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AcknowledgementsThis Clean Boater Program has been made possible bythe generous sponsorship of Marine Expert Insuranceand the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. Theirleadership and positive vision of boating for futuregenerations is admirable.
For a Cleaner
TomorrowBecome a CleanBoater Today.
CLEAN WATER IS
IRREPLACEABLE!
About The OMOAThe Ontario Marine Operators Association has beenworking for many years with other recreational boatingassociations and the Federal and Provincial Governmentsto create the Clean Marine Program and promoteenvironmentally responsible boating. Marinasthroughout the province of Ontario have successfully
completed the Clean Marine Eco-Rating Program. TheClean Marine Program has received many environmentalawards and is considered the best marina environmentalpractices program in the world.
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Water: More ValuableThan Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Clean Marine Partnership. . . . . .What Is It? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
The Clean MarineProgram Initiative . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Environmental CertificationOr "Eco-Rating!" . . . . . . . . . . . .10
The Next Step - A CleanBoater Program . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
What Is A Boater And WhatImpact Does A Boater Have? .11
Clean Boater Handbook . . . . .12
CHAPTER ONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
BEFORE SPRING LAUNCH . . . .14
Cleaning Alternatives . . . . . . . .16
Cleaning And PolishingAlternatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Lets Get That CoverOff And Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
In The Bilge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Now For The Hull! . . . . . . . . . .21
Better Bottom Coatings . . . . . .23Time To Re-Power? . . . . . . . . . .25
CHAPTER TWO . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
BOATING SEASON . . . . . . . . . . .26
Pre-Departure Checklist . . . . . .26
1. Boat Cleaning In TheWater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
2. Bilge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
3. Refueling Avoid Spills . . . .30
4. Holding Tank Pumping . . . .35
5. Personal Hygiene Aboard . .38
6. Food And Beverages . . . . . .39
7. Damaging Wakes AndCommon Courtesy . . . . . . . .40
8. Other Pollution . . . . . . . . . . .41
CHAPTER THREE . . . . . . . . . . . .44
WINTER LAY-UP . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Corrosion Protection . . . . . . . .44
Fuel Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Freezing As Well . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Fresh Water System Too . . . . .47
Clean the Bottom! ButNot Too Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Lighten The Load . . . . . . . . . . .48
Cover It Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Website Information . . . . . . . .50
CONTENTS
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Endorsements
The following associations, government agencies andcorporations have endorsed the Clean Boater Program:
AssociationsAssociation Maritime duQuebecAtlantic Marine TradesAssociationB.C. Marine TradesAssociationCanadian MarineManufacturers Association
Canadian Power and SailSquadronFederation of CottageAssociationsOntario Boating ForumOntario Marine OperatorsAssociationOntario Sailing AssociationTourism Federation ofOntario
CorporationsBoatcan Computer Sales Ltd.Boats& Places MagazineBoat Guide and BoatingBusiness MagazinesEnvironmental ChoiceProgramGeorgian College MarineEngine Techniques Program
Natural Marine / Head-O-Matic EcoLogo ProductsPower Boating MagazineShell CanadaTerra Choice EnvironmentalServices
GovernmentCanadian Coast Guard
Ontario Ministry of the EnvironmentOntario Provincial Police
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This handbook has beenprepared to make boatersmore aware of the resourcewe all enjoy, but can neverreplace: CLEAN WATER!Why produce a handbook
dedicated to protectinglakes and rivers? They have
always been there for ouruse and always will be,
right? Wrong! Unless wemake changes in our habits
and do some things differently,we may not always have that
clean water to enjoy.
If this handbook had been writtenin 1990, we might have made thefollowing believable statementabout life by the year 2004:
*Gasoline will sell at your gas dock
for between 70 cents and adollar a litre. Believable
enough, because duringprevious periods of
gasoline shortages,prices spiked and we
even had line-upsat pumps to buy
the stuff.
WATER:
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How about this one for the year2004:
*At a sporting or cultural event, you will pay $2.50 -$3.50 for a 500 ml bottle of drinking water. That onewould have made you think this author had gone
completely mad! My how things change in a few shortyears.
How could this happen? Is the world not covered withwater? The unfortunate fact for us is that 97% of theworlds water supply is salt. The remaining 3% is fresh,but most of it is inaccessible in polar ice caps, remoteglaciers and icebergs. Less than one half of one percent
of all the water on earth is usable fresh water, making itamongst the rarest substances on earth. Our own GreatLakes contain 25% of the worlds fresh water, containedin lakes. One out of every three Canadians and one outof every seven US residents depend on the Great Lakesfor their water. Canadas water quality is now secondonly to Finland, but we need to do more to prevent itfrom slipping.
It is common knowledge that lakes and rivers in manyareas are being polluted from many sources. Oncepristine waters are no longer so. Of course, it hadnothing to do with us; it was industry, agriculture runoff,or storm and sanitary sewer discharge causing theproblems. The earths natural cycle of rainfall flowinginto streams and rivers, to lakes and oceans, toevaporate then fall back again is remarkably adaptableand is able to cleanse itself, until we add fertilizers,manure, detergents, bacteria and worse. Duringsummer months, nearly half of all drinking water treatedin expensive systems is sprayed onto lawns and gardens.
Boaters who are better informed, will result in positive
changes to our recreational boating environment.
Than GoldMore Valuable
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In the early nineties a group of marine industry andboating group leaders began meeting with federal andprovincial governments over environmental concernsrelated to boats, boaters and marinas. Many valuableworld-class initiatives have resulted from that associationnow known as the Clean Marine Partnership. Some of
those are as follows:
The Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons haveproduced over 250,000 Enviro Boater
Guides, with helpful boating tips.
The Ontario Sailing Associationhas sponsored a Clean Marine
mobile van to promoteclean boating at
sailing venuesover severalseasons.
CLEAN MARINEPARTNERSHIP.
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Shell Canada Limited and NaturalMarine have developed manyboating products achieving EcoLogocertification. The EcoLogo symbol is three dovesintertwined to form a maple leaf. These products arecertified to be produced in an environmentally
responsible manner and perform the tasks they weremeant to, while leaving the least possible environmentalimpact. Many new products are added each year.
The Clean Marine Program Initiative
In 1997, the Ontario Marine Operators Association, withsupport from the Ontario Ministry of Environment
(MOE) and Environment Canada (EC), produced a CleanMarine Practices Handbook. Like the customers theyserve, marinas unknowingly had developed habits overthe years that were detrimental to good environmentalmanagement. This new handbook demonstrated"Environmental Best Management Practices" in all areasof marina operations. The Handbook was revised andupdated in 2000, and currently more than 350 marinas
and yacht clubs are putting it to good use byimplementing environmental best managementpractices.
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What is it?
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Environmental Certification Or "Eco-Rating!"
In 1998 a method of auditing the environmentalperformance of these participating facilities wasdeveloped based on the In 1998 activities describedin the Clean Marine Practice Handbook. This "Eco-
Rating" audit of more than 200 business practicesresults in a rating from one (good performance) tofive (world wide leaders in achieving environmentalprotection) green leaf anchors. In Ontario in 2001, 50marinas participated in this program and another 50marinas and yacht clubs joined in both 2002 and2003. Marinas participating in the program fly theClean Marine flag, and can be quickly identified to
boaters.
Eco-Rated marinas are listed in the Marina Directory,published by the Ontario Marine OperatorsAssociation each year, listed on their website atwww.marinasontario.com as well as on the cleanboater website at www.cleanboater.com
CLEAN MARINEPARTNERSHIP.
CLEAN
MARINE
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What Is A Boater And What Impact Does A Boater Have?
Boaters are not just the rich guys with expensive yachts.They are canoeists, kayakers, sailboarders, anglers,hunters, waterskiers and all who enjoy greatrecreational activities on our lakes and rivers. Boaters arenot major contributors to decreasing water quality if thetotal picture is observed, but they are contributors. Onelitre of spilled gasoline can contaminate 20,000 litres of
water. Oily water from a messy bilge leaves a chokingrainbow-hewed slick, as does the exhaust residue froman aging outboard engine many of us take pride inoperating for years. Dust from sanding boat hulls andpaint over water is toxic and settles into bottomsediment. Garbage thrown overboard is at least a visualpollutant, if not worse, and depending on what it is, maytake tens to hundreds of years to decompose.
Grey water from galley sinks and showers is the subjectof much controversy in many popular boating areas. Is itreally that bad? Several studies are underway todetermine what effect grey water really makes, but theOntario Water Resources Act simply states that youcannot put anything in the water that wasnt there.
It is highly unlikely that most boaters would consciouslypollute the waters they enjoy so much and hold so dearto their hearts. Without being properly informed of theconsequences however, we may have adopted practicesin the past that we deemed acceptable, but which wenow realize may be detrimental to good water quality.
THE NEXTSTEP
A Clean BoaterProgram
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Clean Boater Handbook
If a Clean Marine Practices Handbook is good formarinas and yacht clubs, why not a similar documentfor boaters? This Clean Boater Handbook and CleanBoater Certification Program is the next step in
diminishing the impact marinas, boats and boatershave on the waters so important to us all. Obviously,larger power-boats have more impact than kayaksand canoes, but anyone being careless will have adetrimental effect, and therefore everyone cancontribute in some way to protecting theenvironment. If we all do our part, commit to a moreconscious effort and make informed choices, we can
indeed leave these lakes and rivers to our childrenand grandchildren, proudly aware we passed to thema resource in the best possible condition.
THE NEXTSTEP
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The Clean Boater Handbook willhighlight appropriate tips in threedistinct chapters, which relate tothe various seasons Canadians are exposed to:
1) Spring commissioning How to best prepare
before launch.2) Summer season - Best practices for the boatingseason.3) Lay-up - Haul out and winterization practices
If you find no information or new ideas from thishandbook to improve the environment, you must becongratulated. You are indeed a hero share your
knowledge; help other boaters be more committedto protecting the environment! If you find helpfulhints that do diminish your impact on our preciousresources, then you too are to be commended. Yourchildren and grandchildren will thank you for youreffort and consideration of their future enjoyment ofour waters.
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Winter is finallyover and it is time
to prepare forlaunch. Spring is such
a great time forboaters, and just
getting the coverremoved on that first
warm, sunny day, bringsrenewed anticipation for
the coming season. With allof this renewed vigor, it is a
great time to remember thatdecisions we make today canimprove our boatingexperience forever.
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Pre-season preparation should givethe most positive environmentalresults with the added benefit ofeasier summer cleaning and maintenance. To get startedon this new environmental quest, we should evaluatethe products we have been using in the past. All boaters
have favorite products they have been using. Some ofthem may be wonderful, while others could bedevastating to the waters we are trying to protect. Itmay well be time to change some products and somehabits.
No longer do municipalities spray waste oil on gravelroads to reduce dust nor do municipal parks
departments spray pesticides on childrens playgrounds.We knew the value of aluminum, but didnt know aboutrecycling, so everything was sent to landfill sites. Somelandfills are now being "mined" to extract thealuminum from disposal sites. Marina operators andboat owners no longer stand on the ice to sand boatbottoms, the toxic dust flying about covers the ice andlater settles on the lake bottom. These activities occurred
in the past because the consequences were unknown;however, We Know Now!
Let us begin by taking inventory of our favorite stuff inthe cleaning locker. Does each container living therebear an EcoLogo?
This EcoLogo identifies that the producthas been certified by EnvironmentCanadas Environmental ChoiceProgram. It ensures the product meetsthe following criteria:
*It has been produced in an environmentallyresponsible manner in a certified manufacturing facility.
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ENVIR
ONM
ENTALC
HOIC
E
CHO
IXENVIRONN
EMENT
AL
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*It is certified to cause the least possible environmentalimpact.
*It accomplishes the above while performing the task itwas designed to do.
EcoLogo products are available for most cleaning andmaintenance chores aboard and a complete list isavailable at www.environmentalchoice.ca. For normalcleaning and boat maintenance use the EcoLogoproduct designated for the task at hand or one thefollowing alternatives:
Cleaning Alternatives
Instead Of: Use:Detergents and Soaps Lots of elbow greaseBleach Hydrogen peroxide or boraxScouring Salt or baking soda
Cleaning And Polishing AlternativesAluminum Two tbsps cream of tartar in 1
litre hot water
Wipe cleanBrass Paste made from equal parts
vinegar/salt/waterLeave on 10 minutes, cleanwith soft cloth
Chrome / Metal Cider vinegar to clean, babyoil to polish
Copper Paste made from lemon juiceand saltLeave 10 minutes, wipe withsoft cloth
Wood Polish(unvarnished interior) 3 parts olive oil and 1 part
vinegarFiberglass Stains Paste made from baking soda
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Varnish Cleaner Wipe with50/50vinegar/water solution
Windows 8 to 1 water/vinegar solutionFloor Cleaner 40 to 1 water/vinegar
solutionHead Cleaner Baking soda scrub with
brush 1 cup vinegarLeft overnight will removestains and salts
Shower Apply baking soda to wetsurfaceScour with cloth - rinse
Refrigerator / Cooler Wipe with wet cloth dipped inbaking soda
Drain Opener Dismantle and clean orreplace
Mildew Remover Mix paste 50/50 lemon juiceor vinegar and salt
Other Products
Holding Tanks Use environmentally safeproducts do not useproducts containingformaldehyde
Antifreeze Nontoxic antifreeze is notenvironmentally safe.Drain systems, and use none,or recycle whatever type youuse.
Canvas and Sails Several EcoLogo cleaningproducts are available
Now that we know what good new products we aregoing to use remember to properly dispose of oldproducts at a hazardous waste facility. What needs to be
done next before the splash? 17
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The following tips are recommendations only, and youmay choose to have your marina perform all or some ofthem. Some safety tips will be included with theenvironmental concerns. These items are listed in noparticular order of importance.
Lets Get That Cover Off And Begin
If your cover is a permanent one, make sure it is drybefore folding for storage. If not, lay it out to dry in aplace where the air can circulate, to ensure completedrying. Nothing is worse than unfolding canvas in thefall to find it needs a "haircut" to remove the mouldbefore using again. If it needs to be cleaned choose a
cleaner made for canvas that will not rot the material.
If your boat was shrink-wrapped, be sure the old wrapgoes for recycling and not to landfill. You will berequired to remove strapping or webbing material, andmany recyclers will not accept the stuff if it iscontaminated, so keep it as clean as possible. If yourmarina or Y/C is performing the work, ask them to have
this material recycled. You should expect to pay areasonable fee for this service ($10-$20 depending onthe distance from recycling facility).
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In The Bilge
Open all hatches and perform a visualinspection for anything that appears amiss. If there arethrough-hull sea cocks, operate them in full open and closedpositions. If they are stiff, they should be disassembled and
lubricated, as build-up of lime and other deposits will scoreparts, causing leakage. Disassemble, clean and reassembleusing a good waterproof lubricant. Be sure all engine hosesand drive belts are in good condition and all through-hullfittings must be double clamped. If accessible for inspection,also check the condition of fuel fill hoses between deckfitting and tank. The last thing you need is a bilge full of fuelon your first fill-up. Any sign of oil deposits should be
cleaned thoroughly, check for the leak source and add therepair to your to-do list.
All vessels with inboard fuel tanks should have bilgeblankets, or socks, or both placed in the bilge to absorbany minor fuel or oil deposits. They must be secured inplace to prevent their entangling the automatic bilgepump switch. These devices must be periodically inspected
throughout the boating season and disposed of properlyas hazardous waste.
Some bilges (especially those with older diesel engines)are very difficult to keep clean. If your pump dischargeleaves an oily slick, you might consider a coalescing filteron the discharge line in addition to the bilge sock. Severalcompanies now supply products that capture up to threetimes their weight in hydrocarbons while preventing all oilpassage, and are easily maintained. They are not cheap,but fines arent either, and now that yourean environmentally conscious boater, you wont want thatembarrassment.
Another solution, though less preferable to the filter,
is to install a hydrocarbon-sensing bilge pump switch. 19
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This switch functions normally in deeper bilge water,and shuts the pump off when floating oil contacts theswitch, preventing oily discharge.
Make sure the intake is not fouled with debris, aseverything in the bilge will collect at that point. When
youre in there, inspect all fluid levels and top-up withthose recommended in your owners manual.
Engines should be tuned for the coming season. Aproperly tuned engine starts and runs better, for hassle-free boating. It prevents potentially hazardous,unexpected breakdowns and will produce lower levelsof air and water pollution. Fuel filters or water
separators should be cleaned or replaced. If you aredoing this yourself, be very careful not to spill fuel intothe bilge and inspect afterengine start-up to ensurethere areno leaks. Damagedpropellers, the lastlink in the power
train, are veryinefficient andwaste fuel, aswell ascausingdamagefromvibration.
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Repair or replace them beforelaunch.
If anti-freeze was used for engine winterizing, drain asmuch as possible from the cooling system before launchto prevent it ending up in the lake. You cannot
differentiate here between glycol type and so-callednon-toxic or plumbing types; none of them can bedumped into the lakes. Your marina can recycleantifreeze for you or save it for next year.
Now For The Hull!
Now that the bilge is shipshape, lets look at the hull.
For fiberglass or aluminum, a good cleaning is in order,followed by one or more coats of wax containing a U/Vprotectant. By washing the hull while ashore, any
cleaning products required will not end up in the lake. Boats with non-skid on the decks used to be very
difficult to keep clean and created a problem,as waxed decks were very
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slippery and dangerous when wet. Natural Marine nowproduces an EcoLogo Deck Traction Wax that solves thisproblem and protects the deck as well. This will allow thedeck to be cleaned and rinsed with plain water duringthe season. Previously, only harsh detergents wouldperform this task satisfactorily.
If teak trim is present, coat with natural wood oils orwater based coatings. If teak is kept sealed, harsh acid-based chemicals will not be needed to renew its lusterand colour. If blackened and unsightly, consider sandingto renew, instead of using those chemicals. If you mustuse teak cleaners, do not use over water.
Few of us get to spend the entire summer on thewater, so while you are aboardduring the boating season, trythis cleaning method. Simplymop the hull and decks inthe morning before thedew dries or after a rainshower. Not even rinse
waterwill berequired.
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If the bottom is not painted, a goodbottom wax will slow algae growthand help prevent zebra mussels andother unwanted guests from attaching.
Better Bottom Coatings
Bottom painting has undergone some drastic changes.Not long ago, bottoms were sanded and repainted eachyear. Where boats wintered in covered slips, this sandingusually took place in late spring by standing on the iceand sanding away. All the dust and residue that didntend up in your lungs or on your neighbors boat sank tothe bottom of the lake. If sanding was done on land, the
dust contaminated the surrounding soil. We now arevery aware this practice is not acceptable.
Many more environmentally responsible bottom paintshave been developed in the past few years, with newerand better ones introduced on a regular basis. Ask your
favorite chandler or marine store for advice. Pick the onebest suited for the water conditions your boat lives in. In
inland lakes for example, barnacle protection is reallyoverkill. When you pick the best environmental
product, follow some new application practices. Ifsanding is really required, (it may not be) enclose
the boat with plastic, put ground sheets down anduse a dustless sander. Protect yourself by
using a good quality dust mask.All dust collected must be
disposed of ashazardous
waste.
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Considerapplying a
colour you donot want,and then
apply a
finish coatof the
desiredcolour. Instead
of repaintingnext year, only
repaint when the basecolour shows through. In
many cases, this could beyears away. By using thissimple system, you save
money, avoid a job mostboaters and marina staff
dread, and reduceyour impact on the
environment.
Everyone wins!
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Time To Re-Power?
If this is your year to replace thattired old engine, what will you purchase? This iswhere you can really make an impact. If you have aninboard or sterndrive your choice is easy. All of the
new replacement power choices will be fuel-injectedmodels. They are not only much more user friendly,with improved starting and reduced warm-up time,but will consume less fuel. Because they are more fuelefficient, they will emit far fewer pollutants into theair and water.
For outboards the choice is greater. As this is written,
some old-technology, two-stroke engines are stillavailable and will be until 2006. For a slightlyincreased investment, purchase a new-technology,direct-injected two-stroke or four-stroke model. Theminimal extra cost now will soon be returned manytimes over, in decreased fuel cost. These models startand run better, burn considerably less fuel at all butfull throttle applications, and cause much lower
levels of pollution to air and water.
It is no longer a proud statement to claim you are stillusing the wonderful outboard you bought in 1953.Get rid of that old engine and its accompanyingrainbow trail on the water and replace it with a fuelefficient, low-emission model!
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During the boating season, the most noticeableenvironmental impact can be attained after you havecompleted your spring preparations. It would be bestto break this into distinct categories.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before discussing environmental concerns, theCanadian Coast Guard
(CCG) recommendsusing the
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following check-list before setting outon your voyage, no matter how short.
*Check weather forecast before departing andmonitor marine forecast while under way.
*Ensure you have your boat operator card.
*Ensure you have current charts for area and areaware of local hazards.
*Check hull and gear - is it seaworthy, ready for localconditions.
*Check running gear - battery, toolsspare parts.
**This would be appropriatetime to perform bilge checkslisted in item 2, below.
*Check fuel - 1/3 to go - 1/3 to
return - 1/3 reserve.
*Balance load evenly -distribute gear and occupants- do not overload.
*Carry safety gear specified inCCG Safe Boating Guide foryour vessel type.
*Vessel operator must indicateto passengers location of safetygear and vessel layout.
*Carry approved PFD sized
correctly for everyoneaboard. Better still, wear 27
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them. When you really need one, it may already betoo late to find one and put it on.
*File a sail plan make sure a responsible personknows your itinerary and your destination arrivaltimes. Authorities can be notified before it is too lateif you are overdue.
1. Boat Cleaning In The Water
Many products traditionally used in the past to cleanhulls and decks contain such chemicals as ammonia,phosphates and chlorine. None of these products shouldbe released into the water. If your boat received the waxcoating we recommended before launch, only fresh
water should be required for summer cleaning. We caneven eliminate the need for freshwater rinsing and preserve waterby mopping down the decksbefore the dew dries in themorning.
Galley
Several EcoLogoproducts areavailable
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for dishwashing and generalcleanup in the galley area. Avoidproducts with baseless claims suchas biodegradable, low phosphateor environmentally friendly unless you thoroughlyresearch the ingredients. Limit the amount of wateryou use in sinks. Consider wiping greasy utensils and
dishes with paper before washing, to reducequantities of detergent required for proper cleaning.
2. Bilge
Engine room checks before setting out on any trip,no matter how short, should be routine. At
minimum, oil and coolant levels
should be checked, alongwith a quick visual ofbelts and accessories.
Any bilge foulingneeds immediateattention. If oil is
present, the causeshould be
identified andrepaired.
Minorspills
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may be wiped up, but majorquantities will require hauling theboat with cleaning done ashore.The residue can be disposed of ashazardous waste. Under nocircumstances should fouledbilges be cleaned with bilge
cleaner and then the messpumped overboard. EcoLogobilge cleaners do preventhazardous petrochemicaldeposits while "eating" the oilrather than emulsifying it.
If all appears normal, check
the condition of the bilgesock or blanket youinstalled in the spring. If it isoil soaked, install a newone.
*It is important to notethat boat owners are
liable for anypollutant dischargefrom their boat,even if they arenot on board atthe time ofdischarge!
3. Refueling Avoid Spills
Each marina/yacht club isresponsible
for
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refueling, and customers are notpermitted to perform thisprocedure. Please follow allrequests from the staff as theyhave your interest and safety as their top priority.Refueling from portable containers should not bepermitted, as the possibility of spillage is great. This
practice does occur in some yacht clubs, and theseclubs must adopt written procedures agreed to by allmembers, to prevent accidental spillage.
Inboard Tanks
Is your boat one of the many that spits fuel from the ventfitting during refueling? If it does, consider one of the
following remedies. A Davis No-Spill bottle fastens withsuction cups over the fuel vent and any fuel spit-back iscollected instead of causing that dreaded slick on thewater. In 2002, the Canadian Safe Boating Councilawarded this item the "Best New EnvironmentalProduct" award and if your marina/ yacht club isnt usingone, ask why they arent. Better still, buy one and carryit with you, but make sure no gasoline residue is left in it
before stowing it back on board. For a more permanentfix, Racor makes a trap for the vent line or Perco makesa fuel fill deck fitting with a built-in vent that directs fuelback to the tank. The latter still requires strict attention,to avoid some spillage.
***It is important to note once again, that one litre offuel contaminates 20,000 litres of water. Imagine whatsome inconsiderate, unaware, ill-informed gas-dockattendant could accomplish in a bad day on the job!
Avoid Overfilling
Avoid filling the tank to the brim if the boat is not tobe used right away. Heat will expand the fuel in the
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tank, forcing it out the vent.Remember to run the bilge blower
for 5 minutes before startingengines after refueling.
Marinas in the Clean MarineProgram should be adhering
to these procedures, but youshould insist these practicesare followed.
Fueling With Inboard Tanks
Before Refueling:
*Ensure boat is securelymoored to dock.
*Ensure emergencyabsorbent materials
are present.
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*Estimate quantity of fuel required.(If the pump shows you have put 200litres of fuel in 150 litre tank, you willbe in great difficulty)
*Install No-Spill bottle or pad over fuel vent.
*Use absorbent donut around nozzle or at least have arag at hand to wipe minor spills.
*Switch off all electrical devices.
*Close all ports and hatches.
*Ensure no smoking in fuel dock area.
*Ensure everyone is off boat.
*Do not leave boat.
*Do not overfill.
After Re-Fueling:
*Remove No-Spill bottle and dump collected fuel backinto tank.
*Install deck fitting tightly.
*There should be no spills, but clean any minor onesimmediately.
****Run bilge blower for 5 minutes before starting engines.
Portable Fuel Tanks
All portable fuel tanks must be taken ashore andplaced on absorbent pads or trays to collect any gasoline
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spilled accidentally. Tanks must be approved by theCanadian Standards Association, and remember overfilledtanks will expand and leak when the temperature rises andspill into the boat causing environmental and explosiondangers.
Personal Watercraft And Small Outboards
Securely tie craft to dock where least wave action willoccur. Some facilities have special fuel docks for thesevessels. Again it is important to not overfill.
Fuel Spillage
Any fuel spilled must
be reported tomarina or Yacht Club
management. Itshould be cleanedup with absorbentmaterials from the
Emergency SpillsKit stored at the
fuel dock. Allused materialsmust be stored
in a sealedcontainer for
disposal ascontaminated
waste.
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*NOTE: DO NOT SPRAYDETERGENT ON THE WATER TODISPERSE FUEL SPILLS. THEDETERGENT IS WORSE THAN THEFUEL!
Fuel Waste Avoid It
To avoid wasting valuable fuel and producing excessexhaust emissions, do not leave engines idling forextended periods. If you need another reason for anew boat or new engine, one advantage of newtechnology fuel injected engines is they start withoutfuss and idle immediately, without extended warm-up time. Just untie your lines and set off, but do not
run at high speeds until the engine/engines havereached normal operating temperature.
4. Holding Tank Pumping
Black Water Tanks
It is important to note that portable heads or Porta-
Potties are NOT permitted in Ontario waters unlessthey are permanently fastened in place and fittedwith a deck-mounted pump-out discharge fitting. It isNOT permitted to remove toilet waste from a boatother than through a deck fitting by means of ashore-based pumping system. Sea outlets for a headand/or holding tank must have no physicalconnection to an overboard discharge valve. Y-valvesmust be either removed or sealed in a position thatallows raw sewage to enter the black-water holdingtank only.
The introduction of bacteria into the water column isa great danger. These very small organisms can causediarrhea, hepatitis, salmonella poisoning or other
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illnesses, even death, if ingested byanyone swimming or using pollutedwater as their drinking source.
Marinas normally perform this leastdesirable of tasks, but if you areresponsible for doing your own
pumping at your yacht club, some veryspecific rules must be followed.
Before Starting To Pump Tanks:
*Securely moor boat to dock.
*Wear waterproof gloves.
*Ensure pump-out tank isnot full.
*Open deck fittingslowly to allowany pressure to
release.
*Fasten deckfitting andensure all
suction hoseconnectionsare secure.
*Havesponge
and waterbucket at
hand toclean up
small spills.
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*Pour rinse water through head.
After Pumping Is Completed:
*Do not dangle hose in water body, but rinse fromwater bucket
*Place fittings in water bucket (With milddisinfectant solution)
*Install deck fitting
Cleaning Holding Tanks:
*Use only water hose labeled for this purpose, NOT
DRINKING WATER HOSE!
*Use as little water as possible
*Thoroughly wash hands when finished
****NOTE
Only use holding tank products that are the leastharmful to the environment. Environment Canadaand Health Canada have determined that exposureto formaldehyde may increase the risk of cancer inhumans. Disinfectants containing formaldehyde havealso been demonstrated to affect the efficiency ofseptic systems and sewage treatment plants. Thereare several holding tank products available that havebeen EcoLogo certified.
Grey Water Tanks
While boats equipped with grey water tanks are stillnot common, these tanks should be pumped afterthe black water tanks to flush the pumping system. If
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your boat does not have a grey water tank, inquire atyour marina /Y/C on the feasibility of adding one andbe sure it is on the option list for any new boatpurchase.
5. Personal Hygiene Aboard
While not always possible, shore facilities should beused whenever they are available. Shore basedshowers and washrooms are connected to municipalsewer systems or approved septic systems designed todispose of the waste. While the effects of grey waterare still under debate, and water quality testing istaking place in many of our waters, we should bestriving to reduce the amounts we introduce into the
water. Limit the amount of water used in sinks andshowers.
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Many EcoLogo products have beenapproved for household and boatcleaning, and recently a number ofpersonal hygiene products havebeen developed as well. Shampoos, hand soaps andbody washes are now all available, so be sure to seekthem out.
6. Food And Beverages
Packaging
Whether planning for a day on the water or anextended cruise, a little preparation when packingcan reduce the need for limited garbage storage
capacity on most boats. Everything from snacks togourmet meal ingredients can be removed from storepackaging and taken aboard in sealed reusablecontainers. These containers are available in manysizes, are more compact and easier to store. Evenfresh vegetables may be cleaned and prepared athome to avoid garbage aboard. The packaging cango into your blue box at home and you will not have
to carry the smelly stuff around looking for a disposalsite. If you do have vegetable scraps and cigarettebutts, keep them on board. Fish and birds do notenjoy a smoke.
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Remember that everything that goes aboard must bereturned to shore. Better yet, bring back more than youtake out. Stow all loose items, plastic bags and cups, popcan rings, etc. so they cant blow overboard. Marinas oryacht clubs and most municipalities now have bothgarbage and recyclable containers available for properdisposal ashore.
Beverages in cans cool faster than bottles and whencrushed, take little storage space. The next best solutionwould be large plastic bottles, again easily crushed forstorage and recycling ashore. Many environmentalistsdiscourage these choices in favor of reusable glassbottles but both are now recyclable, and the possibilityof glass breakage aboard creates a safety hazard.
7. Damaging Wakes And Common Courtesy
Many of todayspowerboats leave
humongouswakes whentraveling at
certain
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speeds. In many locations, speed limitsigns are posted, controlling speedsbut not wakes. Every boat ownershould know exactly whats going onbehind his vessel at all boat speeds. Consideration offellow boaters (especially those in smaller or sailing craft)is important, but shoreline erosion is a major source of
water pollution and causes damage to fish habitat.
Be aware of your wake and travel at low-wake speedswithin one half mile of shore, cottage docks andmooring areas. Besides the environmental concerns, ifwe all practiced this simple courtesy, many of thecontroversial cottager/boater confrontations andnegative issues would go away.
When operating smaller outboards or personalwatercraft in shallow water and close to wetlands,special care and consideration must be exercised at alltimes. These sensitive fish habitats should be navigatedvery slowly or (if possible) avoided altogether. They areno place for children to learn or practice boat operationeven if it appears safer for them.
8. Other Pollution
Noise
Boisterous activity and noisy stereos may be pleasurablefor some, but most boaters and shore dwellers are thereto escape exposure to the above and prefer peace andsolitude. Respect the rights of these people. If you likeloud music, use headsets instead of sharing yourpleasure, or pain.
Nuisance Dont Be One!
Respect for others is the key here as well. Personal
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watercraft can provide great enjoyment, but continuallycircling cruising boats to jump the wake is annoying anddangerous. New models are much quieter, however
continual running back andforth in front of a
neighbors cottage ormoored boats, will wear
very thin, very quickly.Go for a ride and
enjoy. Water skiing orwakeboarding nearor amongst moored
boats is alsodangerous and
a source of great
friction. Enjoy theseactivities away from
others.
Invading Species
By now, mostboaters are
aware of thegrowing Zebra
Musselinfestation,
but there areothers. The
SpinyWater
Flea
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has fouled many of Canadas lakesand rivers.
Unfortunately, we are often unawareof these pests until they are well established. Thegreatest danger presented by boaters is transferringthese pests and invading aquatic plants from one body
of water to another, on or in trailerable boats. Beforemoving between lakes, all bilges, bait and live well tanksshould be pumped and flushed and boats and trailersshould be rinsed down. These pests did not arrive herein, or because of pleasure boats, but we can have animpact on their spreading to other bodies of water.Never dump live bait into an environment where theydid not originate.
Other Activities Involving Boating:
Fishing
use lead free sinkers and jig heads
do not throw old fishing line or other debris overboard
avoid fish spawning areas when they are spawning
do not harass wildlife
Water Skiing/Wake Boarding/Tubing
stay away from busy and narrow channels
do not drive recklessly
Transportation To The Cottage
do not overload your boat with too many people,luggage and supplies
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This is the time of year all boaters dread. Once again,a few simple steps taken now can make our life easiernext season and protect the environment.
Before haul-out, be sure your holding tanks arepumped out and well rinsed. Be sure the fuel tank isfilled to prevent condensation and add fuel stabilizer
to preserve fuel quality and prevent evaporation.
Corrosion Protection
While the engine is warm, oil in four-stroke engines should be changed.
Oil containing contaminants willcause corrosion of internal
engine components if left
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over the storage period. Be surethe waste oil and filter arerecycled. This will be doneautomatically by your marina, butif you change your own, take it to a municipal wasterecycling site. To protect internal engine parts duringthe storage period, a small quantity of fogging oil
should be injected into the engine intake whileidling.
Fuel Storage
Built in tanks on boats should be filled before storing.This will prevent condensation from forming duringtemperature fluctuations over the winter. Fuel
stabilizer should be added in the proper proportionsto prevent fuel deterioration. Failure to perform thistask may result in the entire tankfull having to bedisposed of. This would not only be an expensivewaste of gasoline, but it is also expensive to disposeof as hazardous waste. Make sure you run the enginefor a short period after adding the stabilizer todistribute it through lines, pumps and carburetors or
fuel injectors.
Freezing As Well
If care is used, all water may be drained and removedfrom the fresh-water cooling system withoutrequiring the use of anti-freeze. Please note thatnon-toxic or plumbing-type antifreezes are both verytoxic. They must also be used undiluted to providefreezing protection. To be sure there is no water leftin the cooling system, all drain plugs or valves mustbe clear, hoses removed and dumped. It is best toblow air through the system, to be sure it is all gone.If there is any doubt about a passage or pump, pourin a small amount of glycol-based anti-freeze. Even
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with a 50-50 water mix, it will provide freezingprotection. Close all openings to prevent rodentfamilies from taking up residence before you returnin the spring.
If you must use antifreeze, an alternative is to pumpantifreeze through the system and then drain it back
out for recycling or reuse. This can be doneimmediately or you can wait until re-commissioningis done in the spring before launch. You could forgoall of this by storing your prized possession in anindoor storage facility, heated only enough toprevent freezing. This option is becoming morepopular.
Do not re-launch until the anti-freeze has beenremoved!!!
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Fresh Water System Too
If your boat has a fresh watersystem it can be winterized in muchthe same way. You have a choice of using many gallonsof plumbing anti-freeze, or you can use low air pressureto force the water out or a shop vacuum to draw it out.
Be sure you clear all taps, showerheads, etc. as well as thetraps in all drains.
Clean The Bottom! But Not Too Clean
As soon as the boat is hauled, the bottom should becleaned with a high-pressure washer to remove any algae.It is important to note that the bottom will not come back
to like-new, sparkling white, without using cleaningchemicals containing acid. To avoid using these harshchemicals, you may choose to accept a slightly yellowedhull colour, which wont be seen when the boat is re-launched and floating in the water anyway.
If the bottom is coated with anti-fouling paint or EcoLogobottom wax, a quick blast with the pressure washer is all
you will need. Remember, if the base colour is notshowing through, no repainting will be required beforespring launch. New marinas may have a wash bay wherebottom wash-water will enter a catch basin, to be filteredbefore re-entering the water body.
Ensure that only water is used to clean the bottom of theboat no soaps, detergents or chemicals should be used.If cleaners are used the water should be discharged to amunicipal sanitary sewer system or to the septic system.Unfortunately, this is a very expensive retrofit for existingmarinas and yacht clubs and may be impossible for others.If your marina does not have a boat wash area and yourboat is trailerable, you could choose to take your boat toa hand spray car wash facility, which should use proper
disposal methods.
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Lighten The Load
A thorough inspection of all areas and systems is inorder. One item of note here: this is an ideal time to takeinventory. Boaters tend to keep bringing items aboardthat are absolutely "must have." If they are notimportant spare parts or safety items and you have not
had an occasion to use them in the past season, takethem home. While it seems harmless to carry these"must haves" because you might use them, rememberthat each item involves some weight. Combined, theywill cause your boat to sit lower in the water, reduceyour speed and burn considerably more fuel. Takefreezable chemicals, aerosols, and chemicals that willrust out of your boat.
Take all electronic accessories home. These items are easytargets for theft, and part of the reason insurance costscontinue to increase.
Cover It Up
Finally, it is time for final storage. If you did not opt for
the heated storage, you must provide some type ofcover. Canvas covers are expensive, but have the
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advantage of lasting many seasonswhen properly cared for. Tie-downtarps with ridgepoles areinexpensive, but have a nasty habit ofcollapsing under a heavy snow load - some job to repairin the middle of a snowstorm!
Shrinkwrap is an excellent way to provide protectionfrom the elements. Make sure whoever is doing the jobfor you installs vents for air circulation. When the wrapis removed in the spring, be sure it goes to a recyclingfacility. This will cost you a few dollars, but it beatssending the stuff to a landfill site, where it might breakdown in about a hundred years
A Whole Year Completed Easy, Wasnt It!
You have now completed a one-year cycle as a boaterwith a new environmental perspective. We hope youhave picked up a few new tips along the way. Sharethem with others. If you see some inconsiderate slobsmessing with our clean waters, set them straight.
If they dont seem to care, perhaps the local MOE officewould like to hear about them.
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WINTERLAY-UP
Additional sources ofenvironmental mattersProvincial government (Ministry OfEnvironment, Ministry of Natural Resources)Federal government (Environment Canadaand Department of Fisheries & Oceans)Ontario Marine Operators AssociationCanadian Power & Sail Squadrons
Ontario Federation of Anglers and HuntersEnvironmental Choice Program
HAPPY, SAFE, CLEAN BOATING!!!
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WEBSITEINFORMATION
Visit the Clean Boater Website at:
www.cleanboater.com
for NEW program information and for a listing of all Eco-Rated Marinas and Yacht Clubs. This also includes thosefacilities that are Certified Vessel EnvironmentalInspection Facilities.
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THE HARDEST THING IS DECIDING WHERE TO PUT IT.
Well, obviously, you put it on the back of your boat. The question is, which boat? The new Yamaha
F150 is the perfect four stroke outboard power for everything from pleasure boats, deck
boats and pontoons to deep vs and offshore craft. Sure, its whisper-quiet, fuel-efficient and
clean-burning not to mention compact and lightweight. It even meets Federal EPA 2006
emission standards and CARB 2008 three-star requirements. Now add the kick of our
powerful in-line 4-cylinder 16-valve double overhead cam, and youve got all the
advantages of a four stroke with the knock-your-socks-off speed and acceleration of a
corresponding V6 two stroke. The versatile F150 is the latest addition to Yamahas family of
exceptionally reliable Four Strokes ranging from 2.5hp to 225hp. But its the first
150-horse EFI four stroke outboard in existence. Which makes it one of a kind.
YAMAHA PRESENTS THE WORLDS FIRST
150HP FOUR STROKE OUTBOARD.
YAMAHA PRESENTS THE WORLDS FIRST
150HP FOUR-STROKE OUTBOARD.
REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly
with a Canadian Coast Guard approved personal floatation device and protective gear.
Yamaha 4-Strokes
2.5 - 225hp
www.yamaha-motor.ca
The Worlds largest Outboard manufacturer
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