There was a time, not so long ago, when “green” was just the color between yellow and blue, and it had little or nothing to do with ecology. In fact, “ecology” was such an uncommon word that it was only used by scientists and spelling-bee participants. Now, it’s difficult to pick up a newspaper or magazine without running into “green.” There are supposedly green cars, green companies and even green political parties. It’s easy to become jaded by it all, but green boating is something boaters should take to heart. In a deteriorating environment, boaters have a lot more to lose than most other people, but they also have the potential to do more to preserve the environment than many others.

There are several steps that hands-on oriented boaters can take that will help the environment. This article tackles three potentially eco-harmful situations — water contamination from engine oil; fuel spillage when filling up the tank; and the introduction of invasive species into the water — and shows you how you can help keep the environment safe through DIY projects and simple measures.

Engine Oil Contamination

Oil is the lifeblood of a boat’s engine. Whether it’s in the sump of a 4-stroke or being burned by a 2-stroke, oil is one of the major contaminants being introduced into the waters in which we boat. Leaks from 4-stroke sumps are rare, but spills from oil that’s allowed to contaminate the bilge during oil changes or top-offs are more common. Simply put, whatever goes into the bilge has a good chance of ending up in the water. Carefully changing the oil will reduce pollution and keep your bilge clean.

Changing the oil filter is often the messiest part of the process. It’s tough to avoid spillage as the filter is unscrewed, but using a plastic grocery bag to surround the filter as it’s being removed can contain the spill — especially if you place a wad of paper towels or rags in the bottom of the bag to catch any dribbles. If any oil does spill, place an absorbent oil sock into the bilge to absorb it. It’s cheap insurance and is easy to dispose of (properly) at the end of the season.

Oil and fuel being released into the water by the exhaust of older 2-stroke engines is, unfortunately, unavoidable. Because of their design, carbureted 2-strokes allow unburned oil and gas to be discharged into the environment because the exhaust port is still open while fuel and oil are being introduced into the combustion chamber. The newer generation of direct-injected 2-strokes has eliminated this flaw, and now are some of the cleanest outboards available. For older engines, you can minimize the pollution by combining the 2-stroke oil and gasoline in the exact proportions recommended by the engine manufacturer, using as little oil as possible. A rich mixture just results in more pollution, less power and spark plugs that foul more easily. For all outboards, keep them well-tuned so they run at peak efficiency. This will reduce the amount of unburned fuel being discharged, which not only will result in better performance but also greater fuel mileage.


Fuel Spillage

Boats get fueled up in many ways. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to trailer your boat and haul it to the local filling station, you’re most likely paying less than at dockside and are less likely to cause fuel spills because of the stations’ automatic shut-off nozzles. The ones at marina fuel docks are supposed to have the same feature, but many still lack it or are so poorly maintained, they don’t work as they should. This can result in fuel spills into the water, which not only pollute, but can result in monumental fines as well. Boaters who fuel their boats at the dock using jerry cans or other containers brought from shore are the ones most likely to experience a spill. Getting that spout into the filler or lining it up with a funnel can be an invitation for all sorts of problems. 

There are several devices you can install on your boat to help reduce fuel spillage. The Securefill system (www.foreandaftmarine.com) adds an expansion tank and overflow protection at a reasonable cost. The Attwood vent line surge protector (www.attwoodmarine.com), the Davis No-Spill fuel saver, and Racor’s Lifeguard Fuel/Air separator (both available at www.westmarine.com) are simple devices that are effective and easy to install.

Besides installing a device, there are several easy ways to prevent problems when fueling with the boat in the water. Listen carefully to the sound of fuel rushing into the tank, and be ready to stop when the sound changes. Trying to force those last few ounces into the tank isn’t going to buy you an advantage. Hold an absorbent pad or rag up to the fuel tank vent to pick up any overflow. If your boat tends to back up at the filler, having a rag handy there will help too. And if you fill from jerry cans, get someone to hold the funnel or help direct the spout into the filler to prevent splashes and overflow. You’ll not only save fuel but also avoid fines and reduce the danger of fire too.


Invasive Species

Another form of pollution that was practically unheard of a few generations ago is the contamination of bodies of water by non-native plants and animals. The interlopers are called “ invasive species,” but they don’t invade in the usual sense of the word — instead, they are brought in by human activity. The fouling of the Great Lakes by the zebra mussel is the most famous example, but there are many other instances to cite. Milfoil, water chestnut, pondweed, water lilies and water hyacinth are just a few of the invasive plants that are choking American waters. Most of them were introduced into their new and unthreatening environment by traveling in ships’ ballasts or being spread by boats, which were transported or sailed from one body of water to another.

Some states now require incoming boats to be inspected before they can be launched, but the most important barrier to cross-pollution is still the boat owner. After a day of boating, eliminate “lingering” water from all equipment. There are many spots on your boat (and related gear) where water can collect and potentially harbor these aquatic hitchhikers. So, before heading off to a new destination, make sure that you thoroughly wash your boat down, being especially careful to eliminate bits of vegetation that might contaminate another body of water. If possible, use hot (less than 40°C or 104°F) or salt water to clean your equipment. If hot water is not available, spray equipment such as boats, motors and trailers with high-pressure water. For hard-to-treat gear, dipping equipment into 100- percent vinegar for 20 minutes will kill harmful aquatic hitchhiker species.

Also, flush the engine coolant passages before traveling. The eggs and larvae of some animals are so tiny that they’re usually difficult to see, and many invasive plants need only the tiniest piece of a root to begin reproducing in a new environment. Although it’s an extra few steps that may add some time to your voyage, these are the best ways to make sure you aren’t contributing to a “growing” problem.

“Going green” may be on its way to becoming a cliché, but that doesn’t diminish its importance to those of us who cherish our time on the water. With a few savvy maintenance and cleaning techniques, hands-on boaters can help preserve the environment that provides so much boating pleasure for our families and ourselves.

Quick Tips

1. When changing oil, use a plastic grocery bag to surround the filter.
2. Install a device to help reduce fuel spillage.
3. Use absorbent oil socks and rags to absorb spills and overflow.
4. Thoroughly wash your boat before heading to a new destination.
5. Always flush engine coolant passages before traveling.