8 Right Ways of Disposing of a Fiberglass Boat
Fiberglass boats are one of the most popular types of recreational boats. They are well-known for being lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain. However, when it comes time to dispose of your fiberglass boat, you need to take special care to ensure that it is done properly.
Old boats can be disposed of in several ways, depending on their condition. If the hull is still in good condition, you may be able to sell or donate it. However, if the boat is no longer seaworthy, you will need to dispose of it in a way that minimizes environmental impact.
Here are 8 right ways of disposing of a fiberglass boat:
1. Sell or Donate the Boat
If the hull of your fiberglass boat is still in good condition, you may be able to sell or donate it. Selling your boat is a great way to recoup some of the costs of ownership, and it can also be a good option if you don’t have the space to store the boat.
Donating your boat is a good option if you are not concerned about recouping the cost of ownership. Donated boats can be sold by charities to raise funds, or they can be given to needy individuals or families.
Old fiberglass boats can also be donated to research institutes or universities for study. Also, fiberglass vessel recycling programs may accept your old boat. With marine life and the environment in mind, responsible disposal of your boat is always the best option.
Fiberglass hulls can also be recycled and used in other industries. For example, the gel coat from fiberglass boats can be used in the production of countertops, and the fiberglass itself can be used to make insulation for homes.
2. Recycle the Boat
One of the best ways to dispose of an old boat is to recycle it. Fiberglass is a recyclable material, and many boatyards and marinas offer recycling services for old boats.
When recycling your boat, it is important to remove all hazardous materials, such as oil, gasoline, and batteries, before taking them to the recycling center. These materials can be disposed of at your local hazardous waste facility.
Fiberglass boat recycling is a growing industry, and many companies specialize in recycling boat hulls and other parts. Fiberglass recycling is also becoming more common at landfills and recycling centers.
For instance, Norwegian recycling company Veolia environmental services have developed a process for recycling fiberglass boats. The company uses a special machine to shred the boat hulls into small pieces.
Boat disposal can be a challenging task, but recycling is a great option for those looking for an environmentally-friendly solution.
3. Use the Boat as Fill Material
If your boat is no longer seaworthy and you don’t want to sell or recycle it, you can use it as fill material. Fiberglass boats make great fill material for low-lying areas, such as gardens or ponds.
Before using your boat as fill material, be sure to remove all hazardous materials, such as oil, gasoline, and batteries. These materials can be disposed of at your local hazardous waste facility.
Fiberglass vessels can also be used as septic tanks. Be sure to check with your local health department for regulations on using a boat as a septic tank. Cement Kiln Dust (CKD) is a byproduct of the cement manufacturing process that can be used to stabilize fiberglass boats.
Derelict boats can also be used as artificial reefs. Artificial reefs provide a habitat for fish and other marine life. Check with your state or local government to see if there are any regulations regarding the placement of artificial reefs.
4. Sink the Boat
If you have a seaworthy boat that you no longer want, you can sink it in a deep body of water. This is a popular option for boats that are no longer seaworthy but still have a good hull.
Sinking a boat is relatively simple – you just need to drill holes in the hull and sink it in a deep body of water. Be sure to remove all hazardous materials, such as oil, gasoline, and batteries, before sinking the boat. These materials can be disposed of at your local hazardous waste facility.
One proper disposal of boats or pontoon boats is to sink them in designated areas to create fish habitats. This is a great way to repurpose your old boat and help the environment at the same time.
Marine industry associations, such as the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), have programs to sink old boats in a safe and environmentally-friendly way. To find out more about these programs, contact your local marina or BoatUS.
Boat removal can be a difficult and expensive process. If you have an old boat that you no longer want, consider sinking it to create a fish habitat. This is a great way to repurpose your old boat and help the environment at the same time.
Intentionally sinking boats may also be regulated by your state. For example, in Florida, boats must be sunk in specific areas and at specific depths to create artificial reefs. Check with your state’s environmental agency to see if there are any regulations you need to follow.
5. Strand the Boat
If you want to get rid of an old boat but don’t want to sink it or use it as fill material, you can stand it on a beach. This is a popular option for boats that are no longer seaworthy but still have a good hull.
Stranding a boat is relatively simple – you just need to find a suitable beach and strand the boat above the high tide line. Be sure to remove all hazardous materials, such as oil, gasoline, and batteries, before stranding the boat. These materials can be disposed of at your local hazardous waste facility.
Derelict and abandoned vessels are not only unsightly, but they can also pose a serious environmental threat. When disposing of an old boat, it’s important to do so in a way that won’t harm the environment. With a little planning, you can safely and responsibly dispose of your old boat.
Boat cleanouts can be a difficult and expensive process. If you have an old boat that you no longer want, consider stranding it on a beach. This is a great way to repurpose your old boat and help the environment at the same time.
6. Burn the Boat
If you have a boat that is no longer seaworthy and you don’t want to sell or recycle it, you can burn it. This is a popular option for boats that are made entirely of fiberglass.
Burning a boat is relatively simple – you just need to find a suitable location and set the boat on fire. Be sure to remove all hazardous materials, such as oil, gasoline, and batteries, before burning the boat. These materials can be disposed of at your local hazardous waste facility.
Fiberglass hulls will burn quickly and completely, leaving behind only a small amount of ash. However, burning a boat is not the most environmentally-friendly option and should only be done if you have no other choice.
Hazardous fluids such as oil, gasoline, and batteries must be removed before burning the boat.
7. Dismantle the Boat
If you have a boat that is no longer seaworthy and you don’t want to sell or recycle it, you can dismantle it. This is a popular option for boats that are made entirely of fiberglass.
Dismantling a boat is relatively simple – you just need to find a suitable location and dismantle the boat into small pieces. Be sure to remove all hazardous materials, such as oil, gasoline, and batteries, before dismantling the boat. These materials can be disposed of at your local hazardous waste facility.
Abandoned boats can be an eyesore, so it’s important to dispose of them properly. If you have a fiberglass boat that you no longer want, there are a few different options for disposing of it.
You can sell or recycle the boat, or you can dismantle it and dispose of it yourself. Whichever option you choose, be sure to follow all local laws and regulations.
Commercial junk removal companies can also dispose of your boat for you. If you have an old boat that you no longer want, contact a local junk removal company to see if they offer boat disposal services.
8. Dump the Boat
If you have a boat that is no longer seaworthy and you don’t want to sell or recycle it, you can dump it in a landfill. This is not a popular option, as it is illegal in many jurisdictions.
Dumping a boat in a landfill is relatively simple – you just need to find a suitable landfill and dump the boat. Be sure to remove all hazardous materials, such as oil, gasoline, and batteries, before dumping the boat. These materials can be disposed of at your local hazardous waste facility.
The end-of-life boats are typically taken to landfills where they sit and decompose. This process can take years, and the fiberglass will eventually break down into small pieces.
Hiring Professionals
A junk removal company is one of the easiest ways to get rid of an old fiberglass boat. Most companies that offer this service will come and pick up the boat from your property and dispose of it properly. This is the most expensive option, but it is also the most convenient.
Professional junk removal companies are typically licensed and insured, so you can be sure that your old boat will be disposed of properly. You can also rest assured that the company will handle all of the heavy lifting and loading for you.
Conclusion
If you have a fiberglass boat that you need to dispose of, there are a few options available to you. You can donate the boat to a charity or recycling center, sell it for scrap, or dispose of it through a boat removal company. Whichever option you choose, make sure to do your research and follow all local regulations to ensure that you are disposing of your boat properly.