on the beach, I use a couple of 30" auger style anchors available from Northern Tools for a pretty reasonable $7 each.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200336262_200336262On harder, more stable ground, I have a couple of 15" versions of the same auger. I've used the dog style screws for tie downs but I've broken three of the handles off while screwing them in the ground or trying to remove them from the ground. I've not had any trouble with the augers and a piece of conduit to form a "T" handle to work them into the ground.
Jake,
Please use the correct terminology. Those anchors are correctly termed "redneck home insurance policies" as they are used to tie down the trailer parks...
I used a broomstick to get those bad-boys cinched down in the dirt and then use a ratchet strap to connect it to the mainbeam. If it really looked nasty, I'd add another one to the rear beam, or one on each side tied to the shroud chainplate.. Attaching to beams made it easier to screw in the anchor using the broomstick piece (didn't hit the boat when rotating)
