How to Decontaminate a Boat|Custom Collectible Wood Art for the Boater in Your Life

Boating is a way of life for most people. Decontamination is a way to preserve life in the open seas. Every boater should know how important decontamination is. Invasive species may latch on the bottom of the boat that may cross another body of water causing an imbalance on the marine life. These species can be a plant, fungus or animal that has a tendency to cause damage to the environment, health and even in the economy. 

It is the sole responsibility of the boaters to decontaminate their boating equipment properly. Doing it right protects the open waters from the devastating effect of invasive species. Safe from their usual predators and disease of their natural habitat these species can cause a devastating effect on other bodies of water. They can reproduce in uncontrollably and can cause problems like:

•    significantly decreasing game fish and other native marine life

•    break boat engines and may jam steering gear, causing accidents

•    increase drinking water operating cost

•    can cause diseases

•    makes rivers and lakes unsafe for boaters and swimmers

The best way to prevent these things is to stop it from spreading to another body of water. Cleaning is an understatement for it. Decontamination is the only proper way to stop these species invading other areas. With the proper equipment and right products, it is as simple as clean, drain, and dry.

Even if the waters look clear and unpolluted, invasive species may hide under the surface of your boat. They can be as big as mussels and as tiny as a microbe. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Coast Guard recommend the following steps in decontaminating boats. It is very important to do these procedures every time boats come into contact with any body of water. 

CLEAN

•    Once docked, remove any visible plants, animals, mud, and dirt from the boat. Check the trailers, boots, fishing tackle, and other equipment that may have come in contact with the water. Tiny invasive species may hitchhike from the dirt and other plant fragments.

•    Thoroughly clean boating and fishing equipment including the boat’s cooling system, bilge using hot tap water. If hot is not available then spray the trailers, boats, floats, and anchors with a high-pressure spray.

•    In some cases, equipment cannot be exposed to hot water or high-pressure spray. Dipping in in vinegar for at least 20 minutes may do the trick. Another option is to immerse it with a once-percent salt water solution for 24 hours. 

•    For pets that cannot resist the water, wash them properly using tap water as soon as possible. They may hide unwanted creatures under their coats.

DRAIN

•    Empty waters from jet drives live wells, boat hulls, bait buckets, and motors. It is important to do this on site as doing it somewhere else may contaminate local waters. 

•    Do not dump unused bait into the waters even if it was bought from a store near the dock or caught in local waters. They may already be contaminated with other things. Dump it properly into a trash can. 

DRY

•    It is crucial for the boat and other equipment to dry for a minimum of 5 days before using them again in open waters.

These are excellent tips for any avid boat enthusiasts. If you're looking for the ideal gift for the boater in your life Carved Lake Art has a large selection of custom made like this Cape Coral 3D Nautical Wood Chart.

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