Dog Ladder review

[HavingFun]

In the past I have been reluctant to recommend the Paws Aboard dog ladder. I posted quite a few times on the SRO site that I had problems with the ladder and was looking for a replacement.

I have recently tried the newer model and can say that I do recommend it. It’s not perfect but nothing short of a permanent dog ladder bolted to the swim platform would be perfect. The new model uses a strong Velcro strap to hold the ladder in place. I also use the extension bar because of the wide ladder on my boat. Both of these options can be added to the older model. These options allow me to mount the ladder without getting in the water which is a bonus here in Michigan where the water can stay cold into the summer. The new ladder stays in place and works as promised.

I have 2 dogs and got the ladder when our puppy golden retriever turned into a 110 pound golden. You add 10 pounds of water and I got tired of hauling him out of the water. You can see him in action below.

 

[capt_jack]

where do you store it while under way?

 

[HavingFun]

where do you store it while under way?

It folds in half and does not take up much room when its on its side. We normally keep it on the floor by the back bench seat. Sometimes we keep it on the back seat to keep the dog off the seat.

Our dog changes when he's on the boat. He gets excited around the water and will retrive anything that goes in the water. On land we are lucky to get him to chase the ball more then one time.

 

[Shining]

Thanks for the info.
Where to buy and how much $ ?
edit: Got it!

 

[VTSeaRay]

Hey, I've got a semi-related question. We were thinking of taking my gf's Aussie out with us, but we were worried her claws(nails?) would rip up the seats. Is this not an issue?

The aussie gets all frantic when we leave her on shore. She's not into swimming, but will go out to her chest/shoulders and play in the water. She'll follow us along the shore if we let her.
So, we've been talking about bringing her on board with us.

What's everyone's experience with this?

-VtSeaRay

 

[capt_jack]

i had that question when i first thought about bringin my hounds. you wont have a problem with the nails, just cut them down and give file them so there not sharp and no issues...

 

[HavingFun]

i had that question when i first thought about bringin my hounds. you wont have a problem with the nails, just cut them down and give file them so there not sharp and no issues...

I agree that normally there is no problems. I got mad at the large dog last year and pulled him off the seat. He dug in the claws and made a few holes. I kick myself everytime I see them. I need to find a repair person.

 

[JYurgo]

How would I know if I'm buying the new one or old one? Is there a different model number? I had the old one and took it back because it sucked. I would like to give this new one a shot if you say it's that much better. Where did you get it?

 

[Daryl]

I have the same ladder. However if you mount it to the "human" ladder, then how do you get back on board? I am thinking about adding something to attach the dog ladder to my swim platform other than the ladder. Not sure what?

 

[HavingFun]

How would I know if I'm buying the new one or old one? Is there a different model number? I had the old one and took it back because it sucked. I would like to give this new one a shot if you say it's that much better. Where did you get it?

The new ones have Velcro to attach to the ladder. They sell the Velcro separately and inexpensively. Well worth it. The other improvement is a long piece to ride against the ladder. I think they sell this for $20 or you could use a piece of PVC to do the same thing. The other problem was the side pieces coming out. The new ones have a pin that holds it in place and a string that stops it from sinking when they came loose. You could add a pin or screw to do the same thing.

 

[HavingFun]

I have the same ladder. However if you mount it to the "human" ladder, then how do you get back on board? I am thinking about adding something to attach the dog ladder to my swim platform other than the ladder. Not sure what?

I would like to do that too. I thought about installing a 2nd ladder. I aslo thought about attaching a bar to one of the steps that would extend past the human ladder.

 

[avguy]

We've had the Paws-a-board for a couple of years now & have had the same issues as everyone else. This is how I fixed ours.
Three velcro straps purchased at West Marine $10. Dow rod from Lowes $5. Screwed the velcro straps on the dow rod with SS wood screws.

The original pins they sent were junk and lost on the first outing. They sent the newer replacement pins @ N/C but I bought these 3/8 SS hitch pins from Lowes for a buck a piece, drilled a 3/8 hole in the side pieces & ladder. They will not come out unless you pull them out.

Another problem was the styrofoam came unglued from the bottom. Fixed that with some 5200.

The only other issue I haven't found a solid fix for is there is a gap between the the top of the Paws-a-board & the swim platform. More than once the dogs legs have become trapped in there. I have a rubber door mat over the gap now but would like to find a better solution. Also note the rubber mats over the transom...great way to keep the dogs claws from scratching up the gelcoat. Btw...our dogs jump all over the seats & I've never had a problem with a torn or ripped seat.......yet. Scott

 

[HavingFun]

We've had the Paws-a-board for a couple of years now & have had the same issues as everyone else.

Thanks for the idea of the pin. Your dog setup looks the same as mine. A golden and a black lab mix or is that a yellow lab? Where did you get the mat for the swim platform? Does it leave black marks?

 

[avguy]

They are both pound puppies. The one in the water is our 95lb lab/mix Abby. The one on the ladder is a lab/collie mix. The guy in the picture looks a lot like me but I'm actually much more "buff" than that :grin:

You can get the mats just about anywhere....Walmart/Lowes etc. They are just thin rubber door mats. They don't mark the boat and really do a great job of protecting the gelcoat. When the paws-a-board comes out, they know it's time to swim & bolt to the swim platform anyway they can.

 

[HavingFun]

The guy in the picture looks a lot like me but I'm actually much more "buff" than that :grin:

When the paws-a-board comes out, they know it's time to swim & bolt to the swim platform anyway they can.

I was going to say that the guy in the picture looks like my body shape too. At least that is what I'm told. I know that I'm a lot trimmer.:grin:

I love to watch the dogs swim and fetch. They slip on the platform so that mat is a good idea.