I was just reading a tool catalog and came upon an inexpensive 1300 psi pressure washer. I thought it might be an effective tool to clean the boat in general, but more specificly to clean the nonslip surfaces. I find it impossible to get all the dirt out if those little voids. Has anybody used one on a regular basis to clean their boat? Are there any things to be aware of while using it. Thanks
Topside pressure washing?
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Power Washer
Several people at my marina use a light 1500 psi electric power washer to clean their deck. They can roll it out to the slip and hook it up quickly. Quiet and seems to work OK. Easy to set up and move. However, don't expect it to do much more than clean the dirt out of cracks, they lack the power to properly clean hulls etc. and they don't seem very durable. When I was looking for one at Home Depot, several people had returned the Husky brand because parts kept coming off. I Finally went with a gas driven Craftsman from Sears.
Several people at my marina use a light 1500 psi electric power washer to clean their deck. They can roll it out to the slip and hook it up quickly. Quiet and seems to work OK. Easy to set up and move. However, don't expect it to do much more than clean the dirt out of cracks, they lack the power to properly clean hulls etc. and they don't seem very durable. When I was looking for one at Home Depot, several people had returned the Husky brand because parts kept coming off. I Finally went with a gas driven Craftsman from Sears.
Power Washers
Power washers can be a blessing, or a curse. Depending on the power of the unit, it is possible to bore a hole in a 2x4 -- or your boat -- if you are not careful with its use. Properly used, they can really clean up the non-skid on your deck in a hurry. If you buy one, practice with it on something you don't care about first until you understand the unit, know the right angles to hold the wand, the right distance from the surface to be cleaned, etc. Finally, keep the power spray away from ports, hatches, and all caulked seams.
Power washers can be a blessing, or a curse. Depending on the power of the unit, it is possible to bore a hole in a 2x4 -- or your boat -- if you are not careful with its use. Properly used, they can really clean up the non-skid on your deck in a hurry. If you buy one, practice with it on something you don't care about first until you understand the unit, know the right angles to hold the wand, the right distance from the surface to be cleaned, etc. Finally, keep the power spray away from ports, hatches, and all caulked seams.
1400 psi OK
I use a Karcher electic 1400 psi from Lowes ($100) to clean my topsides regularly. It does not damage the gelcoat and cleans the non-skid well. I pre-soak with a detergent for a few minutes and then blast it off. Keep it in the stern locker and it takes all of 5 minutes to get going. Once last summer, it fell off the dock in the water (tripped the GFI breaker- it has a built in GFI plug). I thought it was cooked. Let it dry out and it still worked without any problem! Pretty tough unit. One caution, the hoses on these models can kink easily - and if kinked will blow out. Just watch out for that.
I use a Karcher electic 1400 psi from Lowes ($100) to clean my topsides regularly. It does not damage the gelcoat and cleans the non-skid well. I pre-soak with a detergent for a few minutes and then blast it off. Keep it in the stern locker and it takes all of 5 minutes to get going. Once last summer, it fell off the dock in the water (tripped the GFI breaker- it has a built in GFI plug). I thought it was cooked. Let it dry out and it still worked without any problem! Pretty tough unit. One caution, the hoses on these models can kink easily - and if kinked will blow out. Just watch out for that.
Wash and rinse
The most effective result is achieved when a power washer is used to rinse. Mean Green sprayed on deck, given a quick scrub and rinsed with the power washer works great. Use an inexpensive garden sprayer with diluted bleach (1 cup per gal.)in it and give it a light scrub and power rinse. Bleach, or oxalic acid will destroy the garden sprayer sooner than later, but the stuff will clean the deck when followed by a power rinse. There are many effective concentrated boat soaps, but don't put them in the power sprayers soap tank. As has been stated by others, when using the power sprayer stay away from ropes, wood, canvas and sealants. Try it on an old piece of dock line and you'll learn what happens. Any crack or seam in the gelcoat is vulnerable also. The power sprayer will find a tiny crack and lift gelcoat, or topside paint off in an instant. I have a turbo nozzle that came with mine that works best and is less destructive. Picked up the sprayer at Walmart for $150 several years ago. Wouldn't part with it now.
The most effective result is achieved when a power washer is used to rinse. Mean Green sprayed on deck, given a quick scrub and rinsed with the power washer works great. Use an inexpensive garden sprayer with diluted bleach (1 cup per gal.)in it and give it a light scrub and power rinse. Bleach, or oxalic acid will destroy the garden sprayer sooner than later, but the stuff will clean the deck when followed by a power rinse. There are many effective concentrated boat soaps, but don't put them in the power sprayers soap tank. As has been stated by others, when using the power sprayer stay away from ropes, wood, canvas and sealants. Try it on an old piece of dock line and you'll learn what happens. Any crack or seam in the gelcoat is vulnerable also. The power sprayer will find a tiny crack and lift gelcoat, or topside paint off in an instant. I have a turbo nozzle that came with mine that works best and is less destructive. Picked up the sprayer at Walmart for $150 several years ago. Wouldn't part with it now.
It all depends on what you consider to be a
"pressure washer." The 1000-1500 psi POWER washers that are sold retail for < $200 will not harm gelcoat and are a wonderful tool for bilge cleaning and washing winter off the boat. However, a true commercial PRESSURE washer (15,000+ psi)--the kind you can rent for the day--should not be used on a boat.
"pressure washer." The 1000-1500 psi POWER washers that are sold retail for < $200 will not harm gelcoat and are a wonderful tool for bilge cleaning and washing winter off the boat. However, a true commercial PRESSURE washer (15,000+ psi)--the kind you can rent for the day--should not be used on a boat.
One Caveat
First of all, I've found a low-power pressure washer to be great for getting the green crud out of the nonskid and cracks. One caveat, however, is that even a low-power washer will expose any weak spots in your gelcoat, so don't be surprised if you find a few "pockmarks", especially on an older boat. I prefer gas over electric for safety reasons.
First of all, I've found a low-power pressure washer to be great for getting the green crud out of the nonskid and cracks. One caveat, however, is that even a low-power washer will expose any weak spots in your gelcoat, so don't be surprised if you find a few "pockmarks", especially on an older boat. I prefer gas over electric for safety reasons.
Used them for years
We've used the electric 1300-1600 PSI washers for years with no ill effects to the gelcoat. However, plan on replacing the unit after 3 or 4 years. The seals and valves wear out and we've gone through 2 in 7 years. I tried to rebuild my last one (about $40 for parts and shipping) but still couldn't get good pressure. So, if you calculate it at $30-$40 per year it's still a pretty good idea.
We've used the electric 1300-1600 PSI washers for years with no ill effects to the gelcoat. However, plan on replacing the unit after 3 or 4 years. The seals and valves wear out and we've gone through 2 in 7 years. I tried to rebuild my last one (about $40 for parts and shipping) but still couldn't get good pressure. So, if you calculate it at $30-$40 per year it's still a pretty good idea.
Power washer
I use a Karcher 1600 on my house, deck, fence, pavers, truck, car, and boat. Works great. Boat was built in '68, an authentic antique per Florida DMV, and it has never dislodged a speck of gel coat or anything else except grime, algae, and other undesirables.
I use a Karcher 1600 on my house, deck, fence, pavers, truck, car, and boat. Works great. Boat was built in '68, an authentic antique per Florida DMV, and it has never dislodged a speck of gel coat or anything else except grime, algae, and other undesirables.
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