Ladder to Swim Platform

[SereneWarrior]

Looking for an easy way to get our Labrador Retriever down to the swim platform/dinghy on our 1970 53 MY. We currently have a vertical S/S ladder that runs from the fantail down to the swim platform on the starboard side. One solution would be to replace that ladder with a small platform/transverse ladder from the fantail starboard leading down to the swim platform port side, such that the dog could simply walk down. Has anybody done this mod before? If so, do you have any photos, plans or other info on how to go about it. Not looking to re-invent the wheel here, but tired of slinging the dog down to the dinghy using the davit! Thanks in advance!

 

[SKYCHENEY]

We have the same problem. The dog weighs about 100# and he doesn't really care for the davit and sling.

 

[TopHattandTails]

There's a couple of pics on the forum with a Series I 53, that has a circular stair case on the stbd side of the aft salon to the stbd / mid area of the platform. Might be something to research. That's one of cons of a MY. Getting our 150lb great dane up to the bridge or the platform would be nice...

 

[SeaWhisper]

Looking for an easy way to get our Labrador Retriever down to the swim platform/dinghy on our 1970 53 MY. We currently have a vertical S/S ladder that runs from the fantail down to the swim platform on the starboard side. One solution would be to replace that ladder with a small platform/transverse ladder from the fantail starboard leading down to the swim platform port side, such that the dog could simply walk down. Has anybody done this mod before? If so, do you have any photos, plans or other info on how to go about it. Not looking to re-invent the wheel here, but tired of slinging the dog down to the dinghy using the davit! Thanks in advance!

I have the same problem... 53' MY and a 75lb lab... and she does not like going head first into my arms while I'm standing on the swim deck.... If you figure anything out, please post... How about those fake 3 x 5 grass plots.... do they work? I really don't like the idea of fake grass, but I need to figure something out.. Our lab bathroom breaks, well let's say you can set you clock by her. I don't feel like taking a swim at 6:00 am in the morning with dog... While at the dock... she does great with the marquit ladder.


Mike

 

[GJH]

For the dog who has everything...

http://www.marquipt.com/products/31.html

Marquipt also makes spiral stairs, I have seen old Hatts with that set up (you'd want to make sure the dog would use them first!) and with the side to side straight stairway. We considered it when we were shopping, but if you don't extend the swim platform, you lose a lot of space on it. Five years later, it's not even on The List anymore.

We gave our dog to one of the kids when we went cruising, and ours was a little 13 pound terrier. Everyone we know with dogs on board ended up having their agenda set by the dog, including where they could anchor. Many's the time we'd look out the window on a miserable day and see some poor slave in the dinghy motoring the pooch to shore.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

You just need one of these that is about 20' long:

http://www.doggydocks.com/

 

[bobk]

There was a 48 series I on Kent Island that had a doggie stair. Perhaps Eric has a picture.

Bobk

 

[Seabrooke]

Looking for an easy way to get our Labrador Retriever down to the swim platform/dinghy on our 1970 53 MY. We currently have a vertical S/S ladder that runs from the fantail down to the swim platform on the starboard side. One solution would be to replace that ladder with a small platform/transverse ladder from the fantail starboard leading down to the swim platform port side, such that the dog could simply walk down. Has anybody done this mod before? If so, do you have any photos, plans or other info on how to go about it. Not looking to re-invent the wheel here, but tired of slinging the dog down to the dinghy using the davit! Thanks in advance!

This might be what you're looking for. It's on a 53 classic that is currently for sale online

 

[johnw]

Here is another solution on the back of a Viking 63

 

[bigbill]

i trained our boston terriers to poop on the bow, we just walk up when we see it and pick it up with a paper towel. might be tough with a big dog, but it does work for us. they love going on the boat, and we love having them. we have to spell B O A T unless we are taking them, they get so excited

 

[Walter P]

Sky, Great picture of your "best friend".........

Walt

 

[SereneWarrior]

Thanks, everybody, for all the great ideas, photos, etc. This will get the juices flowing and help find the right solution. As always, this forum is terrific. I thank you...and our 65 lb black lab thanks you!

 

[SeaEric]

Here is a photo of forum member rblase's 48 MY.

 

[labrador]

George, am I that poor soul taking Blue out at 6am on a bad morning? Worst I ever had was after Irene when the skeeters hatched at 10pm. Got the SH$% bit out of me. Even the dog wanted back on the boat!!!!

 

[GJH]

You're one of them Skip, but I've seen worse. For instance someone with an Akita and a lab(!) in 20kn winds and rain, where the only dry land close by was a mud flat in a Low Country marsh. Of course, the dogs wanted to play in the mud and the lab rolled in it.

 

[Plan B2]

I am considering a similar modification that is show in the photo of My Way II for a 53 Classic MY.

I've sent a PM to 'rblase' regarding his extended swim platform and stair. I looks like it is about 36" long, but it might be more.
It would be great to know how long it actualy is, where it was fabricated, and a source and estimated cost of the stair.

I have found a couple of sources for the swim platform and actually have a good estimate for that portion of the project. I could use some additional info regarding a qulaity faabricator for a spiral stair.

 

[Sailor John]

A great question!
We haven't figured it all out, but this year we got Tripper from the dock up to the aft deck. (his first time on the big boat!) We just used a pet ramp that we bought at Pet Smart. He had to get used to it, so we used it first at the back of our 4x4. It was a little lower to the ground and so not as steep for him to start with. When he was ready, the pet ramp to the aft deck from the dock worked like a charm. We use great care and caution with him on it.
Now to be sure, the swim platform is lower than the dock, so we still have some noodlin' to do re that.
Sailor John
In this picture, Tripper is on the bridge.

 

[bobk]

I am considering a similar modification that is show in the photo of My Way II for a 53 Classic MY.

I've sent a PM to 'rblase' regarding his extended swim platform and stair. I looks like it is about 36" long, but it might be more.
It would be great to know how long it actualy is, where it was fabricated, and a source and estimated cost of the stair.

I have found a couple of sources for the swim platform and actually have a good estimate for that portion of the project. I could use some additional info regarding a qulaity faabricator for a spiral stair.

Instead of getting a deeper platform, you might be able to remount the existing one to move it away from the boat by a few inches. That worked well on my trawler. The gap was no issue and I simply filled in the space behind the spray rail with a couple of teak blocks. In this case, just paint them to match.

Bobk

 

[JimmyB]

Big Bill:
You told me once your dogs could spell.
Whats up with that?
Jimmy

 

[SeaEric]

I am considering a similar modification that is show in the photo of My Way II for a 53 Classic MY.

I've sent a PM to 'rblase' regarding his extended swim platform and stair. I looks like it is about 36" long, but it might be more.
It would be great to know how long it actualy is, where it was fabricated, and a source and estimated cost of the stair.

I have found a couple of sources for the swim platform and actually have a good estimate for that portion of the project. I could use some additional info regarding a qulaity faabricator for a spiral stair.

rblase owns that boat now, but he did not install that platform and ladder. It was that way when he bought it. The photo I posted on another recent thread of the 54 MY with the same setup is the same owner that did it on both boats. Unfortunately he doesn't own that one anymore either. Sorry.