Will My Dog Scratch The Gel Coat On The Boat?

[indianabasshunter]

I have a full grown German Shepard that loves to go fishing with me. Anytime the boat is getting hitched to the truck she won't leave my side. Up unitl recently she would go with me on nearly every trip but that was in an older aluminum boat. When she is in the boat she moves around the front deck more than i do and is usually near the edge of the boat. When a fish is hooked or she sees wildlife on the bank she has a tendancy to get very excited and will fall in occasionally because she gets too close to the edge...  

 

I recently purchased a glass boat and am afraid she will scratch the gel coat with her nails. Is this fear warranted? Do you have any experience with a similar situation?

 

Thanks,

 

Chris

[BassnChris]

I would think it's possible for the dog to scratch it...superficially.....I would think that it would buff out though..........I don't take my dog fishing with us anymore........he would like to come but its just easier for us to leave him at home.

 

Others with dogs will probably chime in shortly.

[A-Jay]

Congrats on the new boat Chris. 

 

As for the deck getting scratched up; the gel coat is a fairly hard but slippery surface, especially when wet. Your buddy may be looking for extra traction while on it, which usually includes the use of her nails a bit more.

 I guess I'd expect it to eventually look like any areas in & around your home the dog uses that have a similar hard (uncarpeted) surface.

 

A-Jay

[Fishes in trees]

Yeah, the dog will probably scratch the gel coat a little.  So what, gel coats can be buffed out.  I wouldn't worry about it much.  That boat is made to fish out of, not to worry about every little scratch you put on it.

[WIGuide]

I'd think it'd put some scratches in in. Maybe try keeping her on a leash attached to the pedestal so she can only get close to the edge but not up on it.

[bulldogfandan]

I'd think it'd put some scratches in in. Maybe try keeping her on a leash attached to the pedestal so she can only get close to the edge but not up on it.

Not trying to shoot down the idea at all, but I think this would put the dog in danger if the boat were to capsize, or for some wild reason you were to crash.

[tomustang]

Mans best friend vs some scratches?

What matters more to you?

[WIGuide]

Not trying to shoot down the idea at all, but I think this would put the dog in danger if the boat were to capsize, or for some wild reason you were to crash.

Wouldn't you and your dog already be in danger no matter the situation if you were to capsize or crash? On a side note, most fiberglass boats are filled with foam so they can't completely sink. They might be swamped and sit very close to the waters surface, but they shouldn't sink. Also, while fishing this would be a rather slow process. It's not like one second you will be fishing and the next second your boat is completely filled with water even if you left the plug out. When your driving no passenger should be on the deck. You could pull him down into the cockpit area and I doubt he'd move around much. If he did you could always put your foot on the leash.  

[Koofy Smacker]

Putting some scratches on the gelcoat of a bass boat would be the last thing I would worry about. If I had a pup that liked being on the boat she would be with me every time I go out. Much rather have her with me than stuck in the house all day. Thats what dogs are for.

 

Yes it will happen, might help to build a little ramp for your pup to get back in if she falls in

[J Francho]

Kids, dogs, and everything else are the reason we can't have nice things, lol.

Wax the top cap up pretty good, and be careful boarding and unboarding. The good thing is it's GSD, and they're smart. You should be able to train him to stay off the edge. They don't like the slippery surface either. But, it's always a risk.

[Tim Kelly]

You could put some of that protective film on the edge if it makes you happier.