Andrew Pace
Beaching a boat can be a lot of fun, but it's not without its risks. The main dangers are hull abrasion, through-hull damage, and water intrusion, which can cause significant damage to the boat and make it harder to refloat. Sand and rocks are naturally abrasive and can damage the hull, gel coat, and barrier coat. In addition, livewell and raw water intakes may become filled with sand or other beach-bound debris, and a wave hitting the back of the boat can cause it to move from side to side, leading to even more damage. It's also important to keep an eye on the tide, as a dropping tide can leave a boat stranded on the shore, while a rising tide can cause it to drift off. However, with proper caution and knowledge of the area, beaching a fiberglass boat can be done safely. Some boaters recommend using a hull or keel guard to protect the boat from abrasion and damage.
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What You'll Learn
Potential damage to the gel coat
Beaching a fibreglass boat can cause potential damage to its gel coat. The gel coat is the protective outer layer on fibreglass boats, offering aesthetic appeal and defence against the harsh marine environment. It is applied as a thick, pigmented resin directly to the fibreglass mould during the boat's construction. This layer provides the boat's rich colour, gloss, and smooth surface, protecting the underlying fibreglass structure from water intrusion, UV rays, and potential damage.
Sand abrasion is a common cause of gel coat damage when beaching a fibreglass boat. The sand can erode the gel coat from the bottom of the hull, exposing the base fibreglass. This can result in scratches, dings, or oxidation, compromising both the boat's appearance and its protective capabilities. The risk of sand abrasion depends on the type of sand and the frequency of beaching. Fine sand with minimal tide swing and a shallow angle makes for an easier beaching drill and reduces the likelihood of gel coat damage.
Additionally, the gel coat on the keel of the boat is particularly susceptible to wear and damage from beaching. Over time, the gel coat on the keel can wear off, requiring repair or replacement. The use of a KeelGuard or KeelShield can help protect the keel and the gel coat from damage caused by beaching. These products act as a barrier between the sand and the gel coat, reducing abrasion and potential damage.
Proper anchoring techniques can also help to minimise gel coat damage when beaching a fibreglass boat. By anchoring the bow and stern and keeping the boat floating, the risk of abrasion and impact damage to the gel coat can be reduced. It is important to ensure that the anchoring method is secure to prevent the boat from banging into the shore, which can cause gel coat chips and scrapes.
Finally, prompt attention to any gel coat damage is crucial to preventing further deterioration. Small damages, if left unattended, can expand and compromise the boat's structure, leading to more extensive and expensive repairs over time. Therefore, it is recommended to address gel coat damages as soon as they occur to maintain the overall health and longevity of the boat.
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Hull abrasion
Beaching a fiberglass boat can cause hull abrasion, which can lead to the erosion of the gel coat and potentially damage the boat's hull. The gel coat is designed to protect the underlying fiberglass layers, and when it is worn away, the boat's hull can be exposed to abrasion and damage. This can be caused by the boat rubbing against the sand or other objects on the beach, or by the ingestion of sand into the motor, which can damage the impeller.
The severity of hull abrasion depends on various factors, including the frequency of beaching, the type of beach, and the presence of protective measures such as a KeelGuard or KeelShield. Occasional beaching on a sandy beach with a shallow angle and minimal tide swing may not cause significant hull abrasion. However, regular beaching on a beach with rocks, shells, or a strong tide can increase the risk of damage.
To minimise hull abrasion when beaching a fiberglass boat, it is recommended to use anchoring methods to keep the boat floating and secure. This can include anchoring the bow and transom or using both a bow and stern anchor to maintain a safe distance from the shore. Additionally, a KeelGuard or KeelShield can provide extra protection by shielding the part of the boat that comes into contact with the sand.
Repairing structural abrasions in fiberglass boats is possible, but it requires assessing the depth of the damage. If only the gel coat is affected, the repair is relatively straightforward. However, if the underlying fiberglass layers are damaged, more extensive repairs may be needed to restore the hull's integrity.
To summarise, beaching a fiberglass boat can lead to hull abrasion and potential damage. By understanding the risks and taking appropriate precautions, such as anchoring and using protective measures, boat owners can minimise the impact of hull abrasion and maintain the condition of their vessels.
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Anchoring techniques
Anchoring a boat at the shore or beaching a boat requires some knowledge of the area and the workings of your boat. Here are some anchoring techniques to consider:
Check the Environment
Before anchoring, it is important to check the beach's environment for rocks, thick shells, or other solid objects that could damage the boat. If possible, look for a beach with fine sand and minimal tide swings. Avoid beaches with a sharp drop-off close to the shore, as this may be too deep for your boat.
Prepare Anchors and Lines
Have two anchors or an anchor and a line ready before you start. Both anchors should be prepared for deployment, with the lines routed on the outside of the boat from bow to stern to avoid any tangles.
Approach the Beach
Tilt your boat's outdrive up to minimize the draft while keeping the propeller submerged. Idle towards the beach at a minimum speed, watching your depth finder to ensure you don't hit the bottom. If it becomes too shallow, shut off the engine.
Anchor the Boat
Once beached, anchor the boat in place to prevent it from floating away. Lower the anchor onto the beach and walk it at least 20 to 30 feet away from the water. Bury the anchor in the sand to ensure it is secure, then pull the anchor line tight and secure it to a bow cleat.
Secure the Boat
Always keep an eye on a beached boat, as incoming tides or large waves can refloat it or turn it sideways. Secure the boat by tying off the bow and stern to the shore or a nearby object, such as a tree. Ensure the lines are tight so that the boat stays in place and doesn't bang into the shore.
Additional Considerations
Be aware of changing wind conditions, as strong winds can push your boat up the beach or back into deeper water. If a storm is approaching, you may need to secure your boat or depart quickly. Additionally, be mindful of the tide, especially when leaving, as you will need enough water to get your boat back out.
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Tides and wind
When beaching a boat, it is advisable to approach slowly, cut the engine, and raise the motor. Jumping off the bow and securing an anchor on the beach is a common technique. It is also suggested to use a second anchor to prevent the boat from turning sideways due to wind or waves. The type of anchor and the length of the rode are important considerations, with Danforth-style anchors and a rode length of at least 35 feet being recommended.
The direction and strength of the wind can impact the manoeuvrability of the boat when beaching. A strong wind can blow the stern into another boat, causing potential damage. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the wind conditions and adjust the boat's position accordingly.
Additionally, the tide and wind conditions can affect the ease of departure when leaving a beached boat. A rising tide can provide more water depth, making it easier to refloat the boat. However, strong winds or currents can make it challenging to control the boat's direction during departure, especially if the engine is not running.
Overall, understanding the local tide and wind patterns is crucial when beaching a fibreglass boat. By staying vigilant and adjusting to changing conditions, boat owners can minimise potential risks and ensure a safer beaching experience.
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Rocks and other debris
If you are in a lake or river system, carefully watch the winds as these can have similar effects to changing tides on your boat's position. Make sure you know the composition of the bottom. Just because the beach is nice and sandy doesn't mean that there aren't sharp rocks just under the surface of the water as you approach the shore. You want to beach your boat somewhere with a nice soft, sandy bottom. If the bottom is muddy or mucky, your boat could easily become trapped.
Hull guards are easy to install and protect the keel from damage when encountering rocks, coral, and sand. They can be used to prevent hull abrasion, which is caused by sand and rocks. While hull abrasion may not be the biggest problem most boaters will encounter when beaching, it can still cause significant damage to the boat over time. The abrasion from the sand can erode the gel coat from the bottom of the hull, exposing the base fibreglass.
In addition to hull damage, it is important to check livewell and raw water intakes that may become filled with sand or other beach-bound debris.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on how you beach it and how long it remains beached. The sand can dull and scratch the gel coat and hull, and if there are rocks, they can damage the hull. If you do decide to beach your fiberglass boat, you should anchor the bow and use a stern anchor to keep the boat floating.
Hull abrasion from sand and rocks can wear away the hull’s gel coat and barrier coat, exposing the fiberglass. In addition, the boat could be damaged by waves hitting the back of the boat, and a falling tide could cause the boat to become stranded on the shore.
You can protect the keel from damage by installing a hull guard or keel protector. You should also pay attention to the tide and wind to ensure that your boat remains safely beached.
