A ramp that's situated at the water's edge provides easy access to and from your Wave Runner. Manufactured ramps are made using a combination of aluminum and other materials and most weight in excess of 1,000 lbs. This prompts many to leave the ramp at water's edge year round, rather than hauling it to high ground. Foul weather can dislodge the heaviest ramps and strongest anchors. Lightweight ramps offer the same conveniences and are easily carted to storage in the off-season. Building a Wave Runner ramp is done using PVC pipe, Styrofoam blocks and stainless steel hardware. Basic hand tools and a clear working area complete the list of requirements.
Step 1
Measure the width between the centers of the padded supports on a Wave Runner trailer. If a trailer is not available, measure the distance from the center line of the hull to midway on each side of the hull and double this dimension. Make a three-sided frame for the ramp using 2-inch PVC pipe and 2-inch PVC elbows. The end piece of the frame is equal to the hull dimension and the length is 12 feet. Cut the pieces of pipe with a hacksaw and use PVC primer and cement to attach the elbows to the sides and end piece.
Step 2
Use an electric drill with a 3/16-inch drill bit and drill holes in the PVC pipe sections. The holes should be 12 inches apart and fully penetrate the pipe. These will be used for bolts that attach the Sytrofoam floats at the underside of the frame. Use a handsaw and cut three pieces of 8-inch thick and 12-inch wide Styrofoam that fit under the front and sides of the PVC frame.
Step 3
Lay the foam pieces in a rectangular configuration with the 12-inch-wide area on top and bottom to make an 8-inch thick float. Center the PVC frame on the Styrofoam pieces and use a mallet to drive 3/16-inch carriage bolts into each of the drilled holes and fully penetrate the Styrofoam.
Step 4
Turn the ramp over and put 6-inch diameter stainless steel plate washers with 1/4-inch holes on the ends of each carriage bolt. Thread nylon lock nuts on each bolt and tighten the nuts with a socket and ratchet. Turn the Wave Runner ramp over and drill a 1/2-inch hole in the middle of the PVC cross piece at the front of the ramp. Attach a length of 3/8-inch anchor line to the ramp and use a ground stake or nearby pole to maintain the ramp at water's edge.
Tips and Warnings
- Pad the top of the PVC frame with indoor-outdoor carpet. Attach the carpet with waterproof adhesive. Shape the Styrofoam so the back of the ramp resides at water level. Attach additional anchor lines at the sides of the frame if needed.
Things You'll Need
- 2-inch PVC pipe
- 2-inch PVC elbows
- Hacksaw
- PVC primer and cement
- Electric drill
- 3/16-inch drill bit
- 8-inch-by-12-inch Styrofoam
- Handsaw
- 3/16-inch-by-12-inch stainless steel carriage bolts with nylon lock nuts
- Mallet
- 6-inch diameter stainless steel plate washers with 1/4-inch center hole
- Socket and ratchet
- 1/2-inch drill bit
- 3/8-inch anchor line
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