About
ABOUT RIGHTWATERS
Yamaha Rightwaters is a sustainability initiative created by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., U.S. Marine Business Unit that encompasses all of Yamaha Marine's conservation and water quality efforts. It was conceived as a Yamaha sub brand and as a global initiative. These initiatives include habitat restoration, support for scientific research, mitigation of invasive species, the reduction of marine debris and environmental stewardship education. Yamaha Rightwaters reinforces Yamaha's long-standing history of natural resources conservation, support of sustainable recreational fishing and water resources and the Angler Code of Ethics, which requires pro anglers to adhere to principles of stewardship of all marine resources. The Yamaha Rightwaters logo was designed to incorporate both land and water because water resource management begins on the land.
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CONSERVATION TIPS FOR BOATERS
This is another topic that’s relevant to where you live. The concern is biggest for inland trailer-boaters, but can also apply elsewhere: hitchhiking invasive species can jump from one body of water to another via your boat.
The best way you can help prevent this is to “Clean, Drain, Dry”:
- By inspecting your boat for plants and removing them immediately after hauling it out;
- Washing the boat down thoroughly between trips;
- Letting it dry for a several days before launching the boat in a different body of water. Also be sure to drain the bilge, livewell, raw water washdown system, and anything else that may hold water.
Lastly, don’t forget to flush the motor between uses to be sure there aren’t any hitchhiking invasives in that system, too
This can be a big issue or not an issue at all depending on where you do your boating, but anywhere there’s marine life on the bottom, boats and especially anchors can have dramatic impacts.
In some areas (such as on Florida’s coral reefs) it’s actually illegal to anchor because of the damage it can do to the corals. But anchoring isn’t the only issue. Boats can rip “prop scars” in shallow weed beds, churn muddy bottoms and cause cloudy water, and disturb shellfish beds.
Study up on the waters you rove, to make sure you’re being kind to the benthic brethren that live there.
Obviously, to leave clean wakeprints, we all need to be careful to keep our trash contained onboard and dispose of it properly. Just as important, however, is where hazardous waste ends up.
Paints and used brushes, batteries, antifreeze, cleaning products, oil, oil filters, old fuel, and other hazardous wastes need to go to the proper local facilities, not the trashcan in the marina parking lot. If you’re not sure where to take them, ask around at the marina or call your local municipality’s department of public works.
And if you live in a climate where boats get winterized, don’t forget that used shrink wrap shouldn’t be shoved into any old trash dumpster, either, because it’s a recyclable material. You may need to remove things like straps, vents, and zippers, but most recycling centers accept shrink wrap and many of the larger marinas will have a dedicated place to leave it for pick-up.
Prevent fuel spills by filling fuel tanks slowly and using absorbent pads or rags to catch drips and spills. Don’t “top off” or overflow your fuel tank.
Leave the tank 10 percent empty to allow fuel to expand as it warms.
If you do spill fuel (or oil), never use soap to disperse it. It increases harm to the environment, and it is illegal. In the case of fuel spills, notify the marina management for immediate assistance. They should have the equipment on hand and a procedure in place to act quickly to address the problem. In the case of a significant spill call or contact the Coast Guard National Response Center at 800-424-8802.
If possible, save maintenance projects for when the boat’s on dry land.
When you do have to perform work on the water:
- Minimize your impact by containing the waste;
- Use tarps and vacuum sanders to collect all drips, dust, and debris for proper disposal.
Even the simplest maintenance chores, like cleaning the boat, can have an impact on the water, so be sure to use non-toxic, phosphate-free boat soaps. In cases where caustic cleaners are necessary, pull the boat and do the job on dry land where it’s much easier to contain spills and messes.
A well-tuned and maintained engine will maximize fuel efficiency. Not only does this help reduce your carbon footprint, it also saves you money since you’ll go farther and faster on every gallon of gas.
Also be sure to visually inspect parts of the boat’s propulsion system, like fuel tanks and supply lines, that have the potential to leak as they age. If you spot any problems, have them fixed immediately.
Secure an oil-absorbent pad or pillow in your bilge and under your engine where drips may occur. Check the pads often, do not let them clog the bilge pump, and dispose of them as hazardous waste at a marina or local hazardous waste collection center.
No matter what type of power system your boat has, for oil changes:
- Use an oil change pump to transfer oil to a spill-proof container;
- Then take the used engine oil to a recycling facility;
- When you remove the oil filter, wrap a plastic bag or absorbent pad around it to prevent oil from spilling.