As dog owners, we take our pets everywhere with us. If you have been dying to get your pup out on your boat with you but can’t figure out how to safely get him there, a dog ramp can help.

Though difficult to find, the right ramp will make getting your pup in and out of the water a breeze. The key is finding a durable ramp that gives your dog the traction to feel confident using it.

We have found the 11 best dog ramps for boats today and are excited to share our findings with you. Keep reading to find our thorough reviews on the different ramps so you can make an informed decision before buying one for your boat.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

The 11 Best Dog Ramps for Boats

1. Drifter Marine Dog Boarding Boat Ladder – Best Overall

If you are looking for the best overall dog ramp for boats, Drifter Marine Dog Boarding Boat Ladder has the answer. This ramp has a strong and stable anodized aluminum material that can withstand dogs up to 125 pounds. This material is also corrosion-resistant, so it will not become rusty after being used a few times.

The simple-to-use ladder hooks are adjustable so you can find the exact right fit for your dog and your boat. The hooks are also outfitted with rubber guards, so you don’t need to worry about scratching the finish on the side of your boat.

The ramp platform is outfitted with sturdy mesh netting that allows your dog to enter and exit your boat safely. The netting also allows water to flow through it to keep the ramp submerged, even if the water is wavy.

When not in use, the ladder arms and platform fold down, making it simple to store in a storage compartment right on your boat.

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2. COZIWOW Dog Ramp – Best Value

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a sturdy and reliable ramp. This option from the COZIWOW Dog Ramp is the best dog ramp for boats for the money and is still a high-quality product.

This simple-to-use and store ramp is made from a strong plastic material so that it won’t rust over time. The ramp has an anti-slip waterproof sandpaper coating for traction. Your dog won’t want to use the ramp again if he slips down it, so the sandpaper material will help keep him on his feet. The ramp features raised side rails for additional protection. This ramp is a great tool for getting your pup in and out of your vehicle.

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3. Harbor Mate Aluminum Pontoon Boat Ramp – Premium Choice

If you’re searching for the best ramp for pontoon boats and money is no object, this Harbor Mate Aluminum Pontoon Boat Ramp could be exactly what you’re looking for. These heavy-duty ramps can hold up to 600 pounds, making them great for use beyond a ramp for your pup. Use them to load and unload equipment and coolers and as a ramp for yourself and your children.

The ramps are made with a lightweight and rust-proof aluminum material. Its low-profile design makes it easy to store under the deck of your boat.

The surface of the ramp is covered in a high-traction grit material to ensure your dog won’t slide down the ramp. They come with all the hardware necessary to mount it to your boat.

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4. Pet Loader H2O

The Pet Loader H2O is a versatile ramp for both boat and pool use. Its low angle of ascent and descent will help your dog feel more confident as they enter and exit the water. The simple design is very intuitive, so most dogs learn how to use them right away.

The stairs feature rubber matting, providing the traction your dog needs to get in and out of the water safely. The ramps come in two sizes—regular and extra-large—so you can choose the best size for your pup.

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5. Great Day Load-A-Pup

The Great Day Load-A-Pup ramp hooks up easily to the boarding ladder of your boat to give your dog simple access in and out of the water. It’s made with lightweight and aircraft-grade aluminum and has grippy ridges to give your pup solid footing while climbing on the platform. The ramp weighs 8 pounds, making it easy to tote around.

This ramp will fit most boats with boarding ladders. The manufacturer sells adapter kits if you fall in love with this ramp and know it won’t fit right on your boat.

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6. Pet Gear Travel Lite Ramp

PetGear’s Travel Lite ramp is a versatile product that gives your pup access to both your boat and vehicle. The ramps’ surface is very soft to protect your dog’s paws as well as your boat’s and vehicle’s interior. The surface is simple to take off if you need to clean it. The grip is pressure-activated to allow your dog’s paws to grip into the mat instead of just sinking into it as he walks on it. This will give him the confidence to enter and exit your boat.

The ramp folds down for storage and even has a built-in handle, so transporting it is a breeze.

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7. PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp

The PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp is another versatile option that can be used both indoors and outdoors. The non-slip grip is universal in style, allowing it to fit all vehicles and surfaces like boats or pool decks.

The ramp is made from strong composite plastic materials to expand the product’s lifespan and provide a higher weight capacity. With a 500-pound capacity, you can use the ramp to load almost anything into your boat and vehicle.

The surface of the ramp has a non-slip rubberized feel that your dog will find both comfortable and grippy in all types of weather.

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8. Alpha Paw Dog Ramp

The Alpha Paw Dog Ramp is designed for cars, but its heavy-duty and lightweight construction makes it great for boat ramps. The ramp weighs less than 10 pounds, so it’s easier to carry than other ramps. Though it doesn’t have a carrying handle, its raised sides work as a great place to grip as you’re carrying it.

The skid-resistant and non-slip surfaces have just the right amount of traction to give your pup the security he needs to use the ramp. The aforementioned raised sides add another safety element to protect your pup from stepping off the ramp mid-climb.

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9. Avery Dog Ramp

The Avery Dog Ramp is made specifically for sporting dogs. It attaches easily to the gunnels or rails. The ramp is 24 inches long and has grip steps for traction. When not in use, this product folds to a convenient 14 inches, so it doesn’t have a big footprint wherever you store it. The ramp is very lightweight, weighing only 6.5 pounds, so traveling with it is a breeze.

The manufacturer does not provide information about the weight capacity of this ramp. If you have a larger dog, you may need to check in with them to ensure it can hold their weight.

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10. Solstice Inflatable Pup Plank Pet Ramp

The Solstice Inflatable Pup Plank Pet Ramp is the most portable option on our list. It only takes a few moments to inflate when it’s time to use it and deflate and fold when you’re done on your boat. It will fit back into the included storage bag, too.

The ramp has a drop-stitch construction that provides a stable climbing pad when it’s inflated. The EVA traction pad is comfortable and will safely accommodate paws and claws. The weighted mesh will sink below water level to give your dog an easy exit and entry point. The ramp inflates to around five inches for optimal stability and buoyancy.

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11. Beavertail Aluminum Folding Dog Ladder

The Beavertail Aluminum Folding Dog Ladder is designed for use in Beavertail boats or other low-profile aluminum boats. This strong ladder is adjustable, so finding a comfortable entry and exit point for your dog is simple. You can also adjust the rubber arms to fit the side of your boat. The adjustability of the arms also makes it possible to avoid scratches and noises. It’s made with aluminum and stainless steel for durability and longevity.

Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Dog Ramps for Boats

Finding the perfect dog ramp for your boat isn’t cut and dry. You need to do some research before buying a ramp to ensure that it not only fits your boat but also suits the needs of your pup. Here are some important considerations to consider before you pull out your credit card.

Ease of Use & Portability

Portability and ease of use go hand-in-hand when we’re talking about dog ramps. If it is not portable, it won’t be easy to use. The ramp should have some type of carrying handle, storage case, or grip on it so you can easily carry it to and from your boat.

You should also consider how the ramp works. How much effort are you willing to put into setting up your ramp?

Do you need to unfold it to use it? How do the folding mechanisms work? Will they be easy to maneuver? Do you need to inflate it before using it? Will you always have a pump on hand to inflate it?

Learn the ins and outs of using the ramp you’re considering before you buy it. If it’s too cumbersome to travel with and set up, you might not want to use it after all.

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Stability & Traction

Your dog will not want to use any ramp that he doesn’t feel safe on. He might flat-out refuse to try and learn how to climb up and down it if it’s not stable. The best dog ramp for boats will have a wide pad that won’t wobble as he’s traveling up or down it.

The climbing surface should have some type of grip on it to ensure your dog’s paws won’t slide while using it. If the surface doesn’t provide the right amount of traction, your dog could slip and even injure his joints or muscles.

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Size & Adjustability

The size of the ramp will determine how easy it is for you and your dog to use. One that’s too long might be cumbersome for you to travel with. One that’s too short may be too difficult for your dog to use.

The width of the climbing surface is something to consider, as well. If it’s too narrow, it won’t accommodate larger dogs or could make them fearful of climbing up it.

Adjustability is another factor to take into account. How adjustable is the length of the ramp, if at all? How does it secure to your boat? Is it adjustable enough to be universal for most boats? Make sure you’re reading the measurements of each ramp and comparing them to your boat to ensure a secure fit.

Why Do I Need a Dog Ramp for My Boat?

A dog ramp is a helpful tool for folks who do a lot of boating with their pups. It is an easy way for your pup to get on and off your boat.

Ramps can help ensure your pup avoids hip and joint injuries from trying to get into the boat. They are also a great tool for dogs who love to be in the water but have mobility issues or are too afraid to jump.

A dog boat ramp is also beneficial for you, the owner. Big dog breeds can be almost impossible to lift on dry land. Imagine trying to lift a big, soaking-wet dog back into your boat or onto a dock. A ramp will save your back.

How Can I Maintain My Dog Ramp?

Maintenance is not only key for expanding the lifespan of your ramp, but it’s also necessary to ensure continued safety for your dog. How you ultimately maintain the ramp will depend upon which one you purchase. There are some steps you can take regardless of what style ramp you’ve decided on.

Pet-friendly detergents and cleaning agents are best to wash off any dirt or bacteria that may have collected onto the ramp from the water. If the ramp has a tread pattern on it, you can use a cleaner and a stiff brush to get any dirt or debris off. A pressure washer is a great tool to keep your ramp looking spic and span, too.

If you choose an inflatable style, inspect it thoroughly for holes before taking it to the lake.

Conclusion

The Drifter Marine ramp took our Best Overall spot because of its durable construction and adjustability. The COZIWOW ramp took the Best Value award due to its affordable price, high level of traction, and versatility. The aluminum ramps from Harbor Mate are the Premium Choice if money is no object. This ramp is great for a multitude of uses and stores right under your boat for ease of use.

We hope that reading our reviews has made the decision-making process easier for you. You’ll be enjoying your day with your dog on your boat in no time!

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Featured Image Credit: Ilya Gromak, Shutterstock