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.