beach landings

[kskogerson]

I have noticed a boarding ladder on the cutwater 28/30 that lowers from the bow....has anyone "beached their boat" in this manner and been able to back the boat off with the engine?

 

[pleeson]

Seems like this might work in non-tidal waters with a nice sandy beach with the right gradient. However, without a rub plate I have been reluctant to try it. Currently, my only use of the bow ladder is when launching from the trailer single handed, when there is no dock. I back in until all but the top of the trailer frame at the winch is underwater, then unhook and board the boat via the ladder. Then back off the trailer, anchor and go back to the truck to drive it away from the ramp.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

When Kismet was new 4 years ago we took her to Lake Powell where beach landings are almost the norm. We had no bottom paint to wear off and when we landed Lisa was on the bow scouting out for the sandiest landing spot. We'd then drop the bow anchor and run it ashore and secure it. In addition we brought a line up to shore from both the starboard and port stern, at about a 45% angle and secured these lines/anchor in sand, to a rock or tree. When we departed we had no problem backing Kismet off of the sand beach landing. Lastly I saw no visible damage or scratches to the bow but I'd also say that we were only doing this for 10 days. If this was a standard practice I'd want to have a rubber bow strip installed to protect the gelcoat. The ladder on the Cutwaters would be ideal for beach landing as getting off from the bow of our R27 was a little gymnastic.

Jim F

 

[kskogerson]

Thanks for the responses. I believe most, if not all of the hardware on the bottom is protected from beach landings as long as it's sloped due to the keel design. I would concur that some form of protection for the gelcoat would be nice. Just was wondering how many have actually done this. Jim, your method sounds great.