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If you refuel your boat
at a gas station, be aware that any fuel with more than 10% ethanol (E10) is
prohibited for use in marine engines.
Here Are 6 Ways Boaters Can Be Green This
Summer
All across
America boating season has begun. With some help from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean
Water, here are six ways boaters can help keep waters clean and be good
environmental stewards all summer long.
Cleaning
and waxing: When making your boat sparkle, understand that some
general cleaning soaps may
have harmful chemicals, so consider using alternate
cleaning methods. You’d be surprised, for example, of how
effective (and affordable) having a spray bottle with the proper mix of
white vinegar and water can be as an all-purpose cleaner.
Waste
management: A simple thing like having a trash bin aboard can make
a difference, especially in a crowded Saturday afternoon anchorage. Ensure
it has a lid that can be secured to prevent trash from blowing overboard.
The presence of a trash can, and ensuring everyone aboard knows where it
is, will encourage guests be good environmental stewards as well.
Sewage
handling: If
you have a head aboard, ensure it’s in good working condition. Also
familiarize yourself with how to
use a pumpout correctly. Mistakes here can make it into family lore.
Before you go to the pumpout location, call ahead to ensure it’s
operating, advise of your boat length and ask if there are any
restrictions on getting access to the pump as it may be in a tight
location. The good news is that many are inexpensive or free.
Fuel
efficiency: In addition to having the engine tuned, have you had last season’s propeller
dings fixed? You’d be surprised what a little time in a prop shop can do
for a boat’s fuel economy. Other places to look to save gas: Are you
carrying around a bunch of extra junk (weight) in lockers? Are your trim
tabs in good working order? Balancing the load, especially in smaller
boats, not only improves efficiency but safety as well.
Fishing: While
everyone wants to have the biggest catch after a long day of fishing, it’s
important to practice selective harvesting. This encourages you to keep
more midsized fish and release the biggest ones as they’re more likely to
reproduce next season. Use circle hooks to minimize damage, and do your
best never to leave fishing line in the water. Encourage your community’s
line recycling by making a
monofilament fishing line recycling bin and start a recycling program
at your boating and fishing club, launch ramp or marina.
Refueling: Never use
hands-free clips, and avoid any distractions while fueling. Fuel expands
as temperatures rise, so don’t top off your tank. Know how much fuel your
tank holds and fill it to about 90%. Clean up fuel spills immediately with
an oil-only absorbent pad. The U.S. Coast Guard must be notified if a
spill creates sheen on the water. Call the Coast Guard National Response
Center at 800-424-8802 to report a spill. If you are refueling at a
gas station, ensure you do not refuel your marine engine with E15 (15%
ethanol) fuel or greater blends as this is against the law and will void
your engine’s warranty.