We have a 1984 Catalina 30 with a fairly steep companionway ladder (3' or so) and an older dog in the 35-45# range. She can climb the ladder to exit the cabin, but chooses to jump down into the cabin from the cockpit. The cabin sole is slick, and she has to jump at an angle because the galley peninsula is directly in front of the companionway so she usually does not make a graceful landing.
I'm thinking of some kind of platform with a rug scrap on it that can sit between the middle step of the ladder and the settee edge so she has a middle ground to land on. I tried holding one of the hatch boards in this manner, but it is narrow and smooth and the dog will jump to avoid it as well. I'd like something that does not prevent us from existing or entering so we could leave it up and let her come and go about the boat as she likes.
How do other owners handle this? She does not like to be lifted down (plus we're getting too old for that) but we're afraid she is going to get hurt one day.
I'm thinking of some kind of platform with a rug scrap on it that can sit between the middle step of the ladder and the settee edge so she has a middle ground to land on. I tried holding one of the hatch boards in this manner, but it is narrow and smooth and the dog will jump to avoid it as well. I'd like something that does not prevent us from existing or entering so we could leave it up and let her come and go about the boat as she likes.
How do other owners handle this? She does not like to be lifted down (plus we're getting too old for that) but we're afraid she is going to get hurt one day.