Beaching stern first.......

[scottmech]

Just bought new boat and want to keep it as nice as I can. I used to beach my previous boat bow first, but don't want to scratch this one up. Have seen other people (in magazines mainly) anchor their boats up with the bow pointing away from shore (Anchor line securing bow and a stern line going toward shore). Want to know if there is special technique for doing this (other than setting anchor and backing into shore then setting stern line).<br /><br />Any help appreciated.

 

[magster65]

Re: Beaching stern first.......

Depending on the tide and the slope of the beach... we'd just putt in to about 40' from shore and drop the anchor. Then with a slack anchor line and the leg trimmed 1/2 way (+/-) we'd back toward the beach. At around 15 from shore I'd shut down, trim the leg up all the way and drift into the beach. Then I'd grab a stern line, hop ashore and tie it to... anything. Then hop back on the boat and snug up the anchor line. We have some quick tides to deal with so I'd snug up (or loosen) the anchor line every half hour. Never had a problem. The only boat I've seen stuck is the local Sea-Tow boat He left his boat sit there too long and when he returned it was partially out of the water. He was telling us how he wanted a tow off the beach... for free of course... it came off the beach easily

 

[Boatist]

Re: Beaching stern first.......

Scottmech<br />I agree with magster with a few eceptions. I normaly drop anchor about 100 feet off shore and back in slow at about 30 feet off shore stop boat with anchor and make sure it is set. I raise main drive and back in with kicker. I have a line tied to stern cleat when get near shore shut motor off and raise. Let drift in intil can step off to shore. Have mate stop boat with anchor line. I take stern line around a tree or bush and take end back to boat. Pull boat out far enough will not bottom out from boat waves and tighten lines.<br /><br />When ready to leave just untie stern line on one side and pull from other side until back in boat.<br /><br />In area with strong currents just loosen stern line and pull out with anchor line until deep enough to start and warm engines before releasing stern line.<br /><br />On day with strong winds, currents or waves usually set two stern lines out at a 45 degree angle to each side. This will hold you right where you need to be.<br /><br />Reason I drop anchor out about 100 feet is so strech in 3 strand nylon anchore line will pull boat off shore but if want to get off can pull boat to shore with stern line then get off and let go and anchor line will pull back out off shore.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Beaching stern first.......

scottmech: What yoou may have seen is a device called Anchor Buddy, or similar device. It has an anchor with flexible or stretchable line for the away-from-shore portion and a non-flexible line aft. You can actually pull the boat to shore when you need to baord and the flex line allows that. The stern can be shore-side or otherwise. These items are getting more popular on the lake that I am on. Another option is a keel guard...I bought one a few days ago. There two basic varieties; self-adhesive or separate adhesive. I opted for the Armor Shield brand, they are sold in a variety of colors and lengths for $100 to $160.

 

[scottmech]

Re: Beaching stern first.......

Thanks guys. This is exactly what I'm looking for. Was hoping to try this today, but the weather turned foul. <br /><br />I was also thinking about the Anchor Buddy. I'll try beaching without it, If things work out good, I'll get one.<br /><br />Also thought about the keel guard, but I'd like to try beaching stern first because the new boat has a walk through transom (easier to get in and out than the bow), and a transom shower (to wash our feet off).<br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[C17LoadSmasher]

Re: Beaching stern first.......

I just bought that strip you put on the cutwater. You see it more often on PWC, but they make a 6' version for boats. It works great. No scratches yet!