addressing the age old problem of boat to dry land gap

[Squidly-Diddly]

Promising idea, but how does someone spread out the tarp before walking ashore without themselves sinking into the water mud mixture?

Would a thin and small floating perimeter be needed, to keep the topwater gaps water from pouring in thru the indents, as someone walks on the tarp, causing below-surface depressions? But, Floating perimeter might make it more difficult to set up and take down?

Hope this helps.

You could unroll the tarp as you go, but like you say a cloth like tarp will need something to prevent edges from dipping and allowing water to flow into bottom which is why I suggest a tarp/path with some stiffness just enough to stick up when middle is bent down. Maybe from factory creases/fold-lines on the cutting board so there is about 12" wide walking path and 24" sides on each side. The sides could taper since tall walls only need on the water/boat end of walkway.

But maybe a tarp with some Pool Noodles would work.

 

[hoytedow]

I was thinking of landing on a mud flat with a firm enough surface to not leave a deep footprint. In that case a tarp would serve. Otherwise a strong plank could allow one to traverse the area without getting muddy. You could extend the tarp using a boat hook.

 

[Squidly-Diddly]

I was thinking of landing on a mud flat with a firm enough surface to not leave a deep footprint. In that case a tarp would serve. Otherwise a strong plank could allow one to traverse the area without getting muddy. You could extend the tarp using a boat hook.

I'm thinking of mud where you worry about leaving knee-prints and getting your boots sucked off, and that leaves a coating about 2" thick when you do get your boots out, and smells once out of the water.
While I first said for small boat 20ft and under which includes small cabin cruisers, which might carry a strong plank, I'm mostly working on something for the smallest boats that do most muddy shore exploring such as canoe or dingy where carrying bulky gear is problematic, so I'd want something of about 4'x8"x8" max size when stowed.

 

[trip the light fandango]

How about a grappling iron, cleaning the mud off the other ideas is an issue. A grappling iron would possibly need a way of extending and retracting it's claws to gain more purchase. Or a propulsion mechanism , or both,..ha.

 

[portacruise]

This mat? Storage maybe a little bulky, but it allows walking on water, should work on soft mud? Would some kind of anchoring be needed? Click on the video for a demo.

Amazon.com: Rubber Dockie 18x6-Feet Floating Water Mat: Sports & Outdoors https://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Dockie-18x6-Feet-Floating-Mat/dp/B012B71WSI/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=inflatable+walk+on+water+ball&qid=1627529253&sr=8-14

There are also Inflatables spheres and water wheels that fit someone inside and allow walking on water.....

 

[hoytedow]

Carry a bucket and a bilge pump. Rinse the mud off once back in boat and pump it over the side. Snow ski-like contraptions could keep you from sinking into the mud.

 

[Squidly-Diddly]

This mat? Storage maybe a little bulky, but it allows walking on water, should work on soft mud? Would some kind of anchoring be needed? Click on the video for a demo.

Amazon.com: Rubber Dockie 18x6-Feet Floating Water Mat: Sports & Outdoors https://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Dockie-18x6-Feet-Floating-Mat/dp/B012B71WSI/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=inflatable+walk+on+water+ball&qid=1627529253&sr=8-14

That's a real interesting product and is best solution yet. I don't think any anchoring would be needed as it looks like it wants to self-rollout and would need to be rolled up for storage. Says it rolls up to 24-28" so I guess you might be straddling it like a horse in a canoe. Video shows units much smaller than the 6x18' but bigger than a single person pool lounger. I guess you could cut 6' in half and still have about a 8" of rise on each side when stepping in the middle in shallow water. If some semi-clean water comes over the side that is still a lot better than putting your feet into soft deep mud. These look like they would also be great ground mats for sleeping and/or tents. Looks like would provide nice padding if you lose balance and fall in soft mud or slippery rocks.

This 7.2x3ft model might be just right for most landings, but still a bit bulky. Says "you wont stay dry" but they are talking about laying down in a swimming pool, not stepping in middle so sides bend up in shallow water. I do got a few thin foam backpacking sleeping pads so will try out next time I'm kayaking near muddy banks. https://www.amazon.com/Floating-Tear-Resistant-Recreation-Relaxing-Activities/dp/B0969TXXHS/ref=sr_1_38?dchild=1&keywords=Floating+Water+Mat&qid=1627589054&sr=8-38&th=1

 

[mitchgrunes]

Having unexpectedly walked out of a kayak into nasty smelly viscous quicksand, that took me a long time to get out of and was hard to wash off (I had to use the kayak to stay afloat while in it), I would hesitate to rely on a floating solution, if you are trying to avoid getting yourself or your car or boat dirty.

A magic carpet would ideal.

Boarding planks are simple, reliable, and have been in use forever. Folding varieties are available off the shelf, and you could probably make your own.

I.E., if the plank is too long to fit in the boat underway, stand it upright, or connect small plank lengths with hinges, so it folds up compactly. A sturdy looking hinge might be something like

1-1/2" Wide Stainless Steel Piano Hinge https://www.boatoutfitters.com/1-1-2-wide-stainless-steel-piano-hinge?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoqSygPGf8gIV0AeICR1l2Q4xEAQYAiABEgJcOPD_BwE#203=494

Or just buy a pre-made "folding loading ramp", or "folding wheelchair ramp" or "motorcycle ramp" (search for them), e.g.,

Folding ATV Ramps — Four Wheeler Loading Ramps | Discount Ramps https://www.discountramps.com/folding-atv-ramps/c/2211/

Suitcase Singlefold Ramp by EZ Access Ramps https://www.rehabmart.com/product/signature-suitcase-wheelchair-ramps-1456.html

Truck Bed Ramp - Car Ramp - Truck Bed Accessories - Truck Accessories - The Home Depot https://www.homedepot.com/b/Automotive-Truck-Accessories-Truck-Bed-Accessories/Car-Ramp/Truck-Bed-Ramp/N-5yc1vZclauZ1z18swlZ1z1abqc

Motorcycle Ramps | Truck & Trailer Motorcycle Loading Ramps | Black Widow https://www.blackwidowpro.com/motorcycle/ramps/c/100/

I'm sure you can find lots more online. Some of those are wider than you need.

For salt water, rust resistance may be an issue.

These are more compact, but expensive:

Roll- A - Ramp Boat Ramps https://affordablemedicalusa.com/roll-a-ramp-boat-ramps.html

Perhaps you could figure out a way to make your own.

 

[Squidly-Diddly]

how about a variance of 'boat wheels'.

inflate a rack of roller sausages on the front deck then dangle them over the bow so when you contact land they behave sorta like a tank tread as you hit landfall with a bit of speed.

 

[Squidly-Diddly]

Motorcycle Ramps | Truck & Trailer Motorcycle Loading Ramps | Black Widow https://www.blackwidowpro.com/motorcycle/ramps/c/100/



For salt water, rust resistance may be an issue.


Perhaps you could figure out a way to make your own.

the MotoCross dirt bike ramp at 7ft and only 8lbs and 400lb capacity and only $113 is interesting.

What I'd want is about 10ft and 300lb capacity and provision for using paddles or oars as stabilizers, and you probably want to use some stick(s) to aid in balance as well.
Pretty sure these are aluminum so rust shouldn't be too big an issue.

Maybe I could talk the makers into making a model that is longer but not as strong for smaller weaker people with meeker bikes to have a not as steep ramp. THAT is probably the growth sector of their market! People with heavy E-Bikes that need a long ramp to push them up to backs of SUVs or even roof top carriers. IIRC E-Bikes are up to 60+lbs and lots of folks can't safely clean & snatch an awkward 60lb object onto SUV roof racks. 150lb capacity 10ft ramp that weighs 5lbs for bikes with provision to double up with optional ScrewPack for big guys like me for ship to shore or just for scooters and smaller motorcycles.