It's all good coz it helps wear down the anti fouling paint and saves you a lot of work later . .. .. :lolhit:

This sounds like the best way, I think Slide Anchor makes a nice shore spike to work with the standard anchor (BTW...their box anchor works great!).

I think with a little searching too maybe a clear water proof tape a few inches to either side down the middle of the bow would work too.

F14, I do it all the time and never had issues, yet.
At Ft. McRee on the south side. Sand island is very shallow so I too will back up, walk it back and anchor with a bow and stern.
Robertson Island in OBA is generally ok too depending on where you beach it (I typically prefer across from the boat ramp, so the west side of the island.
Flora Bama yacht club is also pretty soft. When adequate space is available I'll beach it. Anchoring there is a little spotty, I usually will do it on a calm day with low winds, and/or with another boat.

I'll take you up on the dock party!

In terms of going OUT and beaching Gulf side, I have very little experience. I actually only go out in the gulf to go fishing. Never felt safe bringing my boat all the way to shore on Pcola beach or OBA.

thanks for the information and dock party soon!

frankly, you answered me perfectly I never really expected to be "on the beach" I meant on the sand bars, Islands, Etc...