Powerwashers....gotta get me one!

[Tom Root]

Oh, did I ever discover the best way to clean my boat! I know most people on here have them, but let me tell ya whadda difference pressurized water makes! A neighbor let me borrow his 5 HP 1500 PSI gizmo and it was incredible!

You know those nice white PVC guides used on the hatches? Mine were pure black, and NOTHING worked on them, I watched in amazement how they turned brand new in one simple pass!

All those ugly black specs on white gel, especially on the non slip areas were making 'ol Great White look hideous. I mean I was at the point that I was ashamed of how grungy she was looking! No matter what wax or any other very time consuming cleaner I used, it was not really effective, and that black mold spec stuff just was still prevalent.

My old 1976 Mac venture took on a new life also! Ya just don't wanna get that tip too close to the wood surfaces...uhh, now I have to sand it smooth again, but they are really spartan.

AHHH, I have 2 good looking boats again!!!!!

Just had to let those of you who don't use one, and are tired of a nasty looking boat....powerwash that puppy!

[Pouw Geuzebroek]

Tom, yeah great stuff, realy makes the difference. Only, take care of your MacGregor stickers. I have blasted them off in 2 seconds. And also do not use it to clean any ropes (the washing machine is better for ropes)

[Mark Prouty]

Tom,

Thanks. After that report, I'm gonna look into getting one. I could use it on the house also.

How big?



Pressure Washer

[Tom Root]

Mark,

I'd get the highest PSI and GPM model possible! You can always regulate them down, and find the happy medium to wash things. I never used one before and had it cranked up to 1500 PSI, and it worked fine! My hull is OK, but the crusties on the bottom (only a few) disappeared immediately when blasted with the majic wand!

I think if I found a good deal on a used 4000 PSI model, i'd get it just because of the paint stipping capability also. I hate that chore on projects more than anything!!! Hmmm, I wonder if it could stip car paint off though.....I have a few of those in my stable that could use a new coat of paint!!!

As Pouw stated, it can destroy any rope in a heartbeat, and fortunately didn't come near the Mac badges! My Jib was mistakenly blasted!

Dang guess I gotta go get a new Genoa....uhh Honey doesn't that sail repair tape look horrible?

I have been getting a brownish hue on my rudders and non painted bottom, and that is not coming off. Since my boat is parked 10' from my front door, and not in a slip full time, I am avoiding the botom paint issue as long as I can!! I do not have any blisters as yet either, so do not do anything but wax it!

[Mark Prouty]

Mark,

I'd get the highest PSI and GPM model possible! You can always regulate them down, and find the happy medium to wash things.

I'm with ya!

[Tom Root]

Wow Mark....Now that's a POWERWASHER!!!

[Frank C]

Yeah Mark, that trailer's the perfect answer to ...

"May the Force be with you!"

[Scott]

I have a little 1400 psi unit that i leave in the aft bunk. I wouldn't go much higher for fear of damage. It cleans the mildew like its been bleached, it even takes the chalk off of the black.
I have a commercial hotsy in the garage that will do 3500 if you crank down on the regulator but I would be afraid to use it on the boat.

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

I picked up a low end one from Home Depot last year and have been very happy. It was on $79.00, does a great job on the boat, cars, deck, gutters, etc. I'm not looking to strip any paint.

[BK]

I also have one and will try it on the boat. It removes the mold from the shaded area of our driveway/walkway with one pass. When my neighbor saw this he said he was buying one.

[Mark Prouty]

I went to Home Depot and got an electric power washer 1750 psi. It works great cleaning the boat. It even cleaned some paint off the driveway that the kids left when spray painting an old bike.

Getting a power washer is a cleaning epiphany.

[Robert]

I would go even bigger if I had it to do again. There are different nozzles which will make it easy to trade between a dangerous pinpoint power wash that will drill into concrete and a gentle wide angle spray that can get mildew off a 6 inch wide area in one pass. With a wide nozzle I use it to wash the tow vehicle too. The bigger the powerwasher the bigger nozzle and area you can wash in a given time. Parking my boat at home in the forest always left a big cleanup chore, I would like to get that cleaning chore done in less time.
..
A powerwasher is a great investment for keeping you home walkways steps etc. clean too, particularily if you live in a warm humid climate in a forest like me.

[Tom Root]

Well, an update!

Since my neighbor has let me borrow this I've put at least six tanks of fuel in it. I told him I'd buy it off him....he said no way. The least I can do is rebuild the engine for him..... I did let him borrow my nifty battery charger that de-sulfides batteries, and he saved a few expensive batteries for his R.V. and other vehicles he has!

This one is a 5 HP Briggs and straton, just like the lawn mower, so it's tough and really holds up. He said to keep it as long as I like, but I gotta give it back this weekend.....uh....I wanna remain friends! I would MUCH rather have an electric one due to less noise pollution!! I may try and rent some others, and try out other nozzles etc.

I'd like more feedback from others as to durability of the Electric ones though. Model#'s etc. would be appreciated!

Gee, it's almost midnight....dang can't wait till tommorow to do some more washin' ...let's see, Sampson, our rooster crows at 5 AM...

Also, I went out and my Mac is filthy already, I found a nearly $400.00 stand up type Canopy full enclosure that is in pristine condition for only 80 bucks. ALL accesories were there!

I know the actual one is somewhere, but this shows the replacement tarp anyway.

This looks like quality stuff, and should work fine! Sams Club washer

Then another neighbor saw I got it and said he had one for 20 bucks, not as good quality, but I'll easily be able to extend it, and all for 100 bucks!

I won't need to wash my Mac all the time, and the sun won't fade my black areas on the boat....that's what I'm talkin' about!

[Catigale]

Im thinking about the Karcher electric pressure washer...anyone have feedback?

[BK]

I have the Karcher 330 electric model and works fine. About $80 from Home Depot.