#54: Recycling your Boat... what to do when it's time to say goodbye

It is the time of year when I see many boats not moving, some boats breaking free from their moorings, others being inhabited by wildlife... so many boats that are left unattended and languishing. So, I decided to put together some ideas and recommendations for what to do if it is time to decommission your boat.

• Sails: these can be donated to another boat, repurposed as shade cloth, repurposed as tarps, upcycled into trendy bags (AfterSails, ReSails, etc.).
• Hardware: remove your old hardware and either sell it, or donate it to other sailors. Many people are looking for spare parts which include cleats, pulleys, fairleads, etc. You'd be surprised what someone else might be needing!
• Rope: remove all of your lines and repurpose them around the house, garden, cottage, etc. Worst case, put them out in a free bin for someone to pick up.
• Engine & Fuel Tank: remove and donate or repurpose on another boat.
• Electronics & VHF: remove and pass along or sell to another boater.
• Propane Tank: remove and use elsewhere.
• Interior Cushions: remove and cut down to fit outdoor lawn chairs, or anywhere else you would like some new cushions. Alternatively, there may be another boat owner looking for some cushions, so pass them along.
• Other Interior Items: many items can be repurposed for other outdoor activities like hiking, biking or camping.
• Mast: repurpose your mast as a unique flagpole.

• Boom: repurpose the boom by mounting it in the garage and using it for hanging storage.
• Standing Rigging Wire: can be repurposed as a clothesline or for hanging outdoor curtains off a deck.
• Hull: here is an article I found with some fun things to do with smaller boat hulls.
• Ports: remove old ports and use them as new windows for cold frames, garage, other small projects.
• Galley Sink: repurpose as an outdoor garden sink.
• Head: repurpose or pass along to another boater.

Check out sailnelson.com for more info!

Penny