A good boat boarding ramp should be able to help you overcome one of the biggest problems in boating; how to get from the dock to the boat while carrying supplies, fish gear, carrying ice and a squirming two year old without turning into a pretzel or landing in the water. There are virtually boat ramps for all sizes and types of boats ranging from 18’ to 100’ plus. Since it is a very critical piece of equipment that you won’t be buying frequently, it is imperative that you purchase the correct ramp when you are out shopping for one since you are bound to have the boat ramp for a long time to come.

Here are certain key factors that you need to take into consideration when purchasing boat boarding ramps:

One of the first key things you need to confirm is whether the ramp you want to buy is meant for marine environment and whether it is the right size for your boat. Some ramps are usually best suited for land use and will not perform as well in either fresh or salty water. The best advice is to get one from a marine boat ramp manufacture  rather than just buying one from any store that purports to stock some.

 Once you have identified an appropriate ramp of the correct size, you need to check on the skid pads. Because ramps are bound to stand on uneven, rough, wet or even slippery grounds it is very important to have skid pads attached beneath them. Apart from ensuring that the ramp is stable and does not skid, it will also prevent the ramp from getting damaged when it comes into direct contact with the surface on the dock.

It is also important to get a boat ramp that has a mounting system that helps you secure the ramp to the boat or dock safely and appropriately. It is also imperative to get a ramp that has some wheel options if you feel that you need them.

For additional convenience and if the budget does allow for it, getting a ramp that has full length removable handrails is advisable. The handrail system allows your boat ramp to be used by people who need to get some support as they get in or out of the boat without a lot of assistance if any at all.

It is also important to keep in mind the kind of boat and dock you will be using before choosing an appropriate ramp. There are ramps that are specifically meant to be cantilevered while there are those that are meant to be supported at both ends either by a mounting system or to have it resting on a surface being supported by a trapeze like arrangement which can support the weight of the ramp and that of the people on the ramp.

Being fully aware that it is almost impossible to get a boat ramp that will fit all situations that are dependent on the changing tidal conditions and docking situations, it is important to get a ramp that can be mounted in different locations and in different ways. There are currently some boat boarding ramps that use the latest technology to ensure that your ramp is versatile, coming with a variety of fixtures and length additions which make it easily adaptable to a variety of situations. Lastly design. You should always remember that the ramp forms part and parcel of your boat and the quality of the ramp.

Things to keep in mind when determining what size boarding ramp you will need.

         •What is the average tidal change and/or vessel to dock/pier height deference at the location you

             will be using the ramp the most?

         •How long a distance will you have to span?

         •How long of a ramp do you need to accommodate the height change and span distance and still keep

             the ramp incline angle safe to walk? (We recommend that you keep the walk incline angle to

            20 degrees or less). A ramp incline of 6:1 ratio (6" of ramp length to each 1" of rise or fall) which

            is about 9.6° would be great. A 3:1 ratio (3" of ramp length to each 1" of height deference) would

            be about 19.5°. (Maximum incline should not exceed 45 degrees)

           •How wide should the ramp be? For foot traffic only.. a 2' wide ramp is great. For a wheelchair you

             need a 33" wide ramp. For dock carts, you may need to go to a 48" wide ramp.

         •How much weight will the ramp have to support?

        •Do you want handrails? (Most of our customers use handrails on the upper section(s)

            of the ramps that are 8' and longer).

 

 

 

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