Problems of Beach Access
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Over the years the restrictions on beach access have become greater and greater. With the introduction of the
Threatened / Endangered Species Act, some special interest groups have seen this as a way to try to close
beaches to motorized access under the guise of conservation. These so-called conservationalists are actually
preservationalists and won’t be happy until the only to access the beach is by paid tour guided tours, sponsored
by these special interest groups. These special interest groups have also infiltrated the local governments,
conservation commissions, state and federal government, to set up road blocks to fair beach access.
The greatest barrier to beach access at this time is the Piping Plover, a little migratory shore bird listed on the
Threatened List, this little bird now numbers in the thousands. We don’t want to see any species become
extinct, what we are looking for is coexistence. There has to be a happy medium of user access versus
propagation of any species. Over the last 5 years the Plover had almost doubled its numbers on the eastern
seaboard. Because these special interest groups operate and prey upon an emotional basis, the availability of
sound and logical beach management can be impaired.
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Tips About Beach Travel
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By Omer R. Godin – Updated 1997
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We receive many requests for information regarding sizes of tires and proper air pressure. First, there is no
single answer that would meet the needs of every over-sand fishing vehicle. Wheel width, tire size, ply rating
and type of tire cord; these are factors to be reckoned with. Also vehicle size, type of vehicle, weight and
sand conditions (each beach varies as to sand consistency) must also be considered. Knowing that it is
argumentative, we will give you some ideas that work out well for many of the MBBA members.
Let’s take the buggy that we see so frequently, the four-wheel drive pickup and camper. We will consider a
1-ton truck with a 10-foot slide-in camper. The total weight would be between 7,300 and 8,600 lb. g.v.w. The
truck generally comes with LT235/85R-16 (not M&S) tires usual load range E and one piece rims. These
tires will give a good ride when deflated properly, especially if most driving is done in established tracks.
For easier driving without established tracks, most of us have changed to 12.00” X 16.0” X 33” high radial
load range D tires, mounted on white steel or aluminum wide rims to match. (Back in the 1960’s the tires
were tube or tubeless, the rims were 5fi to 6fi’ wide, the tire sizes were6.50 X 16” to 9.00 X 16.5”).
If you equipped with either of these tires, or similar tires, to start with, deflate the front tires to 18 and the
rear to 30lbs. If the vehicle “works” too hard, deflate a pound or two at a time until the ride is satisfactory.
Two pounds extra deflation can make all the difference in the world. As the tires wear, you may find that
you don’t need to deflate as low as when they were new.
Radial tires are recommended, and they should be mounted on radial rims. Bias ply tires are not
recommended for the beach, they will work but the strain on your drive train is really not worth it. They
are too stiff to “bag out” and generally cut through the sand, rather than roll over it. Also, a tire that is too
big for a narrow rim will come off the rim when running with low pressure. Most of now use low range
2d with 3rd gear but this can vary with vehicles. Low range is much easier on the engines!
Here are some problems you may encounter. Tire pressure may be too HIGH! Tire sidewalls are too
heavy, thus not allowing the tire to flex properly. The tire tread is of the knob type or the tread is too deep,
thus causing the vehicle to bog down and damage the beach.
Take your rig, all loaded for beach use, to your local gas station and park by the air pump. Begin to let the
air out of your tires. Deflate them to the point where they just start to wrinkle (this is the point you DO NOT
WANT). Note this pressure and ADD air to take the wrinkle out and stop there. Always stay above the
wrinkle point. This final pressure should be your beach pressure.
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General Equipment Required For Vehicle Inspection
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(May vary for different areas)
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Tow rope or chain
Jack suitable to lift vehicle weight and payload-spares of suitable size
Board for jack, 144 square inches (ie 12X12) X ¾” thick plywood (minimum-varies by beach)
Shovel
Low pressure tire gauge
Fire extinguisher
Chemical toilet with 3-day capacity (self-contained vehicles)
Comply with tire standards at P-Town and Nauset
BE ADVISED not to enter beach areas until you are aware of the rules and regulations. Use only marked trails
and/or established beach tracks and PLEASE respect all NO TRESPASSING signs, TERN NESTING signs
and OBEY speed limit. If you picnic on the beach, take your trash off the beach with you.
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PLEASE STAY OFF VEGETATION.
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YOUR CONDUCT ON THE BEACH WILL REGULATE EVERYONE’S USAGE
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