Patent ID: 6868799

Claim:
A ramp assembly adapted for use with a pontoon boat, which comprises: (a) a support structure having at least one elongated bearing surface track, the support structure being affixed to the underside of the boat in such a way that, in use, the bearing surface track extends generally horizontally; (b) an elongated platform; (c) a shaft to which one end of the platform is pivotally connected; (d) means, including the shaft and at least one bearing block mounted thereon which slides within the bearing surface track, for slideably adjusting horizontal extension of the platform relative to the elongated bearing surface track; and (e) a floatable body mounted on the platform distal from said end, the floatable body having sufficient buoyancy to float itself and the platform when the platform is at its full horizontal extension, the bearing block riding on the bearing surface track throughout the platform's travel as the platform is moved from a position in which it is fully retracted beneath the boat to full horizontal extension.