Powerwasher on fiberglass - deck & cockpit

[KadeyKrogen38]

Probably will not harm gelciat but you can blast the caulking from deck fittings and create leaks. My opinion is that it is not worth the risk.

[Cpt Mark]

That Ryobi which I have too, my 3rd in 3 years, is a piece of junk, However, it comes with a 3 year warranty. Keep the receipt in a safe, known location lol.

It comes with 2 tips. Do not use the blaster one. It can cause damage.

[Cheechako]

The small electric should be great.

[Naitaka]

One other thing.....avoid vinyl lettering and stripes. A friend changed the name of his boat compliments of a momentary lapse of attention with a pressure washer.

FYI, the name went from Airrow to Arrow. So not a bad change.

[garychurch]

I used a high pressure wash on superstructure and decks when I first got my boat. Bad news. I quickly took off wax and abraded some gelcoat not to mention never get close to teak.

My philosophy for cleaning has changed entirely. I only use boat soap with polishing if needed to clean gelcoat superstructure and decks. Some polishing compounds contain wax which does a good job of sealing the surface of gelcoat or fiberglass. Also a polymer topcoat can seal the surface pores and provide a nice shine.

Of course the disclaimer is that I use the gentlest method to maintain the boat, obviously if you are into restoration methods get much harsher.

[vpbarkley]

Pressure washers have various nozzles; larger orifice nozzles reduce pressure and can be used on more delicate surfaces. Always wear full shoes when pressure washing. Electric pressure washers are much more convenient if you have access to electric power.

[Jdeuel]

I just ordered a WEN briefcase pressure washer and a 50’ extension hose to keep in my dock box. $125 for both on Amazon. 2000psi with an adjustable nozzle, which is far more convenient than interchangeable nozzles.
As far as teak goes, a wide fan spray and holding the nozzle at a proper distance won’t hurt it any more than a strong hose nozzle, but with a lot less water.

[cruising_ollie]

I purchased a Sun Joe SPX1000 which I can highly recommend. The nozzle is adjustable from fan spray, low pressure to high pressure concentrated stream. Many accessories are available including an extension hose. https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors...ceName=default

[Brewgyver]

Originally Posted by Cpt Mark

That Ryobi which I have too, my 3rd in 3 years, is a piece of junk, However, it comes with a 3 year warranty. Keep the receipt in a safe, known location lol.

It comes with 2 tips. Do not use the blaster one. It can cause damage.

Since Ryobi currently has about 20 different pressure washers on the market, maybe you could specify which one you've had bad luck with? Personally, mine has been very satisfactory.

[slug]

A boat deck has camber

Choose a low profile power wash

A tall profile power wash will constantly tip over

A fan spray pattern nozzle is best

The rotary pattern leaves rotary swirl marks

Most power washers have a selection of nozzles

[Cpt Mark]

Originally Posted by Brewgyver

Since Ryobi currently has about 20 different pressure washers on the market, maybe you could specify which one you've had bad luck with? Personally, mine has been very satisfactory.

Current one is 1600 psi around $100 at home depot. Former ones were the predecessors to this one.

Pressure switch broke on one, something else on the other and last one the GFCI on the plug failed.

[SeaRaider]

Research this Stanley electric. I have it and really like it. The washer lifts off of the cart so you can set it on your deck without the cart. Good power. Good warranty. Read and follow the operation instructions.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-...2050/302290919

[Minggat]

After dealing with ones built with too much plastic, which turned the whole unit into trash because of an otherwise insignificant part, my Green Machine from Lowes, with brass parts has served me well.

[David B]

Originally Posted by SV Bacchus

My wife recently watched an episode of Zatara on YouTube and noticed they use a pressure washer to clean the deck. I think in that episode they were cleaning their sugar scoops.

She wants a pressure washer as she is responsible for the scoops! Seriously, we divided chores and she chose that one.

I know that once I used a pressure washer on plastic chairs in the back yard and totally destroyed the finish.

However I do realize boatyards use pressure washers on the bottom at every haul out. I know there is bottom paint, hopefully, under the yuck growth and they probably are not hitting the fiberglass directly.

I see one of the big box stores has a small electric pressure washer with a max pressure of 1600 PSI. I figured what the heck, how much damage can she do?

I wanted to ask everyone here the following two questions:

1. Will she, or I, damage the surface of the fiberglass?

and

2. Are we just forcing the dirt deeper into the surface of the fiberglass?

Thanks in advance for any input!

We have a small Karcher on board. Very handy.
Note however that they are not so spectacular in their effect on smooth surfaces. Textured surfaces where dirt of mould etc lodges really come up well. but smooth fibreglass with a stain here of there does not respond.

From a distance, they can also be used on fabric and teak, but very lightly, and definitely from a distance. Effectively no more pressure than a garden hose in that mode.

[thinwater]

If there is enough pressure to do anything a very light pass with a brush won't do, it has enough pressure to open up leaks in the bedding. You won't know this until the core rots years later.


Unless you are blasting steel, power washers can do a lot of damage in hurry... or not really help if the pressure is low or the distance is great. Preping a hull, sure. First pass on a project boat, where everything will be rebedded, why not? As for the rest of you and the OP... there ain't no such thing as a free lunch. I've seen the damamge too many times.