In the summer of 2007 the Vermont Boat and Marine Association introduced its Zero Phosphate Initiative.  This program called for a voluntary ban on all phosphate boat soaps, deck cleaners, bilge cleaners, dish soaps as well as personal hygiene products used by boaters on Lake Champlain.

All the members of our group which includes marinas, boat clubs, and boat dealers have pledged to remove all phosphate soaps from our shelves and to educate boaters on “green” alternatives.  Luckily there is a wide choice of phosphate free cleaning products which are just as effective as conventional soaps at the same cost.  To us this is a “no brainer.”  The boating public has been very responsive.

We are delighted to find the State Legislature of the same mind.  In January 2008 Representatives Mitzi Johnson and Ira Trombley introduced H632 which forbids the use of phosphate products on board boats.   Unfortunately with budget constraints and other pressing issues this bill did not make it to the floor this session.  This is unfortunate but, never the less, kudos to the sponsors.  We are 100 percent behind this legislation and have in contact with the legislators and committee members as well as lead researchers from National Resources and Water Quality.

The following is a partial list of phosphate free boat soaps.  More “green” products are being introduced all the time so this list will be somewhat incomplete.  Please read your labels.



Phosphate Free Boat Soaps (listed alphabetically by manufacturer)

303
Boatlife
Mary Kate - SuperSuds, Roll Away and Spray Away cleaners
Mequiars - Boat Wash and Gel Wash
Roll-Off
Sea Choice - Boat Wash
Simple Green
Starbrite - Sea Safe boat soaps and Super Green
Tuf Enuf
 
Phosphate Free Bilge Cleaners
Boat Life
Mary Kate - Bilge Bully
Or Pine
Sea Choice
Starbrite - Sea Safe
Tuf Enuf