Non-Toxic Alternatives
In every facet of our business, we strive to consume less and consume smarter. By using non-toxic products we are helping to protect our environment.
As an example, any object submerged in seawater for a few weeks will become a home for marine life. Algae, barnacles, and other encrusting marine organisms will begin to grow on the submerged surface. This sea life is referred to as bio-fouling and increases the drag on a boat's hull, which in turn wastes fuel. Fouling organisms can eventually deteriorate the material of the hull itself. To combat these fouling organisms, special paints are used. Almost all commonly used paints for this application contain copper compounds that are toxic to many forms of marine life. They work well but the problem arises when the copper compounds, having completed their duty, do not break down. The copper accumulates in sediments and degrades the benthic (bottom) habitat where many marine invertebrates live. The toxicity is persistent and acts beyond the area of intended action.
We are proud to be one of the first passenger excursion boats in this area to use a new, more environmentally friendly, bottom coating. The paint is free of copper and the protective method is designed to last only as long as needed, then break down in the environment. The anti-fouling properties are short-term and are effective only as long as the compounds are contained in the bottom coating.
Cape Cod - It's worth protecting!
