In the Atlantic, can I beach a rental boat?
Updated on: 26/05/2025With a keelboat, the answer is obviously no. If you hit the bottom, it’s called grounding, and the damage will be extensive. However, certain types of models are considered “groundable”: at high tide, you can anchor, and then the boat will sit on the sand at low tide before floating again with the incoming tide.
- "Biquille" models: these sailboats have two keels, which stabilize them at three points (the two ballasts and the bottom of the rudder). These models are common among boats built by "RM."
- "Retractable Keels" or QR.
- Dinghies (integral (DI) or ballasted (DL)).
With a catamaran or motorboat, it is prohibited to "beach," that is, to run aground on a beach with momentum, even at low tide. This is because the boat’s momentum before hitting the bottom would damage the hull.
Please note: if you rent a beachable model and intend to beach the boat during your cruise, you must inform us before booking. Some rental companies do not allow the boat to be used in this manner. For example, in La Rochelle, our partners do not permit beaching due to the relatively rocky nature of the seabed. The risk of accidentally grounding on hard surfaces is therefore high.
