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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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Copyright © 2005 Shediac Bay Watershed Association.
All rights reserved.