WaterDog Adventure Gear WAG Boarding Steps LM-6 User manual

WAG Boarding Steps™
Model LM-6 / Model LM-6H
Owner's Manual
Read this manual completely and follow instructions prior to use.
U.S. Patent No. 9,815,529

Welcome to the WaterDog Adventure Gear™ family and thank you for your purchase!
As excited as you and your dog are to begin using your WAG Boarding Steps, there are a few important actions to take
prior to use and for safe and enjoyable ongoing ownership.
Improper use may cause injury and/or equipment damage.
WAG Boarding Steps have a maximum capacity of 130 pounds
and are designed for dog use only.
Assembly Overview
Hook (2)
Runner (2)
Step (6)
Strut (2)
Carriage Bolt (4)
5/16-18NC x 2"
Upper Mounting Bracket (2)
Male Knob (4)
5/16-18NC x 1-1/2"
Strut (2)
Female Knob (4)
Female Knob (4)
Upper Mounting Bracket Assembly (2)
Strut Assembly (2)
Bracket (2)
Rubber Bumper (4)

Initial Setup Prior to Use (Fitment)
Your new WAG Boarding Steps Model LM-6/LM-6H comes fully assembled from the factory and does not require tools
to setup or use. The difference between the LM-6 and LM-6H is the component colors/finishes. For safe and optimum
performance, the initial setup (fitment) for your specific boat must be performed prior to use since boats come in many
different styles, shapes and sizes. The initial setup is best done with the boat out of the water to observe fit.
WAG Boarding Steps Model LM-6/LM-6H is designed to mount on the boat's gunwale or transom lip. To work
effectively, the mounting location should have:
•a lip width of no more than 3-1/2" (hook can be modified for slightly wider lips)
•a flat lip section at least 15" wide
•no obstructions inside of the boat within 3-1/2" of the top of the lip (hook can be modified if less than 3-1/2")
•a freeboard (distance from top of lip to water level) of no more than 16" (less is better for bigger dogs)
Step 2 - Loosen the female knobs on both upper mounting
brackets and pivot the hooks open. Hook the upper
mounting brackets over the gunwale or transom lip in the
desired mounting location. (If necessary, the lower carriage
bolt can be temporarily removed to open the hook more or
the hooks can be flipped or relocated to the other set of
holes.) Do not tighten the knobs, yet.
Step 3 - With one of the struts in hand and the corners of the upper mounting
brackets held tight against the lip, determine which set of holes in the runner and
strut will provide a relatively flat step (unit mounted at approximately 45
degrees) and have the strut contact the hull in a stiff location. (The strut can be
flipped as necessary.) Insert the male knobs and tighten the female knobs.
Repeat with the other strut. The proprietary design allows the struts to be
independently mounted to account for compound hull shapes.
Step 1 - Remove the collapsed assembly from its packaging,
stand on end or lay flat and remove both struts by loosening the
female knobs and removing the male knobs. The male knobs
may initially be a tight fit in the runner clearance holes due to
manufacturing tolerances. Set the struts and hardware aside.
Step 4 - Position the corners of the upper mounting brackets tight against
the lip, rotate the hooks in tight against the inside of the lip/hull and tighten
the hook female knobs firmly. (The hooks do not need to be under a lip and
can be flipped, if necessary.) If the hooks prevent the brackets from sitting
on the lip, they may need to be modified by cutting along a rib. (Examples
are pictured to the left.) Verify the mounting angle and adjust, if necessary.
The unit is designed to flex some to accommodate minor irregularities, but
verify good contact of the upper mounting brackets and struts prior to use.
Congratulations! You have completed the initial setup of WAG Boarding
Steps for your boat and are now ready for hours of enjoyment.

Use
It is highly recommended that you train your dog in shallow water where you can stand to the side as your dog gets used
to WAG Boarding Steps. Do not operate your boat with the unit mounted and periodically check for damage to the
equipment and/or your boat. Remember, WAG Boarding Steps are for dog use only.
Storage
With the desired strut location and hook orientation determined, you can remove and store your WAG Boarding Steps
without having to repeat the initial setup. To remove, loosen the hook female knobs and pivot them open. Lift the
assembly off the boat. Pivot the hooks all the way in and tighten the hooks for storage. Remove one of the strut female
knobs and male knobs on each side. Loosen the remaining strut female knobs and allow each strut to pivot parallel to
the runners. Make sure the female knob is loose enough to allow both rubber bumpers to rest against the runners.
Tighten the knobs to hold the struts in the storage and transport position, but do not tighten to the point of deflecting
the runners. Reinstall the removed male and female knobs in the holes they came out of and tighten for storage. Your
particular setup will determine which is the best male knob to pivot the strut on. This storage procedure will make it
easy for you to remember what mounting holes worked best for your installation.
Care and Maintenance
Your new WAG Boarding Steps are constructed from high-quality materials that should provide years of enjoyment.
•All of the fasteners are stainless steel or aluminum. Check for loose or missing fasteners prior to use and tighten
or replace as necessary.
•The metal parts are anodized or powder-coated aluminum extrusions which offer excellent stiffness for their
weight. Periodically check for bent or cracked parts and replace as necessary.
•The plastic parts are formulated for outdoor use and have good impact resistance. Periodically check for
cracked parts and replace as necessary.
•Floatation material should be replaced immediately if damaged or missing. If your dog's nails tend to push the
floatation material out of the pockets, it can be secured with a couple of drops of adhesive.
To keep your WAG Boarding Steps looking new, rinse after every use. If necessary, a mild household cleaner or vehicle
wash can be used. Do not store your WAG Boarding Steps in direct sunlight or in extreme temperatures.
Customer Support
For questions regarding your WAG Boarding Steps or to order replacement parts, please contact our toll-free customer
support line at:
1-877-WAG-2272
(1-877-924-2272)
LM6-1711