Showing posts with label Mega-yacht industry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mega-yacht industry. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Rethinking Marine Vessel

Rethinking Marine Vessel Air Quality - Part Five

David Levesque

Surface Protection & Fall Storage Preparation

The fall season is here which means we’ll soon be pulling our vessels out of the water and preparing them for winter storage. Throughout the last 4 articles, we at the Kanberra Group have been sharing our experiences and knowledge on the topic of Yacht Air Quality (YAQ). Combining more than two decades in air quality research and improvement, the Kanberra Group has been working closely with various areas of the marine industry to better understand the needs of boat owners, yacht captains and crews and provide detailed programmatic solutions to enhance marine experience and vessel maintenance. It is commonly accepted among yacht owners that the air inside cabin interiors will always have a certain aroma, a by-product of being out on the water. There is also the, again 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. There is no need to re-invent the wheel for YAQ. Many air quality solutions have been successfully utilized by the Kanberra Group on US Navy ships and other large vessels, as well as commercial buildings and hospitals. These solutions are easily adaptable to any size marine vessel.

Already a staple in the Mega-yacht industry, Kanberra Gel is making waves in many marine-related areas, as well as RV and automotive storage, pet stores, hardware stores and pharmacies. 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, bacteria 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. Visit http://www.KanberraGel.com/ for more details.

In a previous article, we discussed how air filters in your heating and cooling system are an essential component in establishing and maintaining YAQ. The first rule of any air quality management program is “source control”. Remove the contaminants and you improve the conditions. Proper filtration allows for the control and removal of most of those contaminants, thus improving the quality of air flowing through the coil which in turn assists in coil maintenance, reducing ductwork debris accumulation and improving air flow. Kanberra Group’s exclusive 3-layer anti-microbial Kanberra Filters offer distinct advantages by allowing particles to load throughout the depth of the media, without clogging the first layer and reducing air flow. Kanberra Filters also have an internal wire frame which results in a better fit within the filter rack. This alone reduces bypass found with most cardboard frame filters. Kanberra Filters feature an antimicrobial treatment which reduces airborne microorganisms by up to 86.5% in one pass of air and are available through http://www.KanberraGel.com/.

A previous article detailed how in the indoor air quality industry we pay special attention to VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) and how to control them. VOC’s are emitted from housekeeping and maintenance products such as finishes, rug and oven cleaners, paints and lacquers, paint strippers, pesticides and building and furnishing materials. To limit your exposure to harmful VOC’s, consider selecting products labeled as being low-VOC emitting. Many of today’s paints are manufactured to this degree. Always use products with adequate ventilation, and in the event the culprit is a new piece of furniture or building material, use every opportunity possible to introduce fresh air into the area.

Another alternative is a revolutionary new cleaning product called Activeion which uses the method of “Water Electrolysis” to effectively transform pure tap water into a general purpose cleaner and sanitizer. The water molecules are split into both acidic and alkaline droplets that clean and sanitize on contact. This one product alone can replace 8-10 of your normal household and marine cleaning products. Best of all, zero VOC emissions! More information on Activeion can be obtained by contacting the Kanberra Group.

The first rule of any air quality management program is “source control”. Remove the contaminants and you improve the conditions. However, and especially in marine applications, HVAC system equipment soiling is unavoidable. Soiling associated with microbial growth is especially difficult to clean. This microbial growth can create a “Bio-film”, or membrane that essentially blankets the fins, eating away at the cooling coil over time and decreasing the amount of air passing through the system. Technicians must often resort to harsh or outright toxic cleaning compounds, reducing the life of the coil, or replace the cooling coil altogether. Anyway you slice it, it all adds up to additional costs for the boat owner. The Kanberra Group offers a simple solution: We use an advanced enzyme cleaner and post-cleaning treatment. The cleaner effectively removes any existing bacteria or fungi and the treatment leaves a thin coating on the coil surface inhibiting bacterial growth for at least 12 months. And best of all, the coils can be cleaned and treated without removing the system. Additional information on coil maintenance can be obtained by contacting the Kanberra Group.

 

Surface Protection and Winter Storage

 

No one cares more about your investment than you do. And the Kanberra Group understands this affection. You certainly work hard to protect your vessel during the season, so why not give her the best care possible during storage? We trust you follow or pay someone to follow a strict program of winterization, however, inevitably you will have some mold and odors come spring. Microorganisms will take residence in your boats’ canvas, upholstery, cushions and carpeting for the duration of winter. During the unfailing thaw in January/February, these microorganisms will come out to play. Kanberra Group is currently endorsing a product called Permanon, a non-toxic line of surface protection products already used in commercial facilities, aviation, automotive, and marine. When applied, nano-engineered particles of Permanon elecro-statically bond and fill microscopic cracks and fissures that naturally occur in solid surfaces. A cleaned surface treated with Permanon is better able to resist microbial growth. Since cleaning alone will not remove 100% of microorganisms embedded in the cracks and fissures, the application of Permanon essentially “fills” these areas preventing any existing embedded microorganisms from breeding and new microorganisms from taking residence. Additional information on Permanon is available by contacting the Kanberra Group.

Of course, no decommissioning program is complete without Kanberra Gel. Many storage yards across the Northeast and Great Lakes are beginning to incorporate Kanberra Gel into their winterization programs. A canister of Kanberra Gel placed in the vessel with all cabin doors, cabinets and lockers left open will provide protection for the duration of storage. In an enclosed environment the Kanberra Gel vapor will blanket the cabin areas, penetrate the canvas, upholstery, cushions and carpeting and elminate and control any microorganisms ensuring an easier spring clean-up. Insist your storage program includes Permanon and Kanberra Gel today!

Monday, November 11, 2013

Rethinking Marine Vessel

Rethinking Marine Vessel Air Quality - Part Four

David Levesque 

By now we hope all the readers have been finding our articles on Yacht Air Quality both informative and helpful. Combining more than two decades in air quality research and improvement, the Kanberra Group has been working closely with various areas of the marine industry to better understand the needs of boat owners, yacht captains and crews and provide detailed programmatic solutions to enhance marine experience and vessel maintenance. It is commonly accepted among yacht owners that the air inside cabin interiors will always have a certain aroma, a by-product of being out on the water. There is also the, again 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 YAQ. A variety of effective techniques and methods for improving cabin air and interiors not only enhances 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 by the Kanberra Group on US Navy ships and other large vessels, as well as commercial buildings and hospitals. These solutions are easily adaptable to any size marine vessel.

Already a staple in the Mega-yacht industry, Kanberra Gel is making waves in many marine-related areas, as well as RV and automotive storage, pet and hardware stores and pharmacies. 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, bacteria 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.

The first rule of any air quality management program is “source control.” Remove the contaminants and you improve the conditions. Proper filtration allows for the control and removal of most of those contaminants, thus improving the quality of air flowing through the coil which in turn assists in coil maintenance, reducing ductwork debris accumulation and improving air flow. Kanberra Group’s exclusive 3-layer antimicrobial Kanberra Filters offer distinct advantages by allowing particles to load throughout the depth of the media, without clogging the first layer and reducing air flow. Kanberra Filters also have an internal wire frame which results in a better fit within the filter rack. This alone reduces bypass found with most cardboard frame filters. Kanberra Filters feature an antimicrobial treatment which reduces airborne microorganisms by up to 86.5% in one pass of air and are available through www.KanberraGel.com.

In a previous article we had written how in the indoor air quality industry we pay special attention to VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) and how to control them. VOC’s are emitted from housekeeping and maintenance products such as finishes, rug and oven cleaners, paints and lacquers, paint strippers, pesticides and building and furnishing materials. To limit your exposure to harmful VOC’s, consider selecting products labeled as being low-VOC emitting. Many of today’s paints are manufactured to this degree. Always use any chemical products with adequate ventilation, and in the event the culprit is a new piece of furniture or building material, use every opportunity possible to introduce fresh air into the area. Another alternative is a revolutionary new cleaning product called Activeion which uses the method of “Water Electrolysis” to effectively transform pure tap water into a general purpose cleaner and sanitizer. The water molecules are split into both acidic and alkaline droplets that clean and sanitize on contact. This one product alone can replace 8-10 of your normal household and marine cleaning products. Best of all, zero VOC emissions. More information on Activeion can be obtained by calling the Kanberra Group.

As mentioned above, the first rule of any air quality management program is “source control.” Remove the contaminants and you improve the conditions. However, and especially in marine applications, HVAC system equipment soiling is unavoidable. Soiling associated with microbial growth is especially difficult to clean. Bacterial metabolism releases a sticky waste, which creates a “Bio-film” that locks particles to the growing organisms. Molds help to further cement the mass together. Bio-films attach themselves to the fins on the cooling coil by etching into the surface to provide a secure holding. This etching eats away at the cooling coil and over time will decrease the amount of air passing through the system by acting as insulation media between the air and the coil. The air flowing through the cooling coil is not reduced in temperature adequately enough to allow the system to cool the vessel efficiently and in turn the system tries to compensate for the reduction of efficiency by running the compressor for longer durations. From an air quality perspective, bacteria, mold and fungi that colonize on the cooling coil create a range of toxic allergenic fragments. These contaminants release from the coil, accumulate in the supply ductwork, and find their way into the air steam to the occupied spaces. The solution is to remove the bio-film through maintenance, however the longer the components go between cleanings, the thicker and more resistant the soil becomes. Technicians must often resort to harsh or outright toxic cleaning compounds and extreme techniques in order to dislodge built up soil, however the use of any type of corrosive coil cleaner will eat away at the coil fins and tubing, thus reducing the life of the coil. The alternative is to replace the cooling coil, which has a greater cost than coil maintenance. Anyway you slice it, it all adds up to additional costs for the boat owner. The Kanberra Group offers a simple solution: We use an advanced enzyme cleaner and post-cleaning treatment. The cleaner effectively removes any existing bacteria or fungi by deconstructing the bonds allowing the bio-film to be gently washed away - ensuring a clean surface for the application of the treatment. The treatment leaves a thin coating on the coil surface. It is formulated to release a small amount of active biocides over a period of at least 12 months which reduces accumulation. And best of all, the coils can be cleaned and treated without removing the system. Additional information on coil maintenance can be obtained by contacting the Kanberra Group.


Monday, November 4, 2013

KANBERRA GEL: Clean Air

KANBERRA GEL: Clean Air Without Chemicals

E.L.

The hairs inside my nostrils twitched in anticipation, but they detected nothing. Nothing? Mold is a longtime foe aboard Land’s End, my 1935 wooden Crocker ketch. So when an old-fashioned print advertisement for mold-and-mildew assassin Kanberra Gel caught my eye, I perked up. It’ll never work, I fretted, glancing around the main saloon, gazing woefully at cushions and pillows I faithfully haul off the boat each fall and launder each winter. Now it was spring, and I’d dragged every sweet-smelling thing aboard again, but with fading optimism that by September, all would stay fresh as a daisy. But I learned that the polymer-based Kanberra includes tea tree oil, which attacks airborne mold spores and bacterial growth and actually breaks them down. 

Note: Kanberra Gel isn’t a deodorizer. The proof that it’s working isn’t the scent of pine or lemon or fresh linen; it’s nothing but clean air. That’s the point, says product developer David Levesque. Levesque, who’s worked in indoor-filtration and air-purifier systems for clients ranging from the U.S. Navy to the healthcare and hospitality industries, devised the product after “drinking lots of rum on a hiking trip.” His first foray into the marine industry was via the megayacht market, and he struck a nerve. The product is available at coastal chandleries and on line. Any sailor can relate to the rum-drinking bit, so I gave it a go. Sold in self-dispensing jars ranging in volume from two to eight ounces, the gel is easily distributed belowdecks. Eight ounces, enough for a boat of about 40 feet, lasts for two to three months, and that period can be extended with each reapplication. The verdict? After placing it in the saloon and shutting Land’s End up tight, I gleefully admit—it does work, and it keeps working. For more about this natural gel, log on to the product’s website www.kanberragel.com. 




 

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Rethinking Marine Vessel

Rethinking Marine Vessel Air Quality - Part Two

David Levesque

Combining two decades of air quality research and improvement, the Kanberra Group had begun to work closely with various areas of the marine industry to better understand the needs of boat owners, yacht captains and crews and provide detailed programmatic solutions to enhance marine experience and vessel maintenance. As mentioned in the last post, it is often accepted among yacht owners that the air inside cabin interiors will always have 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 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 by the Kanberra Group on US Navy ships and other large vessels, as well as commercial buildings and hospitals. These solutions are easily adaptable to any size marine vessel. 

Already a staple in the Mega-yacht industry, Kanberra Gel is 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 OilKanberra 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. 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 packaged in sealed, drip-free plastic containers that are placed either within a yacht’s air handling units, or simply out in the open. 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 information.


Filtration

Air filters in your heating and cooling system are an essential component in establishing and maintaining YAQ. The first rule of any air quality management program is “source control”. Remove the contaminants and you improve the conditions. Proper filtration allows for the control and removal of most of those contaminants, thus improving the quality of air flowing through the coil which in turn assists in coil maintenance, reducing duct work debris accumulation and improving air flow. The latter translates into less strain on the air handler 
resulting in higher energy efficiency. Two schools of thought are typically debated for filtration: 1) The denser the filter, the greater the efficiency of absorption, however the larger strain on the air handler or 2) The less dense the filtration the less efficiency of absorption, however the less strain on the motor. Both are true in most cases however what if you could have a dense filter with high absorption but at the same time maintain efficient air flow? Kanberra Group’s exclusive 3-ply antimicrobial filter offers distinct advantages and costs less than pleated filters that can be purchased in discount outlets. With a unique 3-ply construction, Kanberra Filters allow particles to load throughout the depth of the media, from large to small particles without clogging the first layer and reducing air flow. The Kanberra Filters also have an internal wire frame which results in a better fit within the filter rack. This alone reduces bypass found with most cardboard frame filters. Did you know that a ¼ inch gap between a cardboard filter frame and track will leak or bypass 30% of air volume, thus negating the filters purpose and rated filter efficiency? The 3-ply Kanberra Filter seals for 100% LEAK-FREE filtration. Kanberra Filters are also made with 100% synthetic fibers which are not affected at all by moisture and humidity, unlike the traditional cotton-polyester media most commonly used in other filters. Lastly, air filters can be a barrier to micro-organisms and at the same time a collection site for microbial growth. This alone will translate to nasty growth on the A/C coils. Kanberra Filters feature an 
antimicrobial treatment which reduces airborne microorganisms by up to 86.5%. Contact us here for more information on Kanberra Filters. 

Friday, October 4, 2013

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.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Straight From Mother Nature

Straight From Mother Nature

David Levesque spreads the message of natural odor eliminator Kanberra. 

Q: Tell us about Kanberra, and how it works.
Levesque: Kanberra products feature a pharmaceutical-grade selection of Mother Nature’s own proven antiseptic tea tree oils, purposely blended in unique and effective forms. In our initial product, Kanberra Gel, the blend is taken airborne through basic dissipation, allowing the oils to interact with mold, bacteria, fungi and some viruses to essentially rid the air of impurities and associated odors.  Kanberra Spray features the same unique blend, only here it’s immersed in a natural emulsifier that can be used for air and surfaces. In fact, it’s so effective and natural, it’s safe for topical use on humans and dogs. Some of the benefits include air purification, flea and tick repellent, odor control and as a soothing wound healer.  

Q: Kanberra Gel is made with Australian tea tree oil. What are some of the benefits of using it in your product?
Levesque: For over 400 years tea tree oil has proven to have powerful, yet natural, antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. Many pet products, such as shampoos, use Tea Tree Oil in their formulas for this purpose. At Kanberra the additional blend and innovative airborne delivery 
create a unique usage.   

Q: Kanberra Gel was not originally made to be a “pet” product. How did you end up in the pet industry?
Levesque: It comes as a surprise to many of our customers that Kanberra Gel was initially developed as an all-natural alternative to the harsh sanitizing chemicals used in the cleaning process of ventilation systems. We are part of a 20 year old indoor air quality company with 
a long history of being the largest ventilation cleaning contractor for the U.S. Navy. Kanberra was born from our desire to revolutionize this indoor air quality industry with natural solutions.   

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started with Kanberra Gel.
Levesque: I came to our parent company, Indoor Air Professionals, nine years ago with an extensive background in retail and direct sales and was hired to assist in our residential air quality division. At that time, the product, which became Kanberra Gel, was unnamed and used primarily in-house for our ventilation hygiene service. Several of us used the samples of the product in other areas, such as our cars, homes, gym bags and boats. After launching some 
exhaustive market research and brand development, we established the Kanberra division. Our first major bite was in the global mega-yacht industry, and we’ve been playing catch up ever since.

Q:What’s next for Kanberra Gel? 
Levesque: At Kanberra we’re continuing to build our line with complementary products that utilize our unique blend of natural oils. We hope to launch 1-2 new products each year, and most, if not all, will be functional across all our major market silos, from pets to natural 
product retailers to marine and RVs.  

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Storage Season is Coming

Storage Season is Coming…And So is the Mold…

STOP IT Before it Occurs!

David Levesque

First of all, don’t give us a hard time for bringing up the end of boating season. It’s not our fault Mother Nature didn’t exactly play nice this year. Hopefully most of you were able to log some precious time on the water but let’s face facts; haul-outs and shrink wrap are in the near future. So what is your plan this year to combat the moisture and mold that inevitably occurs every off-season? Let me guess; hanging desiccant bags right? Oh wait, those eventually saturate and end up dripping everywhere. What about the moisture buckets? Oh that’s right, we’ve been informed they do the same thing as the bags so you’ve got to place them in the sink, but then that’s no good either because you certainly can’t have any overflow moisture draining into the pipes during freezing temperatures. So that leaves you with the chlorine dioxide pouches. What? You can’t use those within 18” of fabrics, electronics or metals? Well then, where in the name of Neptune are you supposed to put them on a boat? Certainly seems like the options are becoming increasingly limited.  


OK, so maybe it seems we’re picking a little too much on the traditional storage methods for preventing moisture and mold. But we must be honest. With all our travels this past year we’re only repeating what we’ve been told by you, the boating public and people in the industry. The overwhelming theme is that you’re running out of options. So let’s look at some facts; storage in the north, barring extenuating weather issues, is going to be anywhere from 5 to 7 months long. During that time the condition of your boat when it’s first stored will be challenged throughout the off-season by an increasingly humid environment, limited ventilation, active mold and bacteria spores waiting for the right chance to nurture and, in some parts of the country, freezing temperatures. And let’s not forget the literal greenhouse created when the above mentioned goodies have the opportunity to bake in the heat.  


We’ve already run through the various traditional processes and the recent frustrations associated with them, which are well documented. We know moisture will accumulate in the boat during storage and should be controlled in some way. However we also know that even if we are successful to some degree in removing that moisture most of us will still have mold growth and odor presence in the spring. So now what? Let us suggest you try thinking outside the box a bit. What if we offered a solution in the form of a product that can rid the air of mold, bacteria, fungi and even some viruses, naturally and without any chemicals we might add, and when used during storage will prevent mold growth and odors? That product is Kanberra Gel.  

Now before you roll your eyes and think this is just some self-serving promotion read on a bit further. For the past couple years many readers of this publication and your fellow boaters from Maine to San Diego, and Miami to Seattle, have been using Kanberra Gel in storage and throughout the season with well documented success. Originally introduced in 2008 and quickly regarded worldwide in the Mega-yacht industry as a superior, all-natural product to eliminate mold, bacteria and fungi, Kanberra Gel has been experiencing growth across the country in a variety of markets. And we might add, Kanberra Gel not only has an extensive presence in marine, but can also be found in over 400 locations throughout the country ranging from hardware and pet stores, natural foods and holistic pharmacies.


A semi-solid, biodegradable gel composition made with pharmaceutical-grade Australian Tea Tree Oil, Kanberra Gel dissipates into the air to break down bacteria, molds, and fungi 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 are experienced through an airborne release. On boats, this completely natural gel disperses droplets of oil which are then circulated around the vessel. There are no synthetic perfumes or chlorine bleach, just clean air, the way nature intended. We’ve been told by industry experts, very few times before has one product made such an immediate and significant impact on the marine industry. It’s a classic example of problem/solution. Only this time, the solution is so unique and it simply works.    


Too good to be true you say? Well we certainly can’t blame you for reacting in that manner. But the facts are what they are. Don’t take my word for it; look online, check with your local marina or even contact us directly. We’re certain you’ll find Kanberra Gel to be the product you’ve been waiting for to protect your investment. Follow us on Facebook or visit www.kanberragel.com for additional information and a complete list of locations. Soft Seas….

You Boat

You Boat, Therefore You Mold…

David Levesque



Sounds like a silly phrase doesn't it? I admit it’s a bit of a stretch, but if you’re reading this then hopefully it worked. But let’s be honest, it makes sense right? Come on, show of hands: How many of you out there have simply come to accept mold and the associated odors as part of your boating lifestyle? And if you tell me you don’t have any mold on your boat then your brain’s been taking on water. First introduced in 2008 and quickly regarded worldwide in the Mega-yacht industry as a superior, chemical-free, all-natural alternative to eliminate mold, bacteria and fungi, Kanberra Gel has been experiencing growth across the country in a variety of markets ranging from our extensive presence in marine and on into hardware, pets, natural foods and holistic pharmacies. And in that time frame we have come to fully believe boating brings mold and odors.  

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 and suspends microscopic droplets of oil which are then circulated around the vessel. There are no synthetic perfumes or chlorine bleach, just clean air, the way nature intended.


Kanberra Gel Takes the Midwest Boating Region by Storm!….It’s been long overdue but we finally made our way to the Scuttlebutt readership area in search of some shelf space. And the region responded with open arms. Many of the readers have e-mailed us to inquire as to where to purchase Kanberra Gel. Well look no further. Along the St. Croix River we’d like to welcome the Wolf brothers Eric and Ken from Wolf Marine, Dana and the crew at St. Croix Marina, Cliff and the team at beautiful Bayport Marina, the gang at Afton Marina & Yacht Club and thanks to Joe Riley at Windmill Marina for using the product on his own boat! To the west Kanberra Gel can now be found at Wayzata Marine on gorgeous Lake Minnetonka and a little further north sitting right near Andy at MarineMax in Rogers. If you happen to find yourself enjoying the pristine tranquility of the Apostle Islands be sure to stop in and pick some up at Pikes Bay Marina in Bayfield. We’re thrilled to have our product represented in all these fine locations.


Look for Us Around the Globe….If your travels take you outside the region, Kanberra Gel can be found in over 375 distributors, retailers, marinas, yacht yards and ports-of-call stretching from New England to San Diego, Ft. Lauderdale to Seattle, Detroit to Milwaukee, across the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Europe. We have been told by industry experts, very few times before has one product paid such an immediate and significant benefit to the boating industry.  It’s a classic example of problem/solution. Only this time, the solution is so unique, and most importantly, it works! We are constantly roaming from coast to coast working hard to educate the boating pubic on the benefits of this revolutionary blend of all-natural antiseptic oils – airborne. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kanberragel or visit http://www.kanberragel.com/ for a complete list of locations.