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 …
HOW DO I PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES? Read More »
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
