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Maintenance and Repair

Cleaning your boat
some cleaning products can be harmful to the aquatic environment. As such we recommend the following:
  • Use cleaners that do not contain ammonia, sodium, chlorinated solvents or petroleum
  • Use non-toxic, phosphate-free, biodegradable products to clean your boat
  • Be sure no cleaning materials or rags are introduced in the water
  • Use pressure washers only when your boat is out of the water to prevent paint from entering the water
The following alternatives are products that can be found in our homes!

Aluminium 1 tbsp cream of tartar in ½ litre of hot water
Chrome Vinegar and salt solution
Chrome / Metal Baby oil with polish
Toilet Baking soda
Brass Worcestershire sauce vinegar, and salt solution
Mildew Vinegar and salt solution or tea tree oil
Bleaching Hydrogen peroxide (not chlorine bleach)
Wood Polish with olive oil
Deck 1 part vinegar to 8 parts water
Copper 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water
Scouring Baking soda and water paste
Fiberglass Baking soda and salt
Clear plastic/Glass Lemon juice and salt solution
Hair Baby shampoo (phosphate-free and pH balanced)
Shower Wet area and scour with baking soda
Dishes Use minimal amounts of dish soap. Choose non-petroleum based soaps
Lavender, Peppermint Disinfects
EcoLogic Products
Please visit EcoLogo to view products that are certified environmentally responsible from EcoLogic.

Engine Maintenance
The following are things you can do while doing your engine maintenance to minimize your impact on the environment:
  • Use an oil change pump to transfer oil to a spill proof container, then cap this tightly – Always make sure no petroleum substances get in the water
  • Slip a plastic bag over the oil filter before removing to prevent oil spilling into the bilge
  • Keep oil-absorbent pads handy to wipe up spills
  • Regularly inspect and fix any leaks or drips from your motor parts
  • Antifreeze is also a substance that is harmful to the marine life integrity
Boating Maintenance
  • When sanding and scraping or painting your boat, do it on land to avoid dry paint particles or wet paint from entering the water
  • We discourage you from painting or sanding on the water, but if you have to, have paint absorbent materials ready. Also, avoid sanding or painting on a windy day
  • Avoid using anti-fouling bottom paints. They contain toxic metals (i.e. copper) that accumulate in the marine environment and food web. Use less damaging boat paint as an alternative
  • Waxing your boat is a good way of protecting the painted surface. This will help reduce the times you’ll have to paint

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