Precautions to Be Taken When Beaching a Vessel

If you are fortunate enough to own a boat, taking it out and exploring your local waterways is a great way to spend an afternoon. Traveling off the beaten path allows you to see interesting plants and animals and avoid the crowds of more popular parts of a lake or beach. If you would like to stop and explore the land on your boating trip, you may have to beach your boat, or pull it from the water directly onto the shore. Although there are risks involved, beaching can be done more safely with some planning and common sense.

  1. Obey Local Laws

    • Before you take your boat out to a body of water, check local laws to ensure that you are legally allowed to beach your boat. Some states and areas do not allow beaching for environmental or safety reasons. The laws will also cover area and situational speed limits, as well as off-limits areas. Although it may be tempting to beach your boat regardless, be aware that the laws are in place for a reason and breaking them can result in a heavy fine.

    Minimize the Potential for Damage

    • Beaching entails putting your boat directly onto the land. As a result of the friction between the beach and your boat bottom, it is very easy to damage the boat. Paint wear and scratches are common, and there is always the danger of tearing a hole in the hull on a hidden rock or shell outcropping. To attempt to minimize any damage, approach slowly and carefully. As you get close to the beach slow down and trim up the motor to avoid scraping it over the bottom. Aim for a soft sand or dirt area, avoiding rocks, debris or other boats.

    Secure Your Boat

    • Looking up from your romantic beach picnic and discovering your boat is nowhere to be found is not a fun way to end an outing. No matter how far you pull your boat onto a beach, additional security will provide peace of mind. Tie your boat to a tree or large rock, or bring the anchor up onto the sand.

    Passenger Safety

    • Even the slowest approach to a beach can give passengers a jolt when the boat hits land. Life jackets, in addition to being a legal requirement in most areas, are a good idea for all passengers regardless of swimming ability. Don't allow small children to lean overboard, and make sure all passengers are seated when you beach the boat to avoid falls.