightforward assembly process.
- UV-resistant pet ramp.
- Safe for vinyl pool polymers.
- Accommodated pets weighing up to 200lbs.
- Easy to flip out of the pool and flip back when you are done.
#7) Perfect Life Ideas Dog Ramps for Large Dogs
Suitable for the short-legged and massive dogs, the perfect life ideals pet ramp is your ideal pet ramp if you have an active and heavy dog. Although lightweight, the ramp is sturdy enough to support up to 200 lbs.
You can also use this pet ramp for old and injured dogs as it provides them with a snug platform to climb up and down from a boat. Considering that this ramp is non-skid, you are assured of your dog’s safety even when walking down a steep slope.
Additionally, its all-weather reliability ensures that you can either use it indoors and outdoors. This versatility cements its position as one of the best dog boat ramps.
There is no assembly required with this ramp and after use, it folds down into a small and compact size for easy storage. The safety release latch keeps the ramp closed when it is being transported or stored.
Key Features
- Non-skid traction surface for added security.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Folds down into compact size for easy storage.
- Suitable for all dog breeds.
- Adjustable dog ramp for sporting or working dogs.
- Safety release latch.
- No assembly is required.
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Easy to clean.
- Suitable for injured and old dogs.
#8) Snagle Paw Pet Dog Car Step Stairs
Although this is not a ramp, this review couldn’t be complete without the Snagle Paw Pet Dog Car Step Stairs. This dog staircase is not only lightweight but also very durable.
It provides your canine friend with an easy way to climb up on your boat or in the car. Its unique design is also easy to set up. Once set up, your dog will find it easy to walk up the stable, no-slip surface.
The plastic board on the steps is also non-skid, improving your dog’s stability. A rubber gripper at the bottom and a safety tether on top help enhance stability.
Although lightweight, the pet stair is strong enough to accommodate dogs weighing up to 100lbs. When not in use, the product folds down into a small and compact size that’s easy to transport and stow.
Key Features
- Lightweight and portable.
- Foldable into a small and compact size.
- Accommodates dogs weighing up to 100lbs.
- Stable anti-skid rubber feet.
- Non-slip plastic board inserts.
- Sturdy and durable.
- High and low angles.
- Suitable for all dog breeds.
- Easy setup.
- Easy to clean.
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Best Dog Boat Ramps Buying Guide & FAQs
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Dog Boat Ramps
There are different factors to consider before settling on a specific boat ramp for your dog. Here is a simple guide on the important factors you’ll need to consider before settling on a specific dog boat ramp.
Your Dog’s Size
The first thing to look at is the weight of your dog then compare it with the different boat ramps available. Dog boat ramps come in different sizes and each can carry only a specified weight.
Once you are fully aware of your dog’s size and weight, it becomes easier for you to narrow down your options. Go for an adjustable dog ramp so that you get to easily accommodate different dog sizes.
Safety Features
You’ll need to get a ramp with multiple safety features to ensure that your dog doesn’t end up getting hurt while using it. Some dog boat ramps feature side railings to prevent the dog from falling off the side while walking.
Make sure that all the edges are smooth to prevent injuries as the dog walks in and out of the water. Additionally, make sure the surfaces and non-skid prevent the dog from sliding especially when it is wet. Some ramps also feature non-skid rubber feet that keep the ramp stable when in use.
Read: Best Dog Life Jackets
Easy Installation, Portability and Storage
Chose a dog boat ramp that’s not just portable but also easy to set up. The ease of installation largely depends on the manufacturer. Some ramps are permanent while others are easy to pick out, use and fold back.
No one wants to get stuck with a boat up that’s difficult and time-consuming when it comes to setting it up. Most of the ramps we have reviewed have a foldable design that makes them easy to transport and stow. Such dog boat ramps are also lightweight and portable.
Waterproof Finish
A dog boat ramp must have a waterproof finish. This feature is important because it prevents rusting and corrosion. Look for ABS plastic or aluminum-made dog boat ramps. Such ramps are not just waterproof but also durable. They assure you of many years of use.
Read: Best Dog Cooling Pads
Versatility
Nobody hates a multi-purpose product. It becomes more beneficial to you and your dog if the ramp can be used for different applications. Having a ramp for pool use, boat use, car use, indoor use or a floating dog ramp seems problematic unless you have a versatile ramp that can be used in all those situations. Gauge the extent of your use and purchase the right ramp.
Durability
Dog ramps are made of different materials which have a direct impact on how long they can be used. The common materials used are metal and plastic or a combination of both.
With metal ramps, make sure that they are rustproof and corrosion-resistant. On the other hand, make sure that the plastic ramps are UV resistant, just to add to the general longevity of the product.
See Also: Best Dog Frisbees
Best Dog Boat Ramps FAQs
Q: What Size Do I Need?
This will depend on the size and weight of your dog. Dog boat ramps come in varying sizes to meet the needs of different dog owners. The best ramp should be more extensive than your dog and able to accommodate more weight than your dog’s weight.
Q: How Do I Install the Ramp on The Boat?
The installation procedure depends on the manufacturer’s instructions. Look at the installation manual and learn how the ramp should be installed.
Q: How Long Do Dog Boat Ramps Last?
The durability of any dog ramp depends on the materials used in making it. if you are using the ramp on water, make sure that it is waterproof with rustproof compounds to ensure many years of use.
Conclusion
Your dog deserves to be happy as you and taking him on a boating adventure is one of the ways to make him happy. Getting him one of the above best dog boat ramps means that he gets to easily access the boat without your help.
If you need a comfortable dog ramp with great functionality, any model on the review above will be of great benefit to you and your favorite canine friend. Help your four-legged friend get in and off your boat by investing in one of the above best dog boat ramps.