A gangplank system for facilitating safe boarding and disembarking from a boat which comprises a support structure attached to a deck of the boat. A mechanism is for stabilizing the support structure in a generally vertical position from a gunwale of the boat. The support structure is sized to extend and be adjusted in height above the gunwale of the boat. Another mechanism is for pivotally connecting a first end of a ramp assembly to the support structure above the gunwale of the boat. When the ramp assembly is adjusted for height and is pivoted outwardly away from the boat to a dock, a person can safely board and disembark from the boat.