How to Build a Dog Ramp on a Pontoon Boat

There are several ways to build a DIY dog ramp for pontoon boats. Here, I’ll share the best four ideas you can use to make a stable and long-lasting ramp for your dog. 

#1. DIY Dock and Boat Ramp with Floor Mats

This dog ramp is quite easy to make and can be used on various types of boats and docks. You’ll need these things to make this boat or dock ramp:

• Two thick pool noodles and three thin pool noodles 
• Two rubber anti-wear floor mats, 3 feet by 2 feet and 3 feet by 3 feet
• Two large-sized carabiners
• Zip ties
• A 6 feet rope

Once you gather the required items, follow these steps to make a ramp for your dog:

Step 1: Cut the Pool Noodles

Cut one thin and two thick water noodles in half using a handsaw or a bread knife. Leave the two other thin noodles in full size, as you’ll need them to strengthen the ramp. 

Step 2: Align the Mats on the Floor

Put the rubber mats down facing up to attach the noodles. 

You want to ensure that the rough side of the mat is on top when the ramp is complete for better grip as the dog ascends. 

Step 3: Join the Two Mats Together

Use eight zip ties to connect the two mats along their length. Fasten then zip ties the best way possible to ensure that the mats are securely attached. 

Ideally, use two zip ties on each side, two in the middle and one between the center, for a perfect mount. 

Once you connect the two pieces, you should have a big mat of about 3 feet by 5 feet. Then trim the zip ties with a pair of scissors or even a sharp knife. 

Step 4: Attach the Uncut Water Noodles to the Rubber Mat

Mount the uncut thin noodles to the mat along the mat’s length using zip ties. About six zip ties should be enough to attach each noodle from one end to the other. 

The two pool noodles will strengthen the ramp and prevent it from flipping under the upper half as the dog climbs. 

Step 5: Mount the 4 Halves of Thick Pool Noodles between the Side Ones 

Use more zip ties to mount the thick noodles vertically between the side noodles. Be sure to space them evenly towards the top side for extra stability. 

Then mount the remaining thin noodles on the lower end of the ramp. 

Step 6: Measure Your Boat Ladder Width

The next thing you want to do is measure your boat ladder width to know how much you need to cut off from the pet ramp.

Then trim your ramp based on the measurements you get to ensure that it fits between the ladder’s rails. 

Step 7: Attach the Carabiners 

 If you have made it to this point, your dog ramp is ready for installation on the boat, and there are two ways to attach it to the boat ladder. 

The first option involves weaving a rope through the rubber matting holes and connecting to the carabiners. 

The next method involves attaching the carabiners directly to the mat. I prefer the first method as it will hold longer and keep the pet ramp in place. 

The second option is much easier and faster, but it results in a weak ramp that moves in and out of place. The rubber drainage mat could also wear off quicker than it would when you weave a rope. 

So, I highly recommend that you weave a rope through the mat’s hole and attach the carabiners to it. This way, you’ll make a durable and safe ramp for your Fido.

#2. Build a Portable Folding Ramp 

Are you looking for an easy way to build a portable and flexible ramp for your dog? A folding ramp is an excellent idea for different types of dogs. 

If you have a big pup that loves the water, a large dog boat ladder with adequate buoyancy is all they need for a perfect swimming experience. 

To make a dog ladder that can be used on both boats and docks, you’ll need a simple ladder of about 6ft by 18 inches. 

Then cover the interior part of the ladder with plywood to prevent the dog from sliding or falling over as it climbs. 

To improve traction, you can add an outdoor carpet on the outer part of the dock or boat ladder or ramp where the dog will be stepping on when climbing. 

Then add some buoyancy underneath the lower part of the dog ladder to float well for the dog to climb effortlessly. 

There are many floatation devices you can use on a dog ladder, including gas cans or thick pool noodles. 

Gas cans work better than pool noodles as you can easily adjust the floatation by adding water to each of them. 

If the ladder floats too high for your pup to climb safely, you can add some water on the lower can. Then adjust if necessary to ensure that it’s not overly sloped for your pup to climb safely. 

#3. Make a Dog Ramp with an Old Ladder and Plywood

Our third idea isn’t complicated as there is really not much work involved. If you have an old ladder, you’ll just need to trim it to achieve the desired length and buy some plywood. 

Then use the plywood to cover the gaps between the ladder steps. You’ll get a simple ramp that is portable and very handy for your dog to get into the water and climb back to the boat with ease. 

What’s more exciting about this type of ramp is that it’s very flexible. When you don’t plan to bring your dog on board, you can simply slide the ramp onto your boat’s deck for storage until the next trip. 

It’s super easy and inexpensive to make, especially if you already have the ladder. The plywood will be very cheap and available in nearby lumber or furniture stores. 

#4. Build an Old Kid’s Slide with Rubber Mats

To build an old kid’s slide with rubber matting, place two or three small rubber mats face up and join them with zip ties. 

Then cut the noodles with a hand saw, box cutter or even a bread knife to achieve the desired sizes and attach them to the mat with zip ties. 

You can mix thick and skinny pool noodle pieces just as in the first idea to ensure that the dog boat ramp doesn’t float too high on the water. 

But it should have adequate buoyancy so that it doesn’t go too steep for the dog to climb safely. 

Ideally, the top half should have more buoyancy than the bottom half to achieve a perfect floating platform that’s not too steep or too high for the dog to reach when swimming. 

This DIY dog ramp idea also works great if you already have some cheap dog pool ramp or ladder as you’ll use the rubber matting as an extension that floats on the water. 

Another advantage of using mats to build a dog water ramp is that the units easily attach to the boat frame or pool ladder. You can use a rope or carabiners to hang the lightweight dog ramps. 

In general, dog boat ramps made of rubber matting and water noodles are a simple yet effective way for dogs to get out of the water.

The walking surface on rubber mat dog ramps isn’t usually firm unless you build a stable frame with wood or aircraft aluminum.

Nonetheless, it works really well if a big dog jumps directly into the water and uses the ramp as a ladder to get back on the boat rather than trying to slide through it.