How do you beach?

[robert843]

So as mentioned keel guard is a must if you plan to beach at all. As mentioned only beach somewhere you know for sure it’s safe to do. I beach as slow as possible and try not to power up on to the beach. My preferred method is anchor of with stern in but a few places we go this is not an option as they get packed and everyone one else beaches so anchoring off isn’t possible as I would likely slam into the boats next to me.

 

[jEt_jAk]

If you plan on touching the shore at all, get a keel guard. Fiberglass/Gelcoat repair is not cheap. I was always very careful but this is the result. Luckily I got it patched up and keel guard installed. Before and after:

 

[haknslash]

I would not beach any boat unless it was an aluminum bottom boat. Gelcoat is just too nice IMO to risk it and I personally don't like how keel guards look on anything. I'm a sucker for a nice sexy hull profile so they just aren't my thing but if you were someone who plans to beach for sure get a keel guard. I just think it's too risky and with these kinds of boats there really isn't a need since you can get them so close to shore anyways. I also think it's a horrible thing when people are listing their boats for sell and you see them beached knowing that gelcoat is getting scratched to some degree. Just makes me cringe every time!

 

[Bryan L]

I also agree with the other boaters. I never beach. I put way too much money and time keeping this boat spotless, just to turnaround and scratch it up on a beach. Like @haknslash said, without the an outdrive, we can comfortably back in close to shore. I usually use a two anchor spread to keep the aft end of the boat from swinging around. Works well.

 

[Drift Away]

8 pound mantas anchor in the back and a 12 pound in the front. Pull it in or out with the tide.

 

[Sbrown]

We don't beach, either. We don't use a sand spike or tie off to the shoreline. I drop the bow anchor a distance out that is dictated by what phase the tide is currently in and then back down to where I want the boat to end up. We will drop a 15lb mushroom anchor straight off the stern, which is enough to hold in a moderate breeze and/or tidal current. If it's a littler harsher out, I'll secure a small Danforth 15 or 20 feet off the stern. Etiquette dictates a float attached at the stern anchor to mark its location so other people don't hurt themselves on it and a spare fender works well for this.

 

[Rumbo]

Glad to see I’m not the only one overprotective of my hull. I tie bow-out then bury a mushroom anchor on shore so it’s not a tripping or toe-stubbing hazard. I usually shut the engines off in about 4-5 feet of water and pull it the rest of the way in so I don’t suck anything into the jets.