MacGregorSailors.com

Besides the obvious - - - look out for crocs and rocks, don't get sand in the engine, be sure the daggerboard and rudders are all the way up - - - what is the procedure for beaching an Does it make any difference whether one is on a Southern California beach (winds almosr always from the west), or on a lake beach Thanks in advance for the tips. I've never done it but will soon.

Rick

I have an oversized Type 4 PFD cushion, that came off an old ferry boat, as well as a old large orange life ring, both of which have 11 ft of webbing straps to each side(of the cabin lifeline deck posts), that get hooked.

The rest of the time those straps hold the dinghy on the bow.

If I was to do it over:

I would go to my local multipurpose all hardware store that has 1 to 1-1/2" thick closed cell neoprene foam, and sew 4 pieces of webbing to the neoprene (2x4 piece),

Then I could use it as a cockpit noise insulator when motoring.

I watched a family beach their new "M" on a large local lake last year. They came in straight, and turned sideways when touching the sand. The engine and dagger board were pulled up, and the wind was behind the boat...holding it secure. The family unboarded, picknicked, and returned to the boat with no problem. The last person to board hand pushed the rig far enough for the engine...and off they went...happily, merrily, and waving to us on shore....
And if I recall correctly, there were about 10 folks, 1 infant, about 5 adults, and some small kids... It was a sight to behold...those folks really had a fun day...

Even though the boat was WAY overloaded - - - but thanks for the great vision. Now I need some of you technical guys to tell me the correct procedure, please.

Rick

Be careful which beach you decide to park your Mac on. Here in LA county I believe most are off limits to boats and you would be cited if caught.

Rick,
It's pretty rare to get just the right combo of members' eyes and particular skill-sets on a thread in a short time. Maddmike is particularly experienced at addressing your issue but he's not so frequent a reader. And when he pops in, he might not see your thread.

A search on "beaching" turns up 40 threads, including the following thread from this past March. Mike's advice was lengthy and detailed. After reviewing it you'll be able to post some more specific questions:
Beaching when tides are 10 feet with waves


P.S. Even Mike's best procedure would earn a citation where you're sailing!
- great feedback, Scott!

I beached my M twice last year, and am very sorry I did it! I was extremely carefull and had help on shore. Both times being picky about the spot. Each time when I pulled my boat from the lake there was damage to the hull, ever so slight! non the less, the damage was more than I am willing to accept. We now only anchor and row to shore with our goodies. This was only our second season with the boat, maybe when its much older and I don't care as much, I may try again.
Bruce

Surprising.

We basically do nothing but beach in non-tidal places. So long as the beach is sand and not pebbles, or whater, it's been fine for us and pretty much all the trailer sailers we're with. In fact, the flat bottom and small draft were key reasons for the purchase.

Two methods:

1. When you are uncertain of your skills: Motor slowly into the beach and drop the front anchor far enough out to get the proper rode for the depth. Allow the line to pay out (being careful to keep it one side away from the prop as it passes by) until you ground on the beach. Take a stern line and tie it to a tree, or post. In the lakes where I sail, the Parks Authority has posts in the sand at popular beaches for just this purpose. Turn the boat around by hand and tie off the front anchor when it is nicely taught. Re-set the stern line so that it is reasonably tight.

2. Motor parallel to the beach and turn away when you are at the spot that you want to beach (once again distance is determined by rode). Put the motor in reverse and when you just begin to have a little sternway, drop the anchor and continue to reverse until nearing the beach. Tilt the motor whilst reversing (as required) until you are in shallow water then stop the motor and tilt fully up. Step off the back with a stern line and secure it to a tree, etc.

If there is any cross wind, you may need to use two stern lines and if that wind is at all brisk, try tieing to cleats more towards the front of the boat on the windward side.

With practice, you can get the boat in a position where the transom is just floating, or just slightly aground. Naturally, you want to try to avoid windward beaches if there is any wave action at all.

Here's a link to how I beach my X, if it helps:

http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewt ... 8694#68694

And as far as anchoring on the land, I use a 'land anchor' (AKA, dog leash anchor). Works great, except in really rocky land.

Here's a link on how not to beach your boat in LA County.
http://www.tbrnews.com/articles/2006/10 ... news01.prt

Doesn't the X have a flatter bottom than the M? Won't that make a difference?

Since I had my hull coated with a barrier coat, I am not interested in any beaching, but Rick is, and he has an M, not an X.

Just trying to get answers specific to his boat. I'll butt out now


Ray

Well, I don't actually beach my boat, per se, but I do anchor *really* close to the beach and very often the bow is just lightly resting in the sand ... not sure if that counts as 'beaching'. More of a Mediterranean mooring style, I suppose, with a line in front to the dock (or, in this case, the land) and one to the anchor running aft.

I always anchor in Florida's shallow waters with the stern towards the beach. Makes it really nice and easy for the kids to get to the shore. It takes a few extra minutes to get the rode right, but well worth it.

Btw, one time I was in a hurry and anchored broadside to the beach up in Safety Harbor where the shore was somewhat pebblely (more like crunched up concrete really). A powerboat wake pushed the boat onto the pebbles...not enough to cause the boat to get stuck, but it caused a small rock to jam my centerboard against the trunk. Had to put the boat on the trailer to fix it....so, I don't do that anymore...I try to anchor with about 18 inches of water at the stern.

How do you beach your boat? Don't! If it doesn't happen the first time, it will happen sooner or later. You will get some hull damage or scratches. I grew up around powerboats. My dad always had one and he did beach it. There were always some very visible marks around the hull portion below the bow. I haven't dared beach my though one day I may have to. I guess the best bet is to be asbsolutely sure that it is soft sand or mud without any rocks....a roll of the dice every time.

Eh. I guess I'm not that concerned about little scratches and scrapes on the hull. It's a bit like my antique cars - I drive them like they were meant to be driven, and if I get a nick or scratch here and there - so be it. I figure the boat and cars are to be enjoyed and if they get a little banged up in the process, hey, we had fun. I'm not reckless, but I'm not too concerned about the small stuff - maybe my attitude comes with being an old f*rt! Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things.