Articles

RECOMMENDED BEACH BUGGY OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
provided by New Jersey Beach Buggy Association

The owner of a beach buggy realizes that his vehicle is an important asset to him as a fisherman. Always on the move in search of fish and of the convenience of not having to lug equipment from spot to spot on foot.

Most of the beach buggies are equipped with four wheel drive and on most of the beaches this is a requirement in order to get a permit to operate on the beach. Operation of a vehicle on the beach requires different technical and operational skills and equipment than used with regular road vehicles.

Your vehicle will be under a continual attack from grinding sand and salt particles. At times, the wind, much like a sand blasting machine, will blow dry sand into every minute opening and crevice, be it engine vents, electrical components, body seams or the suspension system.

The first step should be a rust proofing to seal the under carriage seams and joints. It is important that the body vents around the bottom of the sheet metal panels be kept open. This will allow the removal of sand and salt particles when it rains or the buggy is washed. A good coat of wax should be used on the exterior and extra care should be taken to see that the sheet metal joints of the doors and frame are heavily waxed. The 1000 mile grease job should not be exceeded and be sure that none of the fittings are missed. Make sure that each fitting is wiped clean of sand before. Have your ignition wires sprayed with a waterproofer and equip your vehicle with the following items:

Safety is the first consideration in driving a beach buggy and the primary rule of safety is driving slowly and being aware of the safety of others on the beach, the property you are driving on, and your own vehicle. You must always yield the right of way to people on the beach, When you are approaching an access be on the alert for people who might be walking on the access road.

Beach buggies are permitted on the beach by federal, state, or local authority. They have the power to restrict your driving on the beach. It is important to be careful not to cause any property damage, and to maintain good relations with the property owners and residents of the township or borough. Never drive on the dunes and always use to proper entrances that are always marked for your use.

Prior to going on the beaches tires should he deflated. The importance of proper tire pressure can not be over emphasized. It is difficult to recommend an average tire pressure because size of tire, type of vehicle, and condition of beach determines it. As a starting point we would recommend 18 Lbs. of pressure. From this point you may increase or reduce air pressure depending on conditions. Only two pounds of air pressure could mean the difference between fishing and digging.

As you enter the beach proceed very carefully, it is easier to ride the tracks that have already been made by other vehicles. For good traction you should drive in low range with four-wheel drive or second or third gear with a standard transmission. Always watch for potholes or debris, this can cause the loss of control, personal injury, or property damage.

When you are on the beach, or enter into soft sand, follow an existing track if possible. Drive in a gear speed where the engine is not laboring or running at excessive high RPM’s. This is about 10 MPH, but could increase without too much effort on the engine. That little extra power comes in handy when you suddenly come on to a soft spot. Watch the temperature gauge, if the engine is starting to run over 200 degrees or the idiot light comes on, pull out of the track and head the vehicle into the wind and stop. Keep the engine running at a slightly higher than idle speed. In a matter of minutes the temperature should drop back to normal and you can resume to your fishing spot. Do not, by any means shut off your engine when it is overheated.

When you are driving on the beach at night make a special effort to keep your lights from shining on the water; you will have many more friends if you do.

When leaving the beach, if the approach is soft, maneuver into a position where you can get a moving start, put the vehicle in low range and try not to stop and have to shift to a lower gear.

After you leave the beach, take your vehicle out of four-wheel drive. Most manufacturers claim that normal road surfaces are hard on the system. As soon as possible hose down the undercarriage and brake drums.

If you have any problems equipping or driving your vehicle don't hesitate asking one of our Courtesy Patrolmen to help you. Their vehicles are marked and it is one of their functions.

The N.J.B.B.A. CODE OF ETHICS is for your benefit, follow them carefully, and good fishing.