A boat comprises: an external surface; an antimicrobial coating applied to at least a portion of the external surface comprising a silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof. The silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof is one or more of: 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride, 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion, or 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride. The external surface can be a hull configured to contact water, wherein, the external surface is located at the hull. The external surface can be an interior configured to accommodate one or more passengers. The boat can further include an interior configured to accommodate one or more passengers, and the external surface can be a carpet at least partially covering a floor portion of the interior. The antimicrobial coating inhibits the growth of algae, mold, and mildew on the external surface to which the antimicrobial coating is applied.