The Importance of Going Green in Boating

Going “green” is big in today’s world, and for good reason. We need to care of our world more than ever to maintain our surroundings. Terms like green, carbon footprint, sustainability all have real meaning, but they are often misused and can be misleading. Lets face it, Green Boating is not a common term.

Challenges of High-Performance Boats

By their nature, high performance craft are not particularly environmentally friendly. It takes a lot to push large hulls through the water at high speeds.  Large sportfish can burn 250 gph and higher.  Gasoline engines burn approximately 1/3 more fuel per horsepower than diesel. This is particularly relevant as we are seeing extremely high-power levels for outboards.  What can be done to help operate more cleanly while still enjoying our marine sports and hobbies?

Small Steps Toward Cleaner Operation

Yes, purely electric propulsion is out there, and will continue to be developed and improved. But for now, this is limited to small boats and relatively small speed/range abilities due to battery storage limits. 

Hybrid Technology in Sportfishing Boats

Realistically, electric propulsion is far away for large, high-speed sportfishing hulls, which require long range capabilities. However, our typical operation of a sportfish (relatively short runs at high speed, and longer lengths of time at low, trolling speeds) lends itself to hybrid technology. This could mean running on diesel power at high speeds and switching to electric while trolling or docking.  But this type of system is costly, and while it can result in less exhaust emissions overall, it is generally not considered realistic.

There are gains to be had by focusing on multiple small items. Small improvements in efficiency have an additive effect over time. We already see this in the form of our new electronically controlled engines. Both gasoline and diesel motors operate much more efficiently today and burn less fuel than previous versions.

Efficiency Through Design Improvements

We can directly affect our environmental impact by improving a design’s efficiency. At low, and especially at higher planing speeds, this relates directly to minimizing resistance.  To go fast, we require significant power and proper hull forms. But there are ways to minimize resistance, thus making our craft more efficient. Because water is so draggy, small improvements add up over time. 

The Role of Weight Savings

Weight savings is a big player here. Less weight means higher speeds and lower fuel burn numbers. This is nothing new, but being cognizant of this can be hard when we have so much horsepower available to us to hit, and exceed, our speed desires. Optimized structural designs result in lower displacement, also potentially reducing material use (and cost). Newer composite materials and structural approaches help achieve the same goals. And smart use of tried-and-true methods and materials also helps – I am thinking of cold-molded boats here. There has been a trend away from wood, mostly in production boats. But wood is good when used properly.  It is strong, easy to work with, and sustainable. Perhaps production boats should consider this option, applied in smart ways, more often.

Maintaining a Clean Running Surface

Efficiency can also be enhanced by giving a little more attention to our running surface. A clean bottom is critical in getting the most out of our hulls.  This means growth control, but also smart implementation of appendages.  Anything added on the bottom adds drag.So, minimizing these where possible, and optimizing their shapes makes an impact. Fairing around sonar tubes and transducers are important at high speeds. Employing integral sea chests, rather than multiple scoop type intakes reduces drag as well. Shaft tubes have become commonplace too, as these help reduce drag by removing the rotating shaft from the water flow.

Advanced Appendage Designs

The relatively new feature of flow adjusted appendages is being used more and more. These optimized shapes result in cleaner flow around the strut, prop, and rudder reducing drag and minimizing noise. Even the use of high-quality bottom paint and its proper application gives us a leg up on reducing resistance. 

The Benefits of Small Efficiency Gains

Small gains can make big differences when the vessel is used often and have a combined trickle-down effect. For example, lower electrical load (use of LED lights, smart technology, etc.) can introduce less heat to the interior, requiring less electricity. This results in smaller installed generators, which weigh less, and burn less fuel, meaning lower required fuel capacity, meaning smaller tanks, less weight…etc., etc. The great thing is that not only can we lower our impact on the environment, and our oceans, but certain actions can save us money at the same time.

Striving for a Green Boating Future

If we want to have large boats and go fast on the water, by definition, we cannot be totally “green.”  But by optimizing designs and using smart build approaches, we can greatly reduce our footprints. This should be a goal for all of us to help maintain our beautiful waterways and to keep using our beautiful boats.  Let’s strive to at least be geen-ER.