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Eco-Friendly Boating

Mar. 29 2021 Lifestyle By The Harbor (Boat & Yacht Sales)

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Cruising over the open water or down the river can be exciting, relaxing, and just about everything in between! But there are responsibilities you take on by boating, and one of those is avoiding unnecessary waste and pollution. We here at The Harbor want to help you stay green without getting in the way of your fun, so we’ve put together some easy steps for eco-friendly boating! If you want to know more, or you’re looking for a boat to try this with, contact our store in Branson, Missouri, today!

Why This Matters

As most of you know, boating activities and jobs rely on clean waters and uninterrupted ecosystems. Fishing, swimming, water sports, and even just sitting on the beach are much less pleasant pastimes when the water is sludgy, toxic, or filled with garbage. Every little bit makes a difference—make it a positive one.

Handling Waste

There are a number of things on or in your boat that can cause pollution if they’re not handled or disposed of correctly. Your first step in avoiding that scenario is to keep a supply of oil-absorbent rags on board in case of spills, but there’s a lot more to it, including:

  • Properly disposing of used oil and filters. Call 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) to find the nearest disposal facility.
  • Never mixing wastes or pouring them down drains, as most of these lead back to waterways.
  • Using non-toxic cleaners. Avoid phosphates, bleach, and other toxic cleaners that might stick to your boat and end up in the water.

Boat Maintenance

Keeping your boat in top shape is important, but many maintenance operations can get messy. When filling fuel tanks, portable or otherwise, try to do it on the shore rather than in the water. Your boat’s main fuel tank may not have that option if it stays in the water, but portable tanks can spill and it’s important to avoid spilling them directly into the water. 

Fuel tanks should never be overfilled, as well. Fuel expands when it gets warmer, so if you overfill it, it can spill out through the vent. Hold your hand over the vent, and when you feel the escaping air current lessen, stop pouring in fuel. 

When disposing of old fluids, ask your marina if they recycle fluids. A drain pan can be used to gather used engine oil or antifreeze, for instance. Remember that oil filters and batteries can also be recycled, which can prevent unnecessary waste.

Report Pollution

If you or someone near you is polluting the water with oil, garbage, or other waste, either on purpose or accidentally, you should immediately report it to the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard’s 24-hour National Response Center can be reached at 1-800-424-8802.

We hope these tips help you keep your waters clean and clear! To learn more, contact us at The Harbor. We proudly serve the people of Springfield and Kansas City, Missouri—let us serve you today!