When you make the choice to use green bio-products for your marine needs, you’re making the choice to help the environment along with helping to sustain overall life of your boat. 

With so many bio-products available, going green can be as simple as making the switch to bio-diesel fuel (which is fish & user friendly) over petroleum based diesel. 

Green bio-products available for marine use include the following general categories:

Interior Cleaners

• Available for vinyl, canvas, leather, scuffs, and carpet
• try the multi-purpose Bio-Kleen Amazing Cleaner ($8.95; 16 oz.) for marine, home, auto, and RV use

 Bilge Cleaners

• cleaning the bilge is part of basic boat maintenance to keep crud and oil build up from forming
• Bio-Bilge Wash from WISE ($19; 32 oz.) acts as an emulsifier; it’s highly concentrated and should be diluted minimum 15:1
• Centek Industries offers a environmentally friendly BilgeKleen Filter System ($96.99) which attaches directly to the bilge pump to remove contaminants before they reach the ocean

 Exterior Cleaners

• Designed to remove scaling, algae, waterlines, and chalking, hull & fiberglass cleaners are another essential part of regular boat maintenance – try Bio-Kleen Hull & Fiberglass Cleaner ($9.95; 16oz)
• To remove grease, tree sap, bugs, and oils, try non-toxic Bio-Boat Wash ($14; 32 oz) in a highly-concentrated formula dilutable as low as 128:1
• Barnacle Buster by TRAC Ecological Marine Products ($24.95 gallon) is specially designed to remove zebra mussels, barnacles, and mineral deposits 
• Ocean salt can be hard on a boat but can be removed with eco-friendly Salt Halt ($21; 32 oz.) and Bio-Boat Wash with Salt Halt ($14; 32 oz.)

Anti Fouling

• SeaJet offers an ecological anti fouling paint, 039 Platinum ($125; 68 oz), that is tin-free and offers protection for most boat types (except aluminum)
• Speed Finish is another SeaJet product that provides fouling protection for up to three years

 Bottom Paint Removing

• Try a non-toxic Soda Blasting (sodium bicarbonate) washing/stripping service which uses no chemical solvents; natural baking soda is both non-flammable and water soluble

 Hydraulic Fluid

• WISE offers 1000 Bio Hydraulic Fluid made from a vegetable oil base; available in ISO 32, 46, 68 ($8.50; 32 oz)

 Water & Sewage

• TRAC PSR is specially formulated, non-toxic, and bio-degradable, to keep your fresh water system free of discoloration & odors ($77.95; one gallon)
• Sew Clean is another TRAC product designed to clean boat sewage systems; it helps to remove clogs and prevent nasty odors ($80; one gallon) 

General Maintenance

• Use lint-free reusable microfiber cleaning cloths and towels
• Use a solvent-free, non-toxic, hand cleanser such as all-natural TRAC Hand Cleaner 

If you’d like to take the green idea further, you may want to consider alternative energy sources including wind generators and solar panels for your boat. 

Going green is easy by simply taking the time to choose bio-degradable, non-toxic products over chemically based ones.  Have a small recycling bin onboard for beverage cans and be sure to recycle any plastic product containers. 

Sources:
WISE Solutions 
Bio-Kleen Products 
TRAC Ecological Marine Products 
Centek Industries 
SeaJet Paint
Total Marine Supplies 
All At Sea Caribbean

Please submit information about additional Green Boating Festivals by completing the form below.

Cascadia Green Boating Festival, Tacoma, WA
Although the 2nd annual Cascadia Green Boating Festival has already taken place for 2010 (May 22), be sure to make a note on your calendar for next year.  Presented by Citizens for a Healthy Bay along with the Tacoma Liveaboard Association, this year’s events included free education seminars on topics like storm water and clean water education in marinas.  There were green product demonstrations as well as tours of dockside boats fitted with energy saving devices; exhibitors and vendors offered information and suggestions for eco-friendly green boating products.

Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival, Vancouver, BC
Hailed as one of the premier green boating events in the Pacific Northwest, the 23rd annual Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival takes place on Granville Island, August 26 to 29, 2010. Enjoy the displays of wooden boats including an 18th century Spanish replica; take part in the hands-on boat building demonstrations which include instruction in marlinspike as well as knot tying.  Family events include a 12-foot dinghy building contest with a launch of the boats on Sunday.  Be sure to take the time to browse around Granville Island and watch the Spruce Cup race from English Bay.

Tampa Boat Show, Tampa, FL
September 10 -12, 2010, marks the 45th annual Tampa Boat Show to be held at the Tampa Convention Center.  This year’s boat show features the Green Boating Zone where visitors can learn about eco-friendly marine products as well as environmentally safe boating practices.  Boats on display will include the low maintenance Endeavor Green Electric Hybrid line of yachts that offer comfort, quiet, and eco-friendliness.  Other green products to be displayed at the Tampa Boat Show include JSI Solar Panels & Wind Generators, Eva-Dry Humidifiers, and SeaLand Environmental Inc., producers of hydrogen generators. 

The Broads Green Boat Show, Norfolk, England
Cited as the ‘original boat show dedicated to sustainable boating and green energy,’ The Broads Green Boat Show, September 26, 2010, encourages boaters to consider installing propulsion systems that have a low carbon output such as bio-fuel or electric.  Planned demonstrations include the use of solar panels, fuel cells, wind turbines, and more!

Georgia Straight Alliance’s Green Boating Events Schedule here.

Sources:
Cascadia Green Boating Festival |  Montreal Classic Boat Festival  |  Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival   |Tampa Boat Show   |   The Broads Green Boat Show

Your Name

Email

Festival Name

Website

Comments

Are you human?

Yacht Solar Panels

Yacht solar panels are increasing in popularity.  With the inital, relatively inexpensive, investment and proper use, your yacht solar panels will provide power to onboard electronics and small appliances for many years to come; up to 10 years, in most cases.

In simple terms, yacht solar panels work by attaching solar cells (pulled from silicon boule which has had phosphorus and boron introduced to alter and increase silicon’s electrical conductity), to the inner surface of aluminum framed sheets of low-relective, highly durable, tempered glass.  Each yacht solar panels solar cells is wired together  in series strings, which are then wired in series parallel configuration and finally, encased by another piece of tempered glass.  When light hits a solar cell in your yacht’s solar panel, a portion of it is absorbed by the altered silicon, and electrons are knocked free, allowing them to be extracted and channelled. 

Keep in mind that yacht solar panels are very sensitive to shade.  If the solar panel is not designed to protect the stored energy while in shade, the solar cells begin to pull energy, rather than produce it.  For best results with your panels, be sure to purchase a product that has been designed to protect against partial shading.  Panesl with this design will have a diode between every solar cell  (a diode is a a two-terminal electronic component that conducts electric current in only one direction).  Semi-flexible solar panels come in three basic forms:

1.  Monocrystalline:  Best output and efficiency.  This type of solar cell is one that is grown in only one (plane) direction.  This single directional growth generates a slightly smaller cell which is slightly more efficient in energy conversion, but more expensive to manufacture and produce than other types of solar cells.  The benefit of choosing yacht solar panels made with this type of cell is that the panels generally require less space in relation to others types of panels when comparing output; they are, however, not typically shadow protected.

2. Polycrystalline (Multicrystalline):  Good output and efficiency.  These solar cells are grown from a multifaceted crystalline material (multiple directions / planes) and are thusly larger than Monocrystalline cells, with slightly less efficiency.  The yacht solar panels constructed with this type of cell are typcially larger, but slightly less expensive. 

REMEMBER:  Regardless of the type of cell used in your yacht solar panels, the real question to ask yourself is:  Do I want to spend a little extra to save on space and increase efficiency?  Also, you may want to do some research on the developments in silicon nitride multicrystalline technology .  These cells are rated as high, and sometimes higher in efficiency, than monocrystalline cells.

3. Amorphous silicon panels could emerge as an exceptional technology in the future as they are much less expensive to manufacture.  However, at this point, the thin film design is flawed in that it is the lowest rated in efficiency and bulkiest end product, plus there are still many uncertainties in terms of length of life for these yacht solar panels.

For more information on Green Boating, please visit The Green Captain™

Have you read about Turanor, yet?

Sources:
Best Buy Solar
Wikipedia.com

Florida DEP Recycling Initiative

The Florida DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) and state legislature recently introduced a new recycling initiative aimed at boosting Florida’s recycling level to seventy-five percent by 2020. The state has created this goal to save energy, protect the environment, and prevent the waste of useful materials. Here is some information about the Florida DEP initiative and recycling in general:

The state of Florida currently has an average recycling rate of about twenty-eight percent. Some parts of Florida have achieved higher rates; Sarasota County recycles forty-one percent of its solid waste. Nonetheless, most Floridians will have to more than double their present level to achieve the new goal. Considering that Florida successfully raised this rate to seven times its level twenty years ago, this is certainly possible to achieve.

This can be accomplished in many ways; people can recycle everything from magazines and aluminum cans to building remnants and fishing line. It’s important for people to realize how many things may be recycled. For example, it’s possible to refill printer ink cartridges or reuse concrete as a parking surface. However, local governments and businesses must offer adequate opportunities for area residents to easily recycle a wide range of items.

Florida DEP Recycling Initiative

As the Florida DEP points out, it’s also important for more businesses to use recycled material; there’s no benefit in recycling if the materials sit unsold in a warehouse. This applies to many types of businesses; a factory might use recycled plastic containers, a restaurant may put recycled paper towel in its kitchen, or a marina could purchase recycled outdoor furniture. Retailers can promote recycling by stocking more recycled products.

The new Florida DEP recycling initiative has encouraged state government agencies to buy supplies made with recycled materials and enhance opportunities for state office employees to recycle. It also calls upon schools to recycle more and better educate students on the subject. Some schools collect drink containers, used paper, and even leftover food (for compost). School cafeterias could also reduce waste by using metal eating utensils rather than plastic.

A paper released by the Florida DEP earlier this month suggests various strategies to expand recycling in the state. Residents could be charged a fee based upon how much garbage they discard, rewarded for recycling more, or allowed to put all recyclables in the same container. The state could also establish a bottle redemption law, which would require a deposit of five or ten cents per beverage bottle or can (the deposit is refunded when someone returns the container).

The Florida DEP recycling initiative’s success will likely depend upon the commitment of the public, business owners, and other government agencies to improve and expand efforts to recycle. Much of the rest of the United States can do more to expand recycling as well; the national recycling rate is about thirty-two percent. If Florida’s initiative can achieve success, it will help inspire other states to recycle more as well.

SOURCES:
1. Florida DEP
2. Fusion Recycled Products
3. Environmental Protection Agency

Dyna Rig Yacht

The concept of the Dyna Rig yacht was developed in the 1960s by Wilhelm Prolss, a German naval architect, to provide increased propulsion for commercial ships in response to a projected energy crisis.  When the crisis did not materialize until the 1970s, the Dyna Rig yacht concept was once again brought back to life with further testing, however, no Dyna Rig yachts were ever built and eventually the idea was archived.

In essence, the Dyna Rig yacht would be fitted with a square rig system.  The mast would be completely free standing while the yards were to be tightly connected to the mast.  The most prominent difference from a standard square rig was that a Dyna Rig yacht had a designed curvature of the yards which was calculated at twelve percent of its cordage.

The sails on a Dyna Rig yacht were configured between the yards so when they were deployed they would stack upon one another with virtually no gaps in between which would enable the sails to act as if they were one.  When the sails were not in use they furl back into the mast.  Since there would be no rigging, the yards would be able to rotate without any restriction and in conjunction with the curvature and the uniformity of the sails, the Dyna Rig yacht was an unproven combination in aerodynamics.

Until 2001, that is.  American billionaire Tom Perkins commissioned “the world’s most spectacular sailing yacht” to be built.  Following the Dyna Rig yacht designs of Prolss, naval architect Gerard Dijkstra & Partners (Holland) and builders Perini Navi (Italy/Turkey), produced the statuesque Maltese Falcon in 2006. The luxury 290’ sailing yacht, which cost between a reported $150-300 million USD to build, features three twenty-storey tall carbon-fibre masts covered by 28,500 square feet of canvas.

The exterior/interior design of the Maltese Falcon was developed by Ken Freivokh Design (UK) and features accommodations for twelve that include one master cabin and five guest cabins, plus eight cabins for crew.  The modern spacious interior offers up a fully equipped gymnasium, plasma screen televisions and a Bang & Olufsen surround sound system throughout.  Extra amenities onboard the Maltese Falcon include four Laser sail boats, two 32’ Pascoe rigid inflatable tenders, a Castold 14’ jet tender, water skis, snorkel gear, and six sets of scuba diving gear.

Powered by two 1,800 HP Deutz diesel engines, the Maltese Falcon can attain a top speed of 24.9 knots, allowing the passengers and crew to enjoy smooth sailing all the way.  The ingenious Dyna Rig yacht design has enabled the Maltese Falcon to spend an estimated 55-60% of her time under sail cruising at a comfortable 20 knots during her first 72,000 nautical miles at sea.

With all of its success due to the Dyna Rig yacht design, Tom Perkins sold his beloved Maltese Falcon in August 2009 to an unknown, but obviously wealthy private buyer, for a reported $103 million USD.  The Maltese Falcon remains under both charter and full operations management by Burgess Yachts of the United Kingdom.

Sources:
The Maltese Falcon
Wikipedia
Sailing Ships
Yachting Magazine

For sailboats and sailing yachts, keeping the batteries charged is an important challenge. Wind generators for yachts have become a popular option to provide electrical power in an environmentally friendly manner. Sailboats, by definition, are subject to steady winds that can be used by wind generators to charge up the onboard batteries. Currently there is a good selection of options for someone looking for a wind generator yacht.

Wind generators for use on a yacht or sailboat should meet a certain set of criteria (from the Kiss Energy website):

wind generator yacht

Operate very quietly  -   Virtually corrosion proof     -   Simple to service  and parts are available worldwide   -  rugged enough to operate in a gale

Here is a list of companies and websites that provide generators for marine use:

Aerogen Wind Generators are produced in the UK and come in several sizes to produce either 12V or 24V power. They are manufactured by LVM, Ltd and subsidiary of ITT. Website.

Southwest Wind Power produces the AIR-X and AIR Breeze wind generators for marine applications. Here is the company’s webpage for these products.

Ampair MicroWind is another UK based company with a range of wind generator products for yachts. Website.

Also hailing from the UK, Duogen produces generators that can produce power from a towed in the water source or a wind turbine. Website.

Kiss Energy out of Trinidad has a single wind generator model available through distributors worldwide. Website.

Rutland windchargers are from UK based Marlec Renewable Power. The company provides a diverse range of products that appear to be very popular. Website.

Windbugger is no longer producing new turbines but it appears parts continue to be available.   The website is still up if you are looking for information.

A wind generator yacht should be chosen based on the type and duration of sailing and the onboard electrical and battery system. Prices vary quite a bit, but I would be most concerned with finding a dealer and installer who will ensure the new turbine functions properly (and can remedy any problems!).  Even if you are not in Australia, the Crystal Solar website has some interesting information on the different brands of wind turbines. An exerpt:

“Over the past 10 years I have sold only around 15 individual blades for Rutland and a single blade for an Aerogen 6. All the rutland blades were sold to cruisers as spares….I have sold no less than 950 sets of three blades for Air – that’s 2850 individual blades”

I have no recommendation for one brand over another; I do recommend however, that you do your own extensive research. The online sailing forums have terrific discussions on the various forms of power generation. If you do not already have one, a wind generator for your yacht may be just the ticket to provide a reliable source of non-polluting electrical power.

Have you purchased
carbon credits lately?

Sources: OnPassage.com, Crystal Solar

Common misspellings:
terbine, torbine, gnerator, genarator, genearater, yahct

Every vessel should have reliable, eco-conscious and storage friendly
fire suppression equipment on board. Marinefuel.com discovered
FireCaddy at MAATS this year…. 

Read the rest of this page »

Around the World on Sunlight

The crew of “Turanor”, a giant yacht containg the world’s largest lithium ion battery and enough solar panels to cover two tennis courts, is hoping to begin their journey to circle the globe powered only by the sun in the Spring of 2011. 

Estimating the trip will take somewhere around 160 days, the $16M “catamaran” style vessel will travel noise and pollution free at an average speed of 7.5 knots.  Rigorous testing and consideration for energy management strategies are currently uderway to ensure successful voyage; the battery will only last for 72 hours without replenishment, and could therefore leave the craft and crew in dire circumstance should it be exhausted at the wrong time and place.

Taking fourteen months to construct in Germany, and a year spent in testing, the vessel and crew plan to be prepared for any and everything the voyage might present.  Skipper Raphael Domjan told CNN that he isn’t simply trying to tell a tale of adventure; but rather, his intention is to show the world evidence that it is possible - here and now - to make necessary changes in energy solutions. 

Learn more about Green Boating here.

If the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 works its way through the Senate and onto President Obama´s desk, it will mark a significant paradigm shift for the value we place on carbon emissions and uptake. As part of the developing legislation, large emitters would be required to pay for their emissions using a cap and trade scheme (explained here and here). For such a system to work, government regulator must have an accurate means of accounting for both carbon emissions and carbon storage and sequestration.

read more

A carbon footprint is the greenhouse gas emissions produced by a person, organization, or vehicle… bascially, anything else that produces CO2 or methane gas while in operation.  With the rise in environmental awareness, new concepts are emerging onto the marketplace…

Calculating a boater’s footprint is quite easy.   
Simply follow the formula below (auto calculator will be released shortly):

(choose fuel type) (#gallons) x (lbs) = carbon footprint 

Purchasing carbon credits via Terrapass is the best option to
offset your fuel burn.   This way, you won’t have to go out
and feed the cows, water the tress or build a wind farm!    Click here to see more….