Rethinking Marine Vessel

Rethinking Marine Vessel Air Quality

David Levesque

It is often accepted among yacht owners that the air inside cabin interiors always has a certain aroma, a by-product of being out on the water. There is also the accepted existence of mold and mildew, and the inevitable labor that comes with removing it from the yachts after storage and in-between use. Seafarers believe this is the way it has always been, and so it will always be. Today there are many technologies and systems available to help optimize and maintain yacht air quality (YAQ). A variety of effective techniques and methods for improving cabin air and interiors not only enhance the well-being of passengers, but also improves the maintenance of the craft itself. There is no need to re-invent the wheel for YAQ. Many air quality solutions have been successfully utilized on US Navy ships and other large vessels on the water today as well as commercial buildings and hospitals. These solutions are easily adaptable to any size marine vessel. The Kanberra Group, combining more than two decades in air quality research and improvement, had begun to work closely with various areas of the marine industry several years ago to better understand the needs of boat owners, yacht captains and crews and provide detailed programmatic solutions to enhance marine experience and vessel maintenance. 

Already a staple in the Mega-Yacht industry, Kanberra Gel has been making waves in many marine-related areas, as well as RV and automotive storage. A semi-solid, biodegradable gel composition made with pharmaceutical-grade Australian Tea Tree Oil, Kanberra Gel dissipates into the air to break down mildew, molds, and viruses at the molecular level. Tea Tree Oil is known around the globe as a natural antiseptic most commonly used topically. Thanks to the formula in Kanberra Gel, those same antiseptic and antifungal properties can now be realized though an airborne release. This completely natural gel disperses droplets of oil which are then circulated around the vessel. There are no synthetic perfumes or chlorine bleach, just a natural eucalyptus and lemon scent. Touted as being able to clean the air while saving money on costly upkeep, Kanberra Gel effectively eliminates mechanical and upholstery damaging mold and odors while blanketing the cabin with a protective vapor enhancing overall cabin air quality and comfort. Kanberra Gel is currently in use worldwide and is receiving rave reviews from captains, crews and vessel owners who attest it to be a superior alternative to chemical-based products on the market due to its long-lasting performance, ease of use and all-natural properties. Kanberra Gel is packaged in sealed, drip-free plastic containers that are placed either within a yacht’s air handling units, or simply out in the open. In air handling systems, Kanberra Gel continually works as an anti-microbial and anti-fungal agent, killing infecting organisms within the air stream, thus protecting HVAC components such as fan coil units and filters from mildew and mold growth. In testing, Kanberra Gel was shown to remain effective for up to 45 days or more making it ideal for monthly maintenance programs. Because Kanberra Gel offers superior protection against mold, its health benefits are obvious. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) all molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, sinus ailments, and other respiratory problems. Kanberra Gel comes in 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32-oz packages.

Small Boat Storage

Storage of any vessel poses a laundry list of issues. Dampness and temperature fluctuations inside a boat provide a permanent breeding ground for mold and fungus. The airborne spores attack and feed on cellulose and other organic material in the boat, which also causes bad odors. For storage, simply remove the lid and place the Kanberra Gel container on the cabin floor. All interior hatches, cabinets, doors and stowage spaces in the cabin should be left open to ensure the active vapor from Kanberra Gel can reach all areas. Leave Kanberra Gel to work for at least three weeks during storage. The effects should last around 2-3 months. Vaporization will cease if the contents freeze. The process will begin again as soon as the temperature allows Kanberra Gel to thaw. One 4 ounce container of Kanberra Gel is enough for a boat up to 12 feet. One 8 ounce container is enough for a boat up to 40 feet. It is a good idea to place a 2 ounce container of Kanberra Gel in the toilet and cockpit stowage areas. 

Kanberra Gel is currently available at select retailers and distributors and the list is growing to include chandleries all around the Great Lakes. You can also visit www.kanberragel.com for more details.