Has anyone used those good pressure washers on the hull or non skid, I would stay away from ports and stripes decals, etc, just wondered if they had too much pressure, to use safely, thanks in advance Mike Bacome
cleaning /pressure washer
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I use one on mine
Mike, I have one with 1300 PSI (not the highest pressure made) I use it all the time on the hull and deck. Around the hatches and ports, I just hold it farther away. I also hold it back when washing the bottom as I have loosened the bottom paint when I got too close. Ward
Mike, I have one with 1300 PSI (not the highest pressure made) I use it all the time on the hull and deck. Around the hatches and ports, I just hold it farther away. I also hold it back when washing the bottom as I have loosened the bottom paint when I got too close. Ward
Ward ,
Ward nice to hear from you , I have used one of those electic ones for years, I was wondering about a gas unit, guess I need to check the psi thing , thanks again Mike Bacome
Ward nice to hear from you , I have used one of those electic ones for years, I was wondering about a gas unit, guess I need to check the psi thing , thanks again Mike Bacome
Now I understand your concern
Mike, Yeah, some of the gas and commercial electric units generate over 2000 PSI I think that would be enough to cause delamination if it got into a blister or crack in the gel coat. I am not sure that it would but I would be concerned when you get into the really high pressure unit. They sure would clean though <smile> Ward
Mike, Yeah, some of the gas and commercial electric units generate over 2000 PSI I think that would be enough to cause delamination if it got into a blister or crack in the gel coat. I am not sure that it would but I would be concerned when you get into the really high pressure unit. They sure would clean though <smile> Ward
Use One All the Time
A pressure washer is one of the best tools in the cleaning equipment arsenal. I've used a Karcher 1250-psi unit since around 1995 with excellent success. It's great on any cracks (aluminum toe rail to gel coat, around the chain plate, Genoa track, etc.) and on the non-skid deck. In addition to the areas where you said you'd stay away from I'd add teak (it'll blast the soft grain out). Unless your chain locker has been made leak proof (chain locker pan to underside of deck) I wouldn't blast that area either because the splatter will drain into the V-berth. Avoid using early in the morning because they are a bit noisy and if there are neighbors or liveaboards nearby they probably wouldn't appreciate it. With regard to pressure, every one I've seen is adjustable so a high-pressure unit can be adjusted. Additionally, the distance of the wand from the surface can be varied. I've never had a gel-coat problem from pressure.
A pressure washer is one of the best tools in the cleaning equipment arsenal. I've used a Karcher 1250-psi unit since around 1995 with excellent success. It's great on any cracks (aluminum toe rail to gel coat, around the chain plate, Genoa track, etc.) and on the non-skid deck. In addition to the areas where you said you'd stay away from I'd add teak (it'll blast the soft grain out). Unless your chain locker has been made leak proof (chain locker pan to underside of deck) I wouldn't blast that area either because the splatter will drain into the V-berth. Avoid using early in the morning because they are a bit noisy and if there are neighbors or liveaboards nearby they probably wouldn't appreciate it. With regard to pressure, every one I've seen is adjustable so a high-pressure unit can be adjusted. Additionally, the distance of the wand from the surface can be varied. I've never had a gel-coat problem from pressure.
Just Tried One
I just rented one yesterday to clean the bottom slime off. Worked great. What last year took me a few hours to hand scrub came off in 30 minutes. Didn't see any effect on the gelcoat. Backed off to about 10 inches away from the decals. I used a gasoline powered 2000 psi model with a 25 degree nozzle. Well worth the $30 rental fee.
I just rented one yesterday to clean the bottom slime off. Worked great. What last year took me a few hours to hand scrub came off in 30 minutes. Didn't see any effect on the gelcoat. Backed off to about 10 inches away from the decals. I used a gasoline powered 2000 psi model with a 25 degree nozzle. Well worth the $30 rental fee.
pressure washers
The use of a water pressure unit is good on the bottom as long as you stand away enough distance. The use on the sides and deck by a high pressure unit could take gel coat off. So often I see damage as a result of those who do not know what they are doing. Repeated use is of course not good as it will take minute particles of gel coat off. Dave Condon
The use of a water pressure unit is good on the bottom as long as you stand away enough distance. The use on the sides and deck by a high pressure unit could take gel coat off. So often I see damage as a result of those who do not know what they are doing. Repeated use is of course not good as it will take minute particles of gel coat off. Dave Condon
ONe time no big deal
John, You are fine if done once in a while but I have seen folks who car wash their boats all the time and the constant pressure washing willl take the gel coat down over time. Also, car pressure washers are not the high pressure that some folks use on other machines. Crazy Dave Condon
John, You are fine if done once in a while but I have seen folks who car wash their boats all the time and the constant pressure washing willl take the gel coat down over time. Also, car pressure washers are not the high pressure that some folks use on other machines. Crazy Dave Condon
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