During the hazy, lazy days of summer the heat multiplies the impact of air pollutants and can make the air quality index (AQI) rise to the point where it’s just hard to breathe. So, why not go boating and enjoy a fresh breeze? Well, all combustion engines, including the engines on our beloved boats, impact AQI numbers and contribute to smog. Please do your part and follow these simple tips to keep your boat running cleaner to help reduce pollutants and the “hazy” in our August lazy days on the Bay.

Reduce environmental impact by tuning your engine, using fuel-efficient models, and maintaining your boat properly. Four-stroke engines generally have lower emissions than older two-stroke engines. Run at an average RPM to save fuel and reduce air pollution. Do not charge the batteries and other electrical components by idling to avoid burning more fuel and harming the environment. Idling can also damage the engine.

Regular boat maintenance keeps your boat in top condition, improves fuel efficiency and extends its lifespan. A well-maintained boat also has fewer issues, such as engine leaks that could endanger marine life.

Download a weather or tide app to monitor the tides and winds before heading out to avoid strong winds or tide surges, which will help to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. If your boat uses petroleum diesel, consider switching to biodiesel, an excellent fuel alternative because it burns cleaner with lower air emissions, reducing smoke, soot, and carbon dioxide emissions. Remember to check your engine’s warranty before a fuel change to ensure reliable performance and compliance.

Inspect your fuel tanks and lines for holes and cracks and fix them promptly to prevent spills and fuel evaporation. Also, invest in absorbent spill kits to catch drips. When fueling your boat's tank, do it slowly and do not over fill it. If you spill fuel or oil, use an absorbent pad to clean it up. Never run your engine with a fuel leak.

Sustainable boating is critical to protecting our fragile ecosystems. While newer engines and stricter regulations are helping, the cumulative effect of so many boats in our Bay remains concerning.

If we all adopt these simple practices, we can make sure our waterways are healthy for future generations. As a local family, we appreciate the effort! As always, happy to help!