Cleaning the boat using pressure washer

[Switch]

I used a jet washer for the first time on the non-slip areas of my boat a couple of months ago. It was a revelation. I've never managed to get the non-slip really clean before. The jet-washer removed stains and marks that had been there since I bought the boat 5 years ago!! That said, I wouldn't use on other areas of the boat other than to remove some green slime that has built up in some nooks and crannies, but I would be very careful.

 

[ChromeDome]

I have never had any accidents when using powerful pressure washers.

You just have to be careful. My current model has a built-in (diesel driven) water heater which makes a big difference. Plus a rotor nozzle which is more crucial than extreme water pressure.

I use clean, heated water first for the rough stuff, then a foam lance to cover the surface with "snow" and allow it some time to work. And then cleaning with high pressure.

At season start: Then rubbing (every two years) and a good wax.

 

[chrisD]

Can a pressure washer damage an engine by forcing water up the exhaust? I had a perfectly well running Volvo engine destroyed with water in the cylinders after being lifted and washed. Never got a sensible explanation from either the engineers who serviced the engine nor the marina that washed and moved the boat.

 

[westhinder]

Can a pressure washer damage an engine by forcing water up the exhaust? I had a perfectly well running Volvo engine destroyed with water in the cylinders after being lifted and washed. Never got a sensible explanation from either the engineers who serviced the engine nor the marina that washed and moved the boat.

If you’re unfortunate and one of the cylinders has an open exhaust valve, the cylinder can become waterlocked. That in itself may not destroy the engine but it can cause serious damage, either through bent rods or rust if the water remains in the engine for too long.
I have had the experience twice, water having siphoned up by a combination of rough following seas, a lot of heel and poor geometry of the exhaust. Fortunately no lasting harm done.

 

[Haraka]

Anyone know what kind of pressure we are talking about here? I'm looking at a 12V 100W 160PSI option, but I also read you need up to 2,000PSI. I have diamond head grip-deck that has weed embedded deep in its crevices - now turned black. I've tried everything, acid, alkali, brush, cloth, and the only thing that works is my thumb nail or a sharp penknife - but that is probably 3 months continuous labour. So I want to try pressure hosing.

 

[ChromeDome]

Do not confuse psi and bar.
12v and 160 psi is a so called deck wash pump, not a high pressure washer.

2000 psi is 137 bar which you'd struggle to find in a 12 v device. OTOH they are quite common as 240v, for domestic use et al

I'd look for a common make for easy access to parts and accessories, and a model with fairly long hose to prevent moving the washer around all the time. Several have extension hoses in their accessory catalogue.

I think a standard household version (100+ bar) with rotor nozzle will shift your grime, also on the anti-slip. May take a little patience if heavy, but all you have to do is hold the gun and move it around a little.

IMO, that is.

 

[Haraka]

Do not confuse psi and bar.
12v and 160 psi is a so called deck wash pump, not a high pressure washer.

2000 psi is 137 bar which you'd struggle to find in a 12 v device. OTOH they are quite common as 240v, for domestic use et al

I'd look for a common make for easy access to parts and accessories, and a model with fairly long hose to prevent moving the washer around all the time. Several have extension hoses in their accessory catalogue.

I think a standard household version (100+ bar) with rotor nozzle will shift your grime, also on the anti-slip. May take a little patience if heavy, but all you have to do is hold the gun and move it around a little.

IMO, that is.

Thanks - no problem distinguishing PSI and Bar (c.14.5psi). Everything else you say is welcome information, but you didn't quite answer the question - will 160PSI be sufficient to shift the weed from the crevices? Any thoughts gratefully received.

 

[ChromeDome]

Thanks - no problem distinguishing PSI and Bar (c.14.5psi). Everything else you say is welcome information, but you didn't quite answer the question - will 160PSI be sufficient to shift the weed from the crevices? Any thoughts gratefully received.

No, I don't believe it will. And it will be not able to operate a rotor nozzle in any efficient way.

Edit: I have one 26 lpm as a deck wash and it is a like a normal 3/4 hose on a good day. Good flow but not pressure like a washer.

 

[Haraka]

No, I don't believe it will. And it will be not able to operate a rotor nozzle in any efficient way.

Edit: I have one 26 lpm as a deck wash and it is a like a normal 3/4 hose on a good day. Good flow but not pressure like a washer.

Thanks - appreciated. Better save up for a 240v job!

 

[Wansworth]

Thanks - appreciated. Better save up for a 240v job!

Or hire

 

[ChromeDome]

I'm on a different make and model myself, but noted that B&Q offer a Bosch 135 bar with 7m hose at £150.

A search will tell if that is cheap or not...

 

[Laser310]

I pressure wash the bottom when the boat is hauled a the end of the season.

A diver cleans my bottom every other week, but over the course of the summer stuff builds up.

i have pretty hard and well burnished racing paint (Baltoplate), so it doesn't remove much paint.

I have never used it above the waterline.

I do pressure wash some teak outdoor furniture at my house - even on a pretty weak setting, it does some damage to the teak. I would never use it on a boat deck.

 

[ChromeDome]

I pressure wash the bottom when the boat is hauled a the end of the season.

A diver cleans my bottom every other week, but over the course of the summer stuff builds up.

i have pretty hard and well burnished racing paint (Baltoplate), so it doesn't remove much paint.

I have never used it above the waterline.

I do pressure wash some teak outdoor furniture at my house - even on a pretty weak setting, it does some damage to the teak. I would never use it on a boat deck.

Even though teak is very hard it is never a good idea to use a high pressure washer directly on bare wood.

 

[Laser310]

Even though teak is very hard it is never a good idea to use a high pressure washer directly on bare wood.

I have a lot of this teak furniture and it gets dirty, and covered with algae and lichens.

It needs to be cleaned - i recognize that i am doing harm, but have not the inclination to get out the scrub brush..., i'd rather be sailing.., or even napping.

Teak furniture, with all its geometric complexity, would be difficult to clean with a brush, and is not difficult to replace. having said that, mine is 20 years old and has been pressure washed many times - always on low power.

A teak deck is pretty simple to clean with a brush, and based on my experience with teak furniture, I strongly recommend against pressure washing a teak deck.

 

[Wansworth]

Isn’t it recommended brushing across the grain so reducing scraping out the soft wood ending in ribby teak deck