Making Your Boat More Eco-Friendly

Table of Contents:

1. Be cautious when fueling
2. Choose eco-friendly cleaning products
3. Minimize washdowns
4. Properly dispose of black and grey water
5. Recycle fluids
6. Slow down
7. Consider electric propulsion

It’s essential for all of us to help maintain the health of our beloved waters. Boatsetter is committed to guiding its Owners and Renters towards environmentally conscious boating practices. We offer insights and volunteer opportunities to encourage clean boating. Here are seven steps to make your boat more eco-friendly:

1. Be cautious when fueling: Fuel spills can harm marine life. Use absorbent pads to clean up spills and fill portable tanks onshore or at stable fuel docks.
2. Choose eco-friendly cleaning products: Select boat-cleaning products that avoid harmful chemicals like bleach and phosphorus, which can cause algal blooms and fish kills.
3. Minimize washdowns: Rinse your boat’s topsides after returning to the dock. Avoid scrubbing the hull in the water if it has ablative paint, as it releases harmful biocides.
4. Properly dispose of black and grey water: Never dump untreated sewage overboard. Use proper pump-out stations at marinas to dispose of black and grey water.
5. Recycle fluids: If you handle your own maintenance, ensure used oil is recycled. Take used oil and filters to marinas that offer recycling services.
6. Slow down: Reducing speed conserves fuel and protects sensitive seagrasses that prevent erosion and serve as food for marine animals.
7. Consider electric propulsion: Explore electric or hybrid propulsion options to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower emissions.

While avoiding single-use plastics and containing garbage are important, these steps help ensure our boats are better environmental stewards. Recreational boating can benefit both you and the planet. Explore more green boating resources and visit our Mind Your Wake page.