Reducing water pollution starts with choosing the right engine. Here is a guide that will show you how choosing a greener engine can help you significantly reduce your boat’s contamination.

Boats and Water Pollution

Boats can greatly contribute to water pollution. Pollution that can affect many living creatures, especially the ones that live underwater. The tiniest bit of contamination can disrupt their lives and cause harmful and long-lasting effects. All boats contaminate, even if some do so more than others. It’s up to you as a boater to reduce the damage your marine vehicle creates, starting with your boat. Take some time to learn about the effects your boat has in the environment and the steps you can take to remedy the damage. By caring enough to read this post that Ken Reaser Enterprises brings you about reducing marine contamination, you’re already one step closer to a greener boat.

Select an Environmentally Friendly Engine

The type of engine you choose also influences the environment. If you’re looking for the greener option, the right engine for the job is a 4-stroke engine. Four-strokes are pricier than 2-stroke engines, but they're relatively more low maintenance, and their environmental costs are smaller. Four-stroke engines have higher horsepower, and there’s no need to get an oil and fuel mix to meet their lubrication requirements. There will be no chance of fuel escaping into the ocean, at least from the engine. In case your four-stroke breaks down, you will need to take it to a mechanic. But if you remain constant with its maintenance and care, the engine will not fail you. Now, if you’re still set on a two-stroke engine because of its simple construction and lower price, you need to consider a few other things. Carbureted two-stroke engines allow considerable amounts of fuel to go unburned. The fuel that isn’t consumed slips out of the combustion chamber and into the water. With every 10 gallons of fuel you use, around 20 to 30 percent will fall into the ocean. Your best bet if you care about keeping the water clean is to go for a four-stroke engine.

Choose Your Oily Wisely and Dispose of It Correctly

All vehicles, boats included, perform better and contaminate less when they have the right lubrication. Oil protects your engine from friction and corrosion, which can lead to increased metal wear, decreased performance, and higher fuel consumption. Getting a synthetic oil change is part of the simple maintenance tasks you can do on your own. Unfortunately, all oils have an impact on the environment. Choosing the right marine oil is crucial to your engine’s performance and the way it affects the environment. Not many oils are designed with the environment in mind, but the ones that are have been tested for low toxicity. By owning a four-stroke engine and lubricating it with a low toxicity tested oil, your boat will be on its way to becoming more eco-friendly. AMSOIL Synthetic Oil has marine oil options that fit that description. Their AMSOIL 10W-30 Synthetic Marine Engine Oil is an excellent option for your two-stroke. Alternatively, their HP Marine Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil has a low aquatic toxicity, and it also prevents deposit formation. You can purchase all your marine lubrication supplies at AMSOIL’s online store, or you can call Ken Reaser Enterprises at (321) 230-6958 to get everything you need in Apopka plus some personal recommendations. Once you change your oil, you need to avoid making one of the most common mistakes boaters make and not dispose of your used oil safely. After you change your marine oil and filter, take them to a disposal facility. When you’re changing your oil, be sure to use a drip tray under the engine and gearbox to catch any falling oil and to prevent it from entering into the bilge. If your bilge water is contaminated with oil, place it in a safe container to dispose of it safely. Polluted water must never be pumped into the ocean.

Tips to Lower Marine Pollution While You’re Out Boating

Here are a few simple things you can do to reduce marine pollution while you’re out on the water.

1. Stow your trash: Collect all your waste in a bag so you can throw it out when you’re back on dry land. Never throw it into the water.
2. Maintenance should be done out of the water: Try to perform all your maintenance tasks out in the boatyard. If you do your maintenance work in the water, you run the risk of dripping oil and fuel and accidentally throwing trash or debris into the ocean.
3. Look for less toxic paint options: Look for a less toxic or nontoxic paint option with less heavy metals, which can harm the ocean and the organisms living in it.
4. Lower gray-water discharge: Use phosphate-free soap when doing the dishes or showering onboard. It will help reduce the impact of gray water on the marine environment.
5. Get informed: Read up on eco-friendly boating.

The Best Synthetic Marine Oil in Apopka

The correct lubrication for your marine engine can make a significant impact on your boat’s performance and its environmental impact. AMSOIL Synthetic Oil has the supplies you need to maintain your engine safe and well-lubricated. Call Ken Reaser Entreprises at (321) 230-6958 to purchase your supplies or do it at their online store.