Peggy: Would you happen to know what would be the maximum power for power washer that could be safely used to clean non-skid decks?
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pressure wash
Pete - I use a Karcher electric pressure washer every spring on my Catalina. The pressure from even a small unit like mine can lift gelcoat if there is a chip etc. so the keys are to never stop moving the wand and don't get too close to surface. I usuallt keep at least a foot away, maybe for a tough spot you move closer , slowly, always moving the wand. Avoid any chips in gelcoat as pressure could get under gelcoat into the void and lift the gelcoat. Makes short work of grunge on non skid and deck lines etc etc. Start at a good distance 18" plus and move in slowly as required, always keeping the wand spray moving so you don't focus pressure on one spot. I WOULD NOT TOUCH THE BOAT WITH A POWERFUL GAS POWERED WASHER, OTHER THAN TO SPRAY OFF SCUM FROM THE BOTTOM AT HAUL OUT, TOO MUCH PRESSURE IN THOSE FOR DECK WORK.
Pete - I use a Karcher electric pressure washer every spring on my Catalina. The pressure from even a small unit like mine can lift gelcoat if there is a chip etc. so the keys are to never stop moving the wand and don't get too close to surface. I usuallt keep at least a foot away, maybe for a tough spot you move closer , slowly, always moving the wand. Avoid any chips in gelcoat as pressure could get under gelcoat into the void and lift the gelcoat. Makes short work of grunge on non skid and deck lines etc etc. Start at a good distance 18" plus and move in slowly as required, always keeping the wand spray moving so you don't focus pressure on one spot. I WOULD NOT TOUCH THE BOAT WITH A POWERFUL GAS POWERED WASHER, OTHER THAN TO SPRAY OFF SCUM FROM THE BOTTOM AT HAUL OUT, TOO MUCH PRESSURE IN THOSE FOR DECK WORK.
What he said...
and to put a number on it, nothing over 1400 psi, 1250 if you can find one. Even then, as said, start a good distance away and keep moving. Be careful around ports and toe rails that may have been sealed at deck and any other caulked or "sealed" area. It will also erode your teak very quickly, so go easy.
and to put a number on it, nothing over 1400 psi, 1250 if you can find one. Even then, as said, start a good distance away and keep moving. Be careful around ports and toe rails that may have been sealed at deck and any other caulked or "sealed" area. It will also erode your teak very quickly, so go easy.
high pressure power washer
Hello, I have a 6.5 hp 2300 psi power washer that I use on my boat. IMHO, the higher power units are better for everything. Because the unit has higher psi, you can adjust the spray from a narrow point to a wide beam. With the wide beam the pressure is much less, and you can clean faster. I adjust my spray to about 6" wide and sweep back and forth cleaning very quickly. Before you work on the boat, practice on things that won't bother you if you damage them. I did the fence first, the vinyl siding second, the deck third, and THEN the boat. Barry
Hello, I have a 6.5 hp 2300 psi power washer that I use on my boat. IMHO, the higher power units are better for everything. Because the unit has higher psi, you can adjust the spray from a narrow point to a wide beam. With the wide beam the pressure is much less, and you can clean faster. I adjust my spray to about 6" wide and sweep back and forth cleaning very quickly. Before you work on the boat, practice on things that won't bother you if you damage them. I did the fence first, the vinyl siding second, the deck third, and THEN the boat. Barry
Practice
Good Idea Barry - Practice Practice Practice on something forgiving - like a driveway or fence !!
Good Idea Barry - Practice Practice Practice on something forgiving - like a driveway or fence !!
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