"TC" wrote in message
...
Here in Florida, it's common practice to bring smaller boats into the
shallows to "beach". Then everyone gets out and plays, lounges, BBQs,
etc.

What damage does this do to the boats hull? Doesn't the sand
eventually sand away the protective gel coat? Is there anything you
can do like good wax?

Yes...years of beaching will take its toll on the gel coat. You could put on
a Keel Guard, which would protect the most effected area, and practicing
"soft landings" would minimize the effect, but other than that, abstinence
is the only way to avoid the sandpaper effect.


--
-Netsock

"It's just about going fast...that's all..."
http://home.columbus.rr.com/ckg/

Netsock wrote:


: Yes...years of beaching will take its toll on the gel coat. You could put on
: a Keel Guard, which would protect the most effected area, and practicing
: "soft landings" would minimize the effect, but other than that, abstinence
: is the only way to avoid the sandpaper effect.


A trick that we used to use on the Colorado River lakes:

Get an old tire and cut a hole (about 1" x 3") in the tread area to drain
water.

Put the tire on the beach and "beach" the boat on the tire. Tying it to
a stake pounded in the sand will keep it from drifting out.

Better yet, use an anchor (with a float on the end of the line) and clip it
to the bow eye. Keeps the bow in to the waves and eliminates the possibility
of a wake sloshing over the transom.

b.