7 Green Boating Tips for the Whole Family

This is a guest post from Jeremy Simmons.

Boating places you in the natural environment and often feels serene, so it’s hard to reconcile the fact that recreational boating can be harmful to the environment. The whole family can pitch in by learning more about safe boating and ways that default practices may add contaminants to local waterways.

Take these steps to minimize your ecological footprint and help protect the waters you enjoy while boating. Each effort you take will help protect the environment.

Recycle

You may already be recycling the food and beverage containers you consume onboard, but chances are, you can recycle a lot more of what you use on the boat. Batteries, cabin light bulbs and cleaning product containers can all be recycled through municipal programs or take-back programs at retailers. Hazardous waste such as paint containers and oil can be disposed of through municipal hazardous waste programs. If you have a bit of that paint left, see whether another boater might need it.

Use green products to clean and maintain your boat

Switch to all-natural cleaning products to clean the inside and outside of your boat. The California Coastal Commission recommends less toxic alternatives to traditional cleaners, such as a vinegar and water solution to clean glass, or a baking soda and water paste to clean fiberglass.

To really minimize your impact, do as little cleaning of your boat in the water as possible. Even if you’re on the docks sweeping and cleaning the interior of your boat for the start of a new season, chemicals can enter the water.

Chart your course

Charting your course keeps your boat away from ecologically sensitive areas where you might accidentally damage fish or marine life. Nautical maps, rulers and a compass rose will get you started plotting your own course. Refresh your navigation and charting courses with a boater exam that covers boating skills and practices, in addition to state-specific laws regarding boating.

Paint with care

Traditional boating paints may do a fine job protecting your hull, but can wreak havoc in the waters. Instead of expensive antifouling paint, use a common household paint protected with a coat of bottom wax. If you insist on painting, use a hard bottom paint because it’s less likely to shed its toxic flakes on the ocean floor.

Avoid topping off

Topping off can lead to small fuel leaks that pollute your waterway because boat fuel expands in hot weather. BoatUS suggests filling your tank to 90 percent of its capacity to prevent accidental leakages.

Conserve fuel

Not only is fuel conservation good for your wallet, it benefits the environment. A heavy boat uses more fuel, so remove stored items to lighten your load. Keep the engine off until you’re ready to head out. Regular engine maintenance and tune-ups also help your boat engine burn fuel efficiently.

Green your engine

Four-stroke engines have less impact on the environment than two-stroke engines, which may deposit 30 percent of all fuel and oil used in your waterways, according to EarthEasy. Plus, four-stroke engines are easier to use. Upgrade your engine to a four-stroke if you’re serious about boating green.

About the author: Jeremy Simmons teaches auto repair at his local community center and blogs in his free time. He likes to go boating with his family.