Question about making a beach landing

Do you have to pull the Mirage drive(s) out of the boat before making a beach or river bank landing?

I usually either try to beach the kayak with the mirage fins up if they are down the fins get stuck in the sand further away from shore. I then usually unhook the mirage drive and pull the kayak further on shore.

I always pull them clear out. I don't want to risk damage or running aground.

I build up enough speed to coast in, then retract the fins (just push one pedal forward) and secure them with the bungee cord that Hobie provides for that purpose.

I'll let it glide in until the bow is touching or at least close, then I'll step out.

If I'm done for the day, I'll insert the wheels while it's in the water, then lift the bow and roll it out. The drive never touches anything in this scenario.

If I'm just beaching it for a little while, I won't insert the wheels, but I'll still lift it by the bow and drag it out until the stern is just touching ground, then lower the rest of the hull. In this case, it's resting in the mirage drive, but the drive is not being dragged across anything. If there are big waves, I'll pick it up from the side at this point and muscle it up a few feet so that it's not being moved by the waves.

I rarely remove the drives at all. I have a trailer that lets me transport them upright and low enough so that it's no problem getting them on and off.

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2x Revo
17' Grumman Ultralight

I guess there are beaches and then there are beaches. The ones I'm talking about have breaking surf.

After a couple of "hard" landings last year where the shore break unexpectedly "helped" me beach (at speed), I now always remove the drive (but have it leashed) AND raise the rudder and paddle in through any shore break area. It's cheaper, and less chance of entertaining photo op's.

Kayaking Bob

IT depends on the wave size. If the waves are small, I will leave the drive in and get out when the water is waist high. If the waves are large, I will pull the drive and secure with a tether.