Since at least 8000BC and with the Pesse Canoe in the Netherlands, much has changed in the world of boating. Whether you're on a top-of-the-line motor boat, classic sailing yacht or fishing off a modest vessel, the experience of being on the water may have evolved but many sensations remain the same; the gentle sway of the hull, the fresh sea air and it's faint taste of salt and the distant horizon promising adventures to come. It is indeed these sensations that still draw many to a life on the water.
There's little doubt that the connection to nature that we experience while boating is sacred, meditative and unrivalled. Meaning that we all have a duty to preserve and protect it, especially when we enjoy it. We've all seen the effect of our modern living on marine-life and the environmental impact of a warming globe. Eco-friendly sailing isn't only becoming a trend, it's absolutely necessary if we're to preserve those most ancient of experiences.
So as the owner of a boat or yacht what can you do to help preserve the vibrant habitats in our waters?
Use biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning products.
The best ways are often the simplest, and this first tip is something you can start doing today, if you don't already! Using biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning products are fantastic for both the washing up in the galley and also maintaining your vessel. Many traditional cleaners can contain harmful chemicals that you cannot control leeching into the water, damaging marine life in the process. Remember to regularly check and clean your bilges for oil or other contaminants to help avoid pumping contaminated water overboard.
Consider alternative antifoul
Store your boat out if the water - if the vessel is small enough then avoid the need for antifouling at all and use a trailer, drystack, hardstanding or boat lifter
Use propspeed on underwater fittings - it controls biofouling on propellers, shafts, struts, rudders, bow thrusters, keel coolers, swim platforms, transducers and underwater lights. Foul-release coatings use physical rather than chemical means to reduce fouling, typically by creating a surface that’s tough for marine organisms to adhere to, and any place you use this instead of antifoul reduces the overall environmental impact.
Silicone based antifouling - these antifouls work by applying a very low friction surface to underwater hull. This can be ideal if the boat is used very regularly, and is used more commonly on commercial vessels such as RNLI lifeboats, but if the boat is left unused for long periods then the growth will always occur. Furthermore when the vessel is lited you are likely to require minor repairs to the silicone coating due to damage from the slings (unless great care has been taken).
Use your boat more often! It's a great excuse to get out on the water, so clean that growth off with a good blast out on the open sea!
Renewable energy
Reduce your battery consumption and thus your engine or genset runtime by harnessing the power of what you have an abundance of! Solar panels and turbines might be just the solution you're looking for in keeping your vessel powered in an environmentally kind way. There are also some small changes you can make to save on power such as switching to LED lights, which should be a nice and simple change you can do.
Alternative fuels
If you're in the market for an engine upgrade, look into options that are fuel-efficient or even hybrid or electric, although a significant investment, both are cleaner options for you. There are numerous manufacturers of fully electric propulsion systems that can be coupled with a battery bank for a fully electric installation, or if you have some range anxiety then also a diesel genset or even hydrogen fuel cells. There are many options here and finding the right one greatly depends on how you use your vessel and the budget you have available. Talking with an experienced marine refit designer who works with multiple powertrian manufacturers will ensure you see the full range of options here.
Many diesel engines (see volvo penta link below) will now run on HVO100 fuel which can reduce your engines co2 emissions by up to 90%. The only hiccup here currently might be the limited availability locally, but if you do find some then rest assured it can be mixed with regular diesel and won't effect the running of your engine (always check your specific engine manual before using alternative fuels!) https://www.volvopenta.com/en-gb/about-us/news-page/2022/sep/top-5-tips-using-hvo-100-fossil-free-fuel-instead-of-diesel/.
Furthermore, on larger vessels, if space allows then an SCR aftertreatment system (like the ad blue in your car) can be installed to further reduce your emissions in line with IMO tier III.
Responsible waste management
Sewage spills have been all over the news in recent years. Luckily for boat owners, waste management can be pretty straightforward, and if you want to live the eco-friendly sailing lifestyle, totally fundamental. Use pump-out stations for sewage and absolutely do not dump your waste overboard. If your vessel doesn't have black water tank fitted then more often than not if designed sympathetically this can be an easy upgrade.
Alternatively, sewage treatment plants can be set up on your vessel to prolong your time at sea without the need to pump your raw sewage. These plants can be either passive or active, and some are surprisingly small enough to fit in vessels where they previously wouldn't have been considered.
Of course, just like at home, you should always adhere to the good practice of managing your rubbish, separating recycling and storing onboard until you can dispose of ashore.
Look where you're going!
Take heed of no-wake zones, these are often set up to protect shorelines and wild habitats. If you find yourself in one, sail with care and reduce your speed to limit your impact on erosion and marine life. For planing craft owners make sure your bow is down!
Anchoring can be unintentionally harmful to the seabed, so stick to the anchorages marked on the charts. Buoyed Anchors will of course limit your impact on the seabed. It's a simple one, but navigating with care and being mindful of your surroundings can preserve habitats and fragile eco-systems.
Science, engineering and innovation.
The sailing community has never lacked imagination when it comes to solving problems. Structural designs, paint and cleaner innovations, upgraded tech. If you want to take the leap into a more sustainable sea-fairing lifestyle, get in touch to find out more about the options available to boat owners.
Sustainability doesn't have to be one massive commitment and change. A positive move towards a more sustainable way of boating can be done in small steps. The innovations coming out of the boating community are extremely exciting and always progressing. Keep an eye on new tech that can help you enjoy the marine environment for longer and for generations to come.
A blog post by Elevate Nautica.
Always seek professional advice when modifying your vessel or using alternative fuels.
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