Looking for some advice/ tips on overnighting a 185 at a sandy ocean beach
Taking off/ landing is no problem as the sand is hard as a runway but I'll need to pull the plane up above the high-tide line and into soft sand for spending the night.

So far the plan is to lay down some plywood under each tire and winch it up backwards....

Big enough tires and a come along should do the trick. I have always wanted a Tirfor style comealong that works on rope - I know they do exist.

A Pilatus PC12 overnighted on Vargas last year.

I am always too chicken.

A Maasdam 3/4 ton rope puller cost $69.99 at Sherrill Arborist Supply. They are a great tool, and will last a long time. You will need a length of 1/2" rope (purchase it from them also) 800-525-8873.

The plywood would be important if your winching from the tail, as well as pulling out of the sand come morning.You won't want to sandblast that nice airplane with the prop.

When winching on a rough surface where there is considerable drag, I made up a harness with 3/8" rope and rubber coated S hooks which attached to the main gear legs, so I'm not pulling on the tail.