AIRHEAD COMPOSTING TOILET CAN SOLVE 4 PROBLEMS ON YOUR BOAT. ODOR. COST. WATER. POLLUTION.

Learn how the Airhead Composting Toilet can solve 4 problems on your boat. The Green Boater speaks to Zack with Airhead Toilets at the Seattle Boat Show.

Understand how a marine composting toilet works compared to traditional marine heads like Vacuflush. We find out the how the different components fit together, how simple the toilet is to install and how little it costs to run. We heard crickets when asking about the maintenance costs!

Four key reasons why a boater, concerned about reducing ocean pollution, should consider installing a marine composting toilet:

1. No boat odor

2. No maintenance costs

3. No water consumption

4. No ocean pollution

The benefits are clear.

Watch the full interview below.

For more information about the Airhead Composting Toilet visit the company website at https://airheadtoilet.com/

About Airhead Toilet - Eos Design LLC
Airhead pioneered the use of diversion technology for small living spaces in 2001. “Air Head” is the first fully self-contained diversion composting system ever developed. Since that time its legacy is thousands of installations in at least five continents. Early the company focused on the most demanding application: marine. More recently its units can be found in anything from off the grid housing to RV’s. Their vision has become the choice problem solver for many people who want to live with less environmental impact in tiny houses. The company has years of experience and commitment that sets them beyond other companies who have chosen to mimic their technology.

Location Eos Design
LLC 775 Main St,
#481, Westbrook,
ME 04098

About The Green Boater (TGB)
TGB seeks to educate boaters about innovative products and proven practices that can help stop all forms of ocean pollution. WE CONNECT WITH MANUFACTURERS, EXPERTS, INFLUENCERS, ENVIRONMENTALISTS AND SCIENTISTS TO EMPOWER BOATERS WITH KNOWLEDGE TO HELP STOP ALL FORMS OF OCEAN POLLUTION.

Our goal is to empower one million boaters to change one thing which helps reduce ocean pollution. The one million boater pledge can be found on the company website here: https://www.thegreenboater.com/1-million-actions

One Million Boater Pledge

Will you join ONE MILLION BOATERS who are willing to CHANGE ONE THING which helps reduce OCEAN POLLUTION?

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Watch full videos at The Green Boater TV

HOW DID A SEA URCHIN INSPIRE A NEW ECOFRIENDLY ANTIFOULING COATING FOR BOATS?

Ocean Friendly Coating Inspired by Nature

The Green Boater meets up with Dr. Rick Breur, founder of Finsulate, a European company who has created a new and revolutionary antifouling coating for boats - inspired by nature: the lowly sea urchin! Traditional antifouling coatings are considered harmful to the marine environment since they contain biocides and toxins which ablate off the hull surface and enter the marine eco system.

Finsulate is applied by first cleaning and preparing the boat's hull surface. Then, the adhesive film is cut to fit the shape of the hull and applied to the surface using a special applicator tool. The film is then compressed onto the surface to ensure a tight seal. The process is relatively simple and can be done by a professional or by the boat owner themselves. Finsulate Antifouling coating is a specialized coating designed to prevent fouling on the hull of boats and other marine vessels.

Fouling is the accumulation of marine organisms such as barnacles, algae, and other marine growth on the underwater surfaces of boats, which can decrease the vessel's speed and maneuverability and increase fuel consumption. Finsulate Antifouling coating works by creating a protective barrier on the hull of the boat that inhibits the attachment and growth of marine organisms. The coating is made of a specially formulated, environmentally friendly adhesive film that is applied to the hull of the boat.

One of the benefits of Finsulate Antifouling coating is that it is easy to apply and can be installed quickly without requiring specialized equipment or expertise. It is also a long-lasting solution, with a lifespan of up to three years before needing to be reapplied. Finsulate Antifouling coating is also environmentally friendly, as it does not contain any toxic chemicals that can harm marine life or the environment.

Overall, Finsulate Antifouling coating is an effective and sustainable solution for preventing fouling on boats and other marine vessels. About Finsulate Finsulate is a typical Dutch maritime invention and has been applied to yachts and vessels on every continent. Ranging from small sloops and day sailors up to offshore support vessels and dry weight bulkers.

The Finsulate concept works in any environment and is up to any challenge!

Finsulate Websites:
https://www.finsulate.com/en/
https://www.finsulateusa.com/

Take the One Million Boater Pledge.
We are looking for one million boaters who are willing to change one thing in their boating practices which will help reduce ocean pollution.

Read more here: https://www.thegreenboater.com/1-million-actions

Mercury Marine Enters the ePropulsion Market with the Avator 7.5 Electric Outboard

The Avator 7.5e is an exciting new addition to the Mercury product line, offering a glimpse into the future of boating technology. With its advanced electric motor and lithium-ion battery, the Avator 7.5e represents a major step forward in eco-friendly boating.

As the world moves towards more sustainable practices in all aspects of life, boating is no exception. Traditional gas-powered outboards can be noisy, polluting, and expensive to maintain. The Avator 7.5e offers a reliable and efficient alternative that reduces both your carbon footprint and your operating costs.

The Avator 7.5e is designed to provide boaters with a reliable and efficient alternative to traditional gas-powered outboards. Its powerful brushless motor delivers impressive speed and performance, while its lithium-ion battery provides long-lasting power that can be recharged quickly and easily. This means you can spend less time worrying about fuel and more time enjoying the water.

In addition to its impressive performance, the Avator 7.5e is also designed with user convenience in mind. Its digital display provides real-time information on battery life, speed, and other important metrics, while its simple tiller handle makes it easy to control. The built-in GPS system also makes navigation a breeze, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time on the water.

Furthermore, the Avator 7.5e is a quiet and low-maintenance option that will minimize the disturbance of marine life and maximize your time on the water. Additionally, its eco-friendly design means you can navigate through environmentally sensitive areas without leaving a negative impact.

Overall, the Avator 7.5e is a game-changing electric motor that offers a glimpse into the future of boating technology. As more boaters seek out eco-friendly alternatives, the Avator 7.5e is sure to become a popular choice among boaters of all levels of experience. Invest in the future of boating technology with the Mercury Avator 7.5e Outboard.

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Watch Full Interview on The Green Boater TV

https://youtu.be/6VA3fpX78Mc

What is a Green Boater?

A Green Boater is a term used to describe boaters who are environmentally conscious and take steps to reduce their impact on the marine environment. They choose to use eco-friendly products such as biodegradable oils and lubricants, biocide-free antifouling paints, and low-emission engines, and also take steps to reduce their energy consumption and waste production while on board. They are also aware of the effects of their boating activities on the marine environment and take actions to minimize their impact, such as avoiding sensitive habitats, adhering to speed limits, and properly disposing of waste.

Green Boaters may take steps to minimize their impact on the surrounding area, for example, by avoiding anchoring in sensitive areas, or using eco-friendly cleaning products while underway or at anchor.

Being a Green Boater is not only good for the environment but also for the boater's own health and well-being. It is a great way to raise awareness and educate others about the importance of protecting the marine environment.

Propeller Coating Performs for Two + Years

Rarely do we rave about a specific product on the market. But as we prepare for the upcoming boating season, boat owners will be hauling out and working on their hulls and running gear. The dreaded bottom painting and coating.

My 48.5 wooden trawler sits in marine life rich ocean water for 51.5 weeks of the year. Most of the time not moving - either at anchor or tied up in her home berth marina. A perfect environment for barnacle and organic growth.

One year I had a boatyard coat my twin props with Propspeed. A two part treatment that looked stunning in yellow once applied. The immediate effect was speed. My hull speed increased at least .5 knots. Partly because the hull was clean but also because of the slippery surface on the Propspeed product.

That next year I moved my boat moorage from the USA to Canada and messed up my annual haulout routine. So after two years in the water, I pulled out my boat and to no surprise my hull was covered in mussel and barnacle growth. 40 burlap sacks of material was removed! BUT. My props which were treated with Propspeed looked, well, like they could go at least another year or two. Apart from some growth around the prop nut, these babies looked dang clean.

Now if I could only find a bottom paint that was eco friendly and could last 2+ years, I could revise my haulout schedule from an annual routine to at least 2 years or more!

Here are my before and after pictures of the props treated with Propspeed and then 2 years later…

Tesla Quality Electric Propulsion Arrives in the Consumer Boating Market

Not long ago heads would turn when a sleek new Tesla drove past. Now they are commonplace. And most of the other ‘traditional’ manufacturers are offering electric powered models as well. So the tipping point* for electric powered automotive vehicles is rapidly approaching if not already here.

The recreational boating market appears to be poised to begin a similar journey. Simply google electric power boating terms and you will discover new entries every day, across all marine sectors, from startups to mainstream, and from manufacturers around the world.

In 2019 this writer visited the Seattle Boat Show to find eco-friendly products for boaters. One of the themes for this edition of the show was Electric Power. One of the vendors, Pure Watercraft, was showcasing their latest prototype - a 40 HP electric drive leg - bolted onto a 90 year old wooden sea sled. It was magnificent to see the old classic with a sparkling new low profile drive leg. Naturally this caught my eye - and the interest of a future partner - General Motors.

Pure WaterCraft Partners with GM

In 2022 GM acquired a 25% stake in the Seattle based company - Pure Watercraft. The 2019 prototype has since been refined into a commercial product and now offered for sale as a stand alone electric motor system or built into a number of turnkey electric propulsion boat packages.

www.purewatercraft.com

Catch my original 2019 interview on the trade show floor with Annie and Ed of Pure Watercraft here:

The Green Boater TV on Youtube - Pure Watercraft

Once these products hit the water, they will turn heads. Mark my words, like the Tesla example, in a few years they will be just another electric boat on the water!

~TGB

*Definition of tipping point : the critical point in a situation, process, or system beyond which a significant and often unstoppable effect or change takes place.

1 Million Boaters to Implement 1 Action to reduce Pollution

The Green Boater is launching a simple initiative to help boaters reduce their impact on the environment.

We call it the ‘1 Million Boaters x 1 Action’ programme

We, as recreational boaters love boating! Why else would be be so willing to incur the expense, time and effort? I have also found that, for the most part, boaters are ahead of the curve when it comes to protecting our rivers, lakes and oceans. For example, boaters concern themselves with conserving drinking water, finding ways to minimize garbage on board and optimize packing ‘stuff’ into their limited storage spaces. These are actions many land locked home owners have yet to fully embrace.

However. We also know our boating community and marine industry can do better to help reduce pollution.

There are roughly 20 million registered recreational boats in North America and approximately double that number in the rest of the world. If only 5% of the recreational boaters in USA and Canada added one new habit to help reduce pollution it would represent 1 Million Boaters with 1 new Action each for 1 Million Actions to help keep our boating waters clean.

ONE MILLION ACTIONS FOR OUR LAKES AND OCEANS!

What could that look like?

Well one day into the launch of the 1 Million Boaters x 1 Action program we have received very positive responses in support. Many actions have already been taken. And some are innovative. Like this one received today from Wayne in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory Canada.

Wayne writes

It's amazing the stuff you can find floating around in the Salish sea and washed up on the shores, lost, discarded or abandoned. Here's a picture of one of 3-200L drums I found and re-purposed as rain water barrels to irrigate my gardens at our cabin.

Wayne repurposed a large plastic barrel found floating in the ocean. Now saving drinking water and collecting rainwater for at his summer cabin. 1 Million Boaters x 1 Action to Help our Oceans.

I love boating and want to ensure my children and grandkids have the opportunity to go boating in clean lakes and oceans. So adding one small change in behaviour or using an product on my boat which does not pollute is a small ask to allow clean waterways for future generations.

Why not commit to a new action aboard your boat for 2022? Telling someone gives you a better chance to follow through. So tell us. Tell others. Simple to do here https://www.thegreenboater.com/1-million-actions

-TGB

Replace That Smelly Expensive Marine Head - Go Composting!

The Green Boater TV connects with full time liveaboard boaters, Esther and Michael, who tossed out their traditional marine head and installed a Composting Toilet from ‘Air Head’.

So much great information that we created a 3 part series.

Part 1: How to Choose a Composting Toilet

Part 2: How to Install a Composting Toilet

Part 3: How to operate a Composting Toilet

You will be pleasantly surprised on how inexpensive it was to purchase AND even more surprised on cheap this is to operate. AND with virtually no parts maintenance!

Summary
A composting marine toilet:

• inexpensive to purchase

• inexpensive to operate

• zero parts maintenance

• inexpensive to maintain (clean)

• does not smell

• is better for the environment

• is suited for small crew

Click to watch this series on The Green Boater TV here.

The Green Boater's 5 R's for Zero Waste Living PLUS 1

1. Refuse: Say no to allowing items aboard. Once on board you ‘own’ it.

2. Reduce: Purge the junk on board and focus on necessities.

3. Reuse: Prioritize and use reusable items = less onboard garbage! 

4. Recycle: Practice the first 3R’s (refuse, reduce, and reuse) then recycle as 4th step.

5. Rot: Compost galley waste and find onshore locations which accept compost.

+1 Repair: Consider repairing/restoring before replacing. This sets boaters apart!

The Practical Guide to Green Boating

New eBook now available for free download!

We have just released our new 36 Page Guide with tips on how to reduce the negative impact on the health of our oceans while enjoying your passion for boating.

Includes a checklist of the top 10 Green Boating Tips!

FREE download - The Practical Guide to GREEN BOATING

We believe recreational boaters are the first line of defense when it comes to protecting the health of our oceans.

Boaters can choose more eco-friendly products, improve engine maintenance and embrace new boating practices in order to help sustain the health of our oceans.

This guide seeks to inform you, the boater, on how to engage in a journey towards the practice of Green Boating.

Top 5 Green Boating Guides

The Green Boater Challenge: Implement one new idea OR change out one product on your boat this year towards becoming A GREEN BOATER and do your part to help protect our oceans from pollution.

My top 5 green boating guides in 2021 with links for free downloads.

1. Green Boating Guide - Sailors For The Sea
   ”Keep our waters blue by boating green!”
   https://www.sailorsforthesea.org

2. Guide to Green Boating - Clean Marine BC
   ”Caring for Our Coastal Waters”
   https://georgiastrait.org

3. Eco-Friendly Boating - Eartheasy
   ”How to care for your boat using non-toxic methods that won't harm wildlife.”
   https://learn.eartheasy.com

4. Best Practices on the Water - Canadian Wildlife Federation
   ”Show that you care for Canada’s rivers, lakes and oceans by taking action.”
   https://www.discoverboating.ca

5. Commercial Green Boating Guide - OceanSmart
   ”Sustainable Boating Practices”
   https://www.bucksuzuki.org

Subscribe to The Green Boater TV for the latest in Green Products for Boaters.

Boaters are the First Line of Opportunity

When I began my journey to discover how to be a green boater, one of my mantras proclaimed boaters to be the ‘First Line of Defense’ to help protect the ocean. Now some 14 months later, I have come to realize that this is better stated as the ‘First Line of Opportunity’.

Huh?

Swapping out one word moves us from an act of war to an act of caring. Or better yet, away from anxiety, doom and despair towards peace, hope and freedom. This shift allows a perspective that empowers each of us to give back to our ocean out of respect, appreciation and love.

Perspective
Social media is rife with the horrible imagery of the state of our oceans. Overfishing, massive plastic islands and dying coral reefs to name a few. A single boater attempting to win this assault on our oceans by ‘defending’ seems daunting and overwhelming.

I am not asking we ignore the hard realities of pollution, climate change and unbridled consumerism. But in order to inspire a community, we need to realize the impact that each of us can have when we choose to truly begin to care for our oceans and our planet. Only then can the simple acts of one boater be multiplied exponentially to become a significant community of size who have seized the opportunity to impact the health of our oceans and marine life.

We have an opportunity to choose acts of caring and loving as we give back to the ocean in appreciation.

Boaters do represent the First Line of Opportunity. For a cleaner, healthier ocean.

~TGB

Propane 5 HP Outboard from Mercury has 30% lower emissions than Gasoline Engine

PROPANE POWERS NEW ECO-FRIENDLY 5 HP OUTBOARD FROM MERCURY.

I met up with Andy White of Mercury Marine at the 2019 Vancouver Boat Show to see their new 5 hp Propane Outboard Motor.

Okay! So propane outboards are not a radical new invention, but given the less than successful propane engines from a few years back - this does present a reliable option to gasoline from one of the largest manufacturers in the marine industry.

My first impression is that it actually looks like a ‘normal’ 4 stroke gas engine. Not the clunky screw in BBQ cylinder you buy at CanTire. Apart from the fuel connector, this unit has all the proven Merc components under the hood. Great news for repairs, spare parts and, well look and feel.

This one cylinder Four Stroke weighs just 59.5 pounds (27.2 kilograms) making it light and easy to carry or transport. It runs on the same propane used in your backyard BBQ.

It comes with a propane auto shut-off valve on the engine and in the fuel hose connector, a standard 6-foot (1.8-meter) fuel hose and a standard US POL connector on the tank side. A 20-pound (5-gallon) tank of conventional propane provides approximately 10 hours of boating at full throttle.

Propane power is a first for Mercury making this a very Eco-friendly engine that is easy-to-use, reliable and an intuitive outboard motor.

The standard 15” Shaft model retails for $1645.00 US., while the Sail-drive model - with a 25” Shaft - retails at $1740.00 US.

The 5 hp Propane Four Stroke sports an easy-to-reach shift lever on the engine and has six tilt positions with a shallow-water drive to set the outboard where you need it.

The Sail Power model also features a 12 Volt, 4 Amp / 50-Watt alternator charging system with a cable that allows sailors to charge a battery to run electronics or lights. It also has a reverse-thrust exhaust relief and high-thrust propeller to improve slow-speed handling and control.

Watch Full Interview with Andy at The Green Boater TV here.

Inspiration: A Zero Waste Boat?

I discovered Bea Johnson and her best selling book, Zero Waste Home, when foraging through online stores for products to include in a Green Boater Products Kit. How little I knew about the zero waste lifestyle. But equipped with google, TED talks, IG, Twitter and email - I tore up the internet learning all that I could from Zero Waste Lifestyle practitioners. Adding to the list of names topped by Bea Johnson were Heather White (Intentionalism), Kathryn Kellog (Going Zero Waste), Shia Zu (Wasteland Rebel), Megean Weld (Zero Waste Nerd), Jonathan Levy (Zero Waste Guy), Anne-Marie Bonneau (Zero Waste Chef), Celia Ristow (Go Litterless), Manuela Baron (Girl Gone Green), Kathleen Roland (Zero Waste Wanderess) and Lauren Singer (Trash is for Tossers). BUT. What about those who can speak to a Zero Waste Boat lifestyle?

That list of names simply does not exist. Yet. One thing I know about boaters. They are passionate about their craft AND they love the ocean. I have always maintained that boaters are the first line of defense when it comes to the war against ocean pollution.

So why not dig deeper into Zero Waste practiced ashore and re-purpose that knowledge onto the water and into the hearts and minds of boaters. Starting with me. An experienced boater. But a TOTAL newbie at zero waste living. Call me zero-waste-boater-patient-number-one.

This blog is dedicated to my journey of discovery and learning as I aim to move from a ‘normal’ consumer of all things boating towards a dedicated Zero Waste Boater.

So….help.

Do you have any Zero Waste tips, ideas or practical advice for this aged student - that could be applied directly to the boating lifestyle?

I do not know what I do not know. Yet. And with my 50 Foot trawler tied off in winter moorage - this is a perfect season to step back, assess what I am currently doing aboard, and see what low hanging fruit can be tackled towards a Zero Waste Boat lifestyle.

Bruno
The Green Boater
@thegreenboater