A paved, compacted or naturally firm section of a beach or riverbank that extends into the water. It provides a stable surface for dragging small boats ashore, launching vessels, or allowing passengers to embark without sinking into mud. Hards are often constructed with concrete, stone, or timber reinforcements to withstand the tidal wash and the weight of boat trailers.
Heard on the job
We'll bring the tender up onto the hard to scrape her hull this afternoon.