Power Washing lazerette hatch interiors

[Russell]

The 1980 Hunter 27 that I purchased has some pretty dirty lazerette hatch interiors. I was thinking of power washing them to clean them up. Has anyone ever used a power washer in this manner? I realize I will have to pump the water out as it runs into the bilge so I most likely will use straight water.

Any other suggestions on how to accomplish this?

Thanks - I am amazed at the knowledge that other owners have shared. Thanks.

 

[scott]

I painted

my 20 year old cockpit lockers interiors. Just wiped the surfaces with some solvent, paint thinner or acetone, then brushed on some high gloss oil based white Rustolium ( about $8/qrt). Looks new and the mildew hasn't come back.

Yeh, I know I didn't answer the question.

 

[tedsbeds]

water inside

I am restoring a 81 H27. I emptied all the lockers wet them down then scubbed them with Simple Green solution and then rinsed them again. I have done this several times in various locations through out the boat. I did not use a pressure washer, just the water from the boat yard. It is amazing what washes down into the bilge, what little there is of it.

 

[Manny]

Power washer probably okay

If the power washer is adjustable, you would want to widen the spray pattern in certain areas as to not do any damage. For instance, around any wiring, the exhaust hose, scupper hoses, or tank vent. Probably best to not spray those items. Also if you have the "shelf" on the rear lazarette where the quadrant is, careful to not put too much pressure on that. It is made of wood.
Also you have to take into consideration that the water will channel its way to the bilge through the engine compartment under the pan. Any old diesel or oil that is under there will make its way to the bilge, and you don't want to pump that overboard.

Manny

 

[Andy]

Yes use the pressure washer

I cleaned a bilge one time with the pressure washer. You will be surprised how little water actually is used. Its pressure not volume.

 

[Landsend]

Power washing seem like overkill...

I know you're a guy with a new pressure washer and a need to use it. I clean mine every year with spray bathroom cleaner (Scrubbing Bubbles) and wipe them down with a sponge and water. If they still look bad after that, let them dry for a few days and paint them with white Rustolium gloss paint.