How To Beach Your Boat And Leave Again

Monterey Boats 288S SuperSport

Beaching your boat can make for a convenient alternative to anchoring - as well as another amazing adventure on-the-water - but it also comes with its own potential problems. Experience is the best teacher if you are interested in learning how to beach your boat, but there are also some simple tips that can help you cut your chances of encountering difficulties in the process.

Know Your Boat

Before setting off to find your favorite spot to beach your boat, know your boat. Make sure you know your boat's draft (the vertical distance your boat penetrates the water). This will help you from running aground when you're not planning to. Also have your nautical chart of the water you’re boating in handy, as nautical charts show you the estimated depth of water.

When you're cruising the shoreline and spotted the beach that looks like fun, check your nautical chart for the water depth to help plan your way.

Beaching the Boat

Maintaining speed and roaring up the beach might be exciting, but it’s also not one of the smarter methods for beaching a boat (unless you're starring in the next James Bond movie - of course). Speed can cause some serious damage being inflicted on your boat, which could make for an unpleasant experience.

Instead, you should slow down as you approach the beach, while someone stands on the bow to watch for obstacles on the beach. If you have a depth meter onboard, keep a close eye on it. If you have an outboard engine, you may also find trimming up your engines will help you in shallower water.

Once your boat has settled in, use a pair of anchors to secure it. One anchor should lead into the water, while the other should be buried in the beach.

Understanding the Right Places to Beach

Not all places are good for beaching a boat. Too far in and the boat ends up getting stuck on the beach. In contrast, too low and there is a chance that the boat will end up floating in the water. Small boats can be beached further in, but bigger boats should be beached further from shore (check your depth and charts for help deciding). You also need to make sure that the material of the beach is suitable for beaching, because some materials such as mud can make it impossible for your boat to leave.

Understanding the Right Times to Beach

Be sure to account for the influence of the tides. If you come in on high tide and beach the boat too high, it could get stuck once the tides retreat. You should also bear in mind that beaching a boat is a short-term measure, meaning that if you intend to remain overnight, you should anchor your boat instead.

Leaving the Beach

Assuming that you have chosen the right place and right time to beach your boat, you should have no problems removing the anchors and leaving much the same way that you came in. If you trimmed your engines, make sure to lower them once you reach a safe depth.

Where’s your favorite place to beach your boat?