It’s that time of year again—boats have been sitting idle for months, and everyone’s eager to get back out on the water. But before you launch, there’s one area you shouldn’t overlook: your bilge.

The bilge is the lowest part of your boat where water, oil, fuel, and other contaminants can collect. Over time, this mix can cause serious problems—not just for your boat, but for the environment.

When a bilge pump activates, it can discharge polluted water straight into Marlborough’s beautiful waters, harming marine life and ecosystems.

Why Check Your Bilge Now?

• Idle boats accumulate grime: Rain, condensation, and small leaks can leave water sitting in your bilge for months.
• Protect your boat: Spilled fuel can damage fiberglass hulls, oils can deteriorate hoses, and trapped water can corrode metal and rot wood.
• Prevent pollution: Keeping your bilge clean means fewer contaminants entering our waters.

Quick Tips Before You Launch

1. Inspect your bilge for standing water, oil, or debris.
2. Use absorbent pads to soak up oil and fuel residues. You can buy these at our local chandlery or any hardware store.
3. Dispose of waste responsibly—never pump contaminated water overboard.
4. Use an eco-friendly bilge cleaner for a thorough clean.

A few minutes of maintenance now can save you costly repairs later, so please check you bilge before you head out our Marinas and help keep Marlborough’s waters pristine for everyone to enjoy.