Powerwashing Fiberglass

S

seeray96

Member
exMember
Joined
Jan 21, 2005
RO Number
16115
Messages
113
I just took my 1995 Sea Ray out of storage, and am considering using a pressure washer to do the deck cleaning. Any recommendations or "bewares?"
 
Just don't use a fine setting. Also, do NOT get pressure water near a Mercathode or any decals or striping. Otherwise all's well.
 
Steve, what do you mean by fine setting? Not much of a chance I'll be using power washer on boat but would like to know of any precautions.
 
I think by fine setting he was referring to making the stream of water like a pencil tip.
 
Yup, Keep a fan spread of at least 2-3 inches. Wouldn't want you to punch a hole in your gelcoat. :)
 
...and keep it far away from any bedded hardware!

Actually, my advice is not to use it anyway. SeaRay's later non-skid has deep crevices where pressure could be helpful, but the pattern on a '95 is easy to clean.
 
Agree with SLW.

I tried it on Saint Max last year. It was easier to NOT use it. Just brushing with a good soap did a better and faster job and I was in the water.
 
I have a cheapie I occasionally use on the boat. As others mentioned, stay away from a straight tip, or something like a beehive which uses a straight tip that rotates at speed to achieve a broader pattern. You want a true FAN of water so that the ultimate power is diminished. That's why I like the cheapy unit as it will shoot water at a distance (and soap) but actually does not bring a ton of pressure to bear. You can use a bit more pressure on the nonskid, but I can't describe in email how much pressure is okay and what is too much.

Also, realize that waxed surfaces can become unwaxed if you use excessive pressure. Still, on a 48 foot boat, the pressure washer and ability to spray soap saves time. I like the increased ability to drive the silt down the decks that builds up in the nonskid areas, which I have a lot of.
 
Thanks for the comments, guys. My pressure washer does not have the soap feature. Several yrs ago I decided to use the washer to clean the grime at the bottom of my "paint over aluminum" patio walls as a spring project. Yep, I used the really fine tip and, you guessed it, there's no longer much paint where I sprayed. I think I'll stick with the deck brush and soap - it doesn't take all that long.
I think the high today in Buffalo was 46 deg. I'm not even tempted to do any deck cleaning on the "Maggie J."
 
I won't use one for the reason as I don't use it on my car. Unless you set it at less pressure then a hose with a fan spray it will drive contaminents into the finish. So, why not just use the hose?
 
Go out and buy Star Brite Non Skid Deck cleaner and try that first.

The stuff works.
 
If you want to save money, buy "Barkeepers Friend" at HD or Lowes for $2/can and a good scrub brush. It will come out looking like new.
 
Mike, isnt that made for cleaning bars, showers, sinks, etc....Im guessing thatll strip any way left on the boat..
 
It will take wax off, but there shouldn't be any wax on a deck anyway. I use it on all my non-skid and it works great.
 
Barkeepers works and gets it clean but is an abrasive. That abrasive dulls the surface and opens it up to attracting more of the dirt. Catch 22.

StarBrite deck cleaner isn't abrasive, its a liquid.
 
You gotta teach me how to wash a boat then..Last I saw when I washed my nonskid and deck, it never stays only on it. It typically run downs the side of the boat over the rub rail and down the hull...

when can you teach me?
 
quote:
Originally posted by BoatCrazy

You gotta teach me how to wash a boat then..Last I saw when I washed my nonskid and deck, it never stays only on it. It typically run downs the side of the boat over the rub rail and down the hull...

when can you teach me?

Click to expand...


Whenever you want to come to my marina, I'll let you practice on my boat.

Barkeepers Friend is non-abrasive.

http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/using-bar-keepers-friend
 
quote:
Originally posted by BoatCrazy

You gotta teach me how to wash a boat then..Last I saw when I washed my nonskid and deck, it never stays only on it. It typically run downs the side of the boat over the rub rail and down the hull...

when can you teach me?

Click to expand...


You're putting too much on.............
 
quote:
Originally posted by HOGAN

quote:
Originally posted by BoatCrazy

You gotta teach me how to wash a boat then..Last I saw when I washed my nonskid and deck, it never stays only on it. It typically run downs the side of the boat over the rub rail and down the hull...

when can you teach me?

Click to expand...


Whenever you want to come to my marina, I'll let you practice on my boat.

Barkeepers Friend is non-abrasive.

http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/using-bar-keepers-friend

Click to expand...


Would you use it to wash and clean your new cars paint?

Try putting some on a sponge and rubbing in circles on the paint.

I'm betting it won't shine like new after that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top