I just bought my first usable cat. Its a 80's model Prindle 16. I posted up here about 3 weeks ago for help with a broken mast. Well thanks to the help of everyone that has been resolved.

Now i need help again. I'm interested in leaving my boat on the beach over night while staying at the beach this summer. A friend has a house at the beach that we usually stay 3 or 4 times a year. His house is not on the beach it is 2 rows back. I know that if his house was on the beach that i could leave it in front of his house. As of right now i do not know any one that has a house on the beach in that area.

I tring to figure out if there are any laws that prevent you from leaving you boat on the beach over night?

I know that when you leave your boat on the beach you are taking a chance that people could mess with it but thats a chance i am willing to take. I plan on taking all the blocks, lines and sails off every night.

The beach location is between Atlantic Beach and Emerld Isle, North Carolina.

Thanks in advanced for any help!!!

I'm in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and the way it works here is that the beach everywhere is public, and anyone can theoretically leave his boat anywhere on the beach. However, the city has created zones in the water adjacent to the beaches where boats and surfboards are not allowed for safety reasons. This is wise. If you've ever tried to beach your Hobie where there are swimmers in the water, then you know the problem. They stand hypnotized as you bear down on them like a car toward a herd of deer. We have areas set aside for surfers and catamarans, and in those places it's the swimmers who must be wary. I kept my Hobie on the beach year-round with very little trouble.

So I would not recommend trying to beach the boat anyplace that has a lot of swimmers, just for safety reasons. Find out where the surfers go. That's usually the right place. There may even be a cat or two already on the beach. And keep your whistle handy. Happy sailing!



edited by: mbsailor, Apr 15, 2009 - 03:50 PM

you may want to contact the local authorities to find out what the local code states.. plus if they have any suggestions

Thanks for the help.

MBSAILER have you had any problems with people messing with your boat?

Yes, I've had some trouble, but less than you might think. In three years, I had one cigar-sized hole burned thru my trampoline. Everything else is small stuff. They'll untie my anchor lines. I have a roller furler, and they love to mess with the furling line. Plenty of beer cans and condoms lying about, but considering the added convenience of keeping it on the beach, I deemed it worth the aggravation. There are about 20 other cats parked where I left mine (I sold my catlast fall), so that probably deflected vandalism. I think a lone cat would be a bigger target, but that's just a hunch.

we have similar items with our cats left on the beach... beer and condoms... but there have been a few bigger issues...

1 time my friends boat was pushed in the ocean (with wheels under it)... we found it miles away. Also a friends boat was 700' down the beach.. either the tide or someone moved it..

I use a bike lock and lock my boat (and wheels) to the trailer. I also tie up my furling line... to make it harder to mess with (i DONT want my jib open.. flapping all night). I also hide most lines in the tramp pocket.. and remove all temptations....

that being said.. i know i am taking a risk (god bless insurance)