Best ATV for Beach and Island Riding in Bahamas (Mangroves, some water)

[BiminiMike]

Hi.  I am looking to purchase an ATV for a Bahamian island called Bimini.  It is 50 miles from Miami.     I am looking for something that will ride the beaches without getting stuck.   There is lots of shoreline with some mangroves, vegetation.   So will probably need 4x4 for that area.  But I ready somewhere that the  the extra weight of the 4x4 in the front of an ATV will weigh down traveling on teh beach and make it more susceptible to getting stuck?      I would think you'd want 4x4 for beach sand.    I would also like to use this ATV to pull a small trailer for bringing trash to the local dump.     I am considering the Honda 420 4x4 with foot shift (dont want to fix ES on an Island).  I am also considering the Honda Foreman for the pulling capacity but I'm concerned that the extra weight of the Foreman will be prone to getting stuck in beach sand.   Anyone have an opinion?   

Edited March 11, 2023 by BiminiMike

[Mech]

Hi. I'm in New Zealand and we have plenty of beach sand and some truly huge sand dunes here. In beach sand two wheel drive quads do just fine, even up the dunes that have drop-offs, and, as you suggest, the slightly lighter weight does allow them to skim over the top. In the dunes two wheel drive is nicer, lighter, more nimble and fun. I've also driven two wheeled bikes (XR hondas) though in mangroves, with mud up to your nuts, and I think you really would be better off with four wheel drive there. In the soft beach sand having four wheel drive is no disadvantage, they still go everywhere, but they feel heavy and do sink in slightly, but the four wheel drive hauls them through regardless.

If you are going to be going into deep mud I'd recommend the four wheel drive, and yeah, hondas are excellent and the bike that's favored by our beach dwelling crowds.

[Gwbarm]

I think the foreman would be an excellent choice, 4 wheel drive is great, but they are harder to steer , so I would get the power steering model. You may or may not need sand tires it really depends on the sand.

[Mech]

Oh yeah, sand and mud definitely prefer different tyres..  I'd go for sand tyres.