Ever hear of pressure washing a boat in it's slip?Other than the noise, it seems like a good idea for getting the gunk from around the cleats, etc. Input appreciated.
- Status
be careful
Scott: Be careful. A pressure washer can blow the caulking out from underneath anything. Ports, cleath, winches etc.
Scott: Be careful. A pressure washer can blow the caulking out from underneath anything. Ports, cleath, winches etc.
Pressure washing is great if you're careful
It takes me a little over an hour to do my 34 from bow to stern, including the cockpit. Steve is right that you have to be careful around ports etc, but your non-skid areas will never be as clean as you can get them with the pressure washer. Do not run the nozzle on hand rails and the various lines as it may damage them. Other than that, have a go at it. BTW, your neighbors are not going to complain about the noise if you let them use your washer for their boats ! Good Luck
It takes me a little over an hour to do my 34 from bow to stern, including the cockpit. Steve is right that you have to be careful around ports etc, but your non-skid areas will never be as clean as you can get them with the pressure washer. Do not run the nozzle on hand rails and the various lines as it may damage them. Other than that, have a go at it. BTW, your neighbors are not going to complain about the noise if you let them use your washer for their boats ! Good Luck
Not only that....
With a pressure washer, I found all my weak pionts in my gelcoat. The pressure washer actually knocked out gelcoat where there was voids underneath.. and believe me there are some of those on all boats.. even more expensive makes. So, I prefer the Joy Soap and bleach method, few tablespoons of Joy and about a 1/4 cup of bleach mixed with about 2 gallons of water, soap up the deck from one end to the other without rinsing, then scrub the entire deck a second time and allow it to sit a few minute before rinsing. When you return to your boat a couple of days later, she will look like a new boat. The bleach keeps killing the mold, mildew and algae while you are at work on your day job to pay for the slip fee. Have joy and a good day.
With a pressure washer, I found all my weak pionts in my gelcoat. The pressure washer actually knocked out gelcoat where there was voids underneath.. and believe me there are some of those on all boats.. even more expensive makes. So, I prefer the Joy Soap and bleach method, few tablespoons of Joy and about a 1/4 cup of bleach mixed with about 2 gallons of water, soap up the deck from one end to the other without rinsing, then scrub the entire deck a second time and allow it to sit a few minute before rinsing. When you return to your boat a couple of days later, she will look like a new boat. The bleach keeps killing the mold, mildew and algae while you are at work on your day job to pay for the slip fee. Have joy and a good day.
My Experience is Excellent
On our '88 H-35 I've used a Karcher 1250 psi pressure for about 8 years or so and have had absolutly excellent results. It is used at maximum pressure and the nozzle is standardly about 3 or 4 inches from most objects, such as the deck, and even closer on recalcitrant items such as mildewed braided lines or stranded dock lines. The deck and lines have turned out as clean as is possible. I've never experienced any problems with blowing holes in deck voids or blowing lines apart. Haven't had a problem with sealant either although there has not been the need to use brute force in these areas. The coach roof hatches like to collect dirt around the frame and hinges and this comes out really easy. I've used it up close around the Beckson ports and Lexan deadlights with no problem. Don't use on vinyl adhesive backed graphics (shear stripe?) as they will come off or get the edges damaged. Having the nozzle further away would result in less pressure and reduced damage. Don't use on teak as the pressure will blow out the soft part of the wood. There are many other uses around the home such as cleaning the lawn mower, sidewalk, driveway, sides of the house prior to painting (while keeping an appropriate distance), car, etc. The prices are cheaper now than what I paid and I believe this was an excellent invstment.
On our '88 H-35 I've used a Karcher 1250 psi pressure for about 8 years or so and have had absolutly excellent results. It is used at maximum pressure and the nozzle is standardly about 3 or 4 inches from most objects, such as the deck, and even closer on recalcitrant items such as mildewed braided lines or stranded dock lines. The deck and lines have turned out as clean as is possible. I've never experienced any problems with blowing holes in deck voids or blowing lines apart. Haven't had a problem with sealant either although there has not been the need to use brute force in these areas. The coach roof hatches like to collect dirt around the frame and hinges and this comes out really easy. I've used it up close around the Beckson ports and Lexan deadlights with no problem. Don't use on vinyl adhesive backed graphics (shear stripe?) as they will come off or get the edges damaged. Having the nozzle further away would result in less pressure and reduced damage. Don't use on teak as the pressure will blow out the soft part of the wood. There are many other uses around the home such as cleaning the lawn mower, sidewalk, driveway, sides of the house prior to painting (while keeping an appropriate distance), car, etc. The prices are cheaper now than what I paid and I believe this was an excellent invstment.
Ditto on the Karcher
Did you know that the Karcher pressure washer can pull lake water up to wash your boat? Karcher accessory is a siphon tube with check valve and strainer. Once primed, it will suck up lake water for pressure washing. So, if you don't have fresh water available, all you need it the Karcher and a 110V plug
Did you know that the Karcher pressure washer can pull lake water up to wash your boat? Karcher accessory is a siphon tube with check valve and strainer. Once primed, it will suck up lake water for pressure washing. So, if you don't have fresh water available, all you need it the Karcher and a 110V plug
Thanks to all
I'm sold, I'm going to buy one, maybe on sale if I'm lucky. Maybe fire it up about 6 a.m. for those slouchy live-aboards nearby!
I'm sold, I'm going to buy one, maybe on sale if I'm lucky. Maybe fire it up about 6 a.m. for those slouchy live-aboards nearby!
- Status