We invented our ramp -- an 8 ft long, wrapped in carpet; the same carpet we use throughout the boat. The ramp rests to port, in front of the setee on the floor, when not in use, and we barely notice it.
When the dog wants to leave the boat, we tell her to go into the little space under the V-berth. We then place a small round wicker seat (about 1,5 ft tall) in front of her.
Then we take the ramp and set one end onto this seat and the other end on top of the companionway ladder. She then jumps first on the seat and then onto the ramp. If we woudn't use the seat, the incline would be a little bit too much for her. When she is on the ramp, we definately need to hold onto the ramp firmly, so that it doesn't slide away from the step.
When entering the boat, as seen in the photo below, we keep a little water spray bottle in the cockpit and spray her front feet with water, so that she doesn't slide down the ramp. Trimming excessive fur between the paws works too.
Sometimes she comes down the ramp, stops midway and starts observing what's on the table! What a great view from up there!:-)
