Just when we thought there was nothing new in duct tape, the original inventor, 3M, has developed one that has an extended 90-day life in direct sunlight. Users will admit that, for all its usefulness, traditional duct tape will lose its effectiveness if left outside. Ultraviolet rays are the culprit and they will soon destroy the backing of other duct tapes, leaving them useless. This new longer-life tape will give an honest 90-day outdoor life. In red only, about $10 per roll.

Foam compounding pad used to apply compound to remove sand scratches and swirls. Convoluted foam face design holds compounds better, i.e., reduces slinging of compound.

When it comes to making environmentally friendly choices, the tradeoff is not always paying more for something that doesn't work as well. Boat owners seeking a "greener" sacrificial anode have an option that works better than the old, familiar zinc versions while costing less: aluminum anodes.

Aluminum is a far better environmental anode choice than zinc.  Though zinc is a heavy metal—not particularly desirable to have in excess quantities in water—the bigger concern is with the percentage of cadmium that zinc anodes must contain in order to work as anodes.

Cadmium is a nasty heavy metal, with its use and disposal becoming increasingly restricted and regulated.  In anodes, it's of considerable concern to scientists studying estuarial pollution and its inevitable presence in aquatic life, especially once in the human food chain.

Campion Marine Inc. is proud to announce that it has been awarded winner of the Green Business Awards through the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce under the Manufacturing & Construction category. The award recognizes environmentally sustainable practices.

We have always been impressed with the Captain Phab line of cleaners (the Purple Power Cleaner and Black Streak Remover both tested very well in our onboard trial last year). They have a new cleaner designed just for aluminum, which so easily oxidizes and turns grey and powdery in our environments. The new acid-free Aluminum Magic and its partner Aluminum Brighter gel are just what boaters need to keep those aluminum bits looking clean and ship-shape.

Rusty metal products can sour seasonal cleaning and commissioning chores and until recently there hasn’t been much available that easily eliminates rust stains on any boat. Even good quality stainless steel will rust in places if left unattended. And untreated iron or steel will quickly rust in marine environments. Recently, Protocol Environmental, a local manufacturer of specialty chemicals introduced us to their newest product, DeRust, a rust treatment product that can be brushed or sprayed on.