Just bought a Beneteau First 38 and am hoping that our two Weimeraners will acclimate to life on the water. This will be a new experience for us all! A big question that we have is how do we get two big dogs down into the cabin? The best idea I've come up with is a ramp from the cockpit to the galley counter and then they should be able to jump onto the settee. It will need to be non slick, probably carpet. Anyone have any advice, experiences, successes?
Getting dogs into the cabin
- Thread starter twdevore
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Our Large Munsterlander joins us on occasion on our First 367. I'd forget the ramp and just spend some time to coax them down. They hesitate for sure, but after one or two times they become champs at it. Going out, no problem. They do worry about sliding, so anything there helps. A ramp would be a huge pain, and dos not solve the problem, just hides it.
One issue our dog has is the huge lip at the bottom of the 367 companionway, which makes for a very awkward first step down for a dog. For a while we put something for her to step on in the cockpit so it was easier. Later she didn't need the help.
One issue our dog has is the huge lip at the bottom of the 367 companionway, which makes for a very awkward first step down for a dog. For a while we put something for her to step on in the cockpit so it was easier. Later she didn't need the help.
Cool dog, never heard of them. The companionway is so steep with 4 stairs I'm thinking it's not going to work well. One of the "pups" is 10 and it's almost time for bifocals...maybe a winch from the boom. (kidding)
I hear you, the 367 is the same way. I agree it takes a certain amount of esprit on the part of the dog to pull it off.
But back to your boom idea... ;^) I know several people that put life jackets on their dogs, not for the flotation, but for the HANDLE on the back.. Good for an assist. Something like that might help.
How much do these dogs weigh? You'll find your settees dying rapidly if they keep jumping onto them. A friend with a large dog just dropped carpet on the stairs and his large dog learned quickly. Ron's front hatch idea is a very good one, most folks forget about that one.
One is 90 lbs and the other is 70...the big boy wouldn't fit through the hatch. I agree about the settees. I'd have to put something over them. It will be an adventure for us all I think.
We have a 12 yr old Golden Retriever who's been sailing since she was a pup. Her first experience was on our B361 where she would start on the top step then just jump down the rest of the way. It really wasn't that far of a jump. To get her out I'd hold her back legs and she'd just walk up. Worked well for her, but the view for me wasn't the best. LOL When we traded up to a B43 the steps were too high and she was getting too old to just jump down. We purchased a collapsable ramp (from Pet Smart I think). We also bought a small folding step stool and some no skid material. The kind you place under your dishes to keep them sliding around. We place the no skid on the second step, fully extend the ramp with one end on the no skid and the other on the step stool. She shoots right on down. Getting her back up is usually a no brainer with her just running up it. It helps to leave her nails long enough to provide traction. We also use the ramp to get her on and off the boat from our open transom/swim platform. When we're under way we stow the ramp in the locker. Sorry but no pictures to share.
Mike
Mike
I built a ramp for my First 38. About 12"x42" painted with a non-skid rubberized paint. I also added some rubber feet to the lower end to keep it from sliding around on the counter, and it needed a bit of a wedge under the upper starboard end to make up for the angle from the stair that it sits on. My Border Collie took right to it (50lbs) but my 100 pound mix refuses to even get on the boat, so we leave the dogs at home when we sail 
The companionway stairs are so steep, the ramp seems the best idea. Non slip paint is a good idea, better than carpet. Sad to sail alone. We're hoping to do some weekends.
With my current dog, I can carry her 45 pounds up and down the companionway. But I have had a Weimaraner years ago, and no way could I do that for his 90+ pounds. Also, he was not much of a water dog; in fact he really did not like to swim. How about your dogs?
They do like the water. DFD's will be a necessity! The 90lb has some long legs and is a bit top heavy so I'll be watching him closely.
We have a hundred pound rott/shep mix. He learned to use the existing steps with about 3 coaxings. He is now 12, geriatric and I have to assist him up. I assist him down in a controlled fall as I am afraid he will hurt himself. Dogs are intelligent and flexible. I would not waste the time or money on a ramp.
We use the technique described by JackDaw. We got a doggie lifevest from West Marine and have mooring line attached to the handle. Easy to pull our 75 pound golden up the stairs when he goes down below. Mostly, we use when he goes swimming and it makes it easier to bring him back on board up on the swim platform.
Cymeyer, On the mooring line. Is a piece of line you just leave attached to the vest and of so how long works? Thanks
Goodwinds
DaveM
Goodwinds
DaveM
DaveM
I have an old jib sheet that we use. Quite long. We use so when Gus goes swimming, we can easily pull him in. He loves to dive in but likes to wait for calmer winds or when we come about. The line makes it really easy to pull him up on the swim platform on the back. We like him on a line too in case a stink boat gets too close and we have to yank him in!
I have an old jib sheet that we use. Quite long. We use so when Gus goes swimming, we can easily pull him in. He loves to dive in but likes to wait for calmer winds or when we come about. The line makes it really easy to pull him up on the swim platform on the back. We like him on a line too in case a stink boat gets too close and we have to yank him in!
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