Kristian Ferrell
A washdown system is used to clean a boat after a day on the water. It includes a 12V DC pump with an integral pressure switch, a hose and nozzle, an inline filter, wiring, circuit protection and connectors. The pump capacity is rated in gallons per minute (gpm). The washdown system can be used to clean the cockpit, rinse off the anchor, or hose down the deck. Some boats may share one pump for both the live well and wash down. The washdown system uses raw water (the water directly below the boat) and pumps it through a hose. The suction side of the pump is connected to a through-hull fitting, usually made of metal with a shut-off valve. It is important that the shut-off valve works correctly to prevent water from flooding into the boat in case of hose failure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To clean up the boat after a day on the water |
| Components | 12V DC pump with an integral pressure switch, a hose and nozzle, an inline filter, wiring, circuit protection and connectors |
| Pump capacity | Rated in gallons per minute (gpm)> |
| Water source | Raw water (water directly below the boat)> |
| Water diversion | Some boats may have one pump for both the live well and wash down, with a valve to divert water to the intended use |
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What You'll Learn
Raw water washdown connection
A raw water washdown connection is used to clean the boat after a day on the water. It is a convenient way to hose down the deck, clean the cockpit, rinse the anchor rode, or wash off the decks.
A pump pumps raw water to the washdown connection, and a hose is generally attached. The suction side of the pump is connected to a through-hull fitting, usually made of metal with a shut-off valve. It is important to ensure the shut-off valve is working correctly to prevent water from flooding into the boat in case of hose failure.
Some boats may share one pump for both the live well and washdown. In this case, there would be a valve to divert water to the intended use. It is important to have a seacock to prevent the boat from sinking if the line bursts.
The raw water washdown shut-off allows you to take the hose on and off without getting wet. While running, water may flow up the intake and get the deck wet if left open.
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The pump
Washdown systems include a 12V DC pump with an integral pressure switch, a hose and nozzle, an inline filter, wiring, circuit protection and connectors. The pump capacity is rated in gallons per minute (gpm). The pump is used to pump raw water (the water directly below the boat) to the washdown connection. The suction side of the pump is connected to a through-hull fitting, usually made of metal with a shut-off valve. It is important that the shut-off valve is working correctly in case of hose failure and water is flooding into the boat. Some boats may share one pump for both the live well and wash down. If so, there would be a valve to divert water to the intended use.
The live well pump and the hose take-off to the washdown pump are both connected to the same plastic through-hull. It is important to have a seacock to prevent the boat from sinking if the line bursts.
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The hose
A washdown system helps you clean up the boat after a day on the water. It provides a convenient means to hose down the deck and cockpit, rinse off the anchor, or wash away seagull droppings.
Some boats may have a shared pump for the live well and washdown system. In this case, there would be a valve to divert water to the intended use. It is important to ensure that the hose is properly connected to the correct valve to avoid any leaks or flooding.
Overall, the hose plays a vital role in the washdown system, providing the means to direct water onto the deck and other areas that need cleaning. It is important to choose a hose that is durable, long enough to reach all areas, and properly connected to the pump and valves to ensure safe and effective operation.
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The valve
A boat washdown system is used to clean the boat after a day on the water. It includes a 12V DC pump with an integral pressure switch, a hose and nozzle, an inline filter, wiring, circuit protection and connectors.
Some boats may share one pump for both the live well and washdown. In this case, there would be a valve to divert water to the intended use. It is important to have a seacock to prevent the boat from sinking if the line bursts. A cheap plastic ball valve is not recommended for this purpose.
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Pump capacity
Washdown systems include a 12V DC pump with an integral pressure switch, a hose and nozzle, an inline filter, wiring, circuit protection and connectors. The pump capacity is rated in gallons per minute (gpm).
The pump pumps raw water (the water directly below your boat) to the washdown connection. A hose is generally attached to it. The valve is to shut it off when you are through using it so the pressure-sensitive pump does not continue to run. The suction side of the pump is connected to a through-hull fitting, normally made of metal with a shut-off valve. It is important that the shut-off on the through-hull valve is working correctly in case of hose failure and water is flooding into the boat.
Some boats may share one pump for both the live well and washdown. If so, there would be a valve to divert water to the intended use. The live well pump and the hose take-off to the washdown pump are both connected to the same plastic through-hull.
The pump capacity of a washdown system is an important consideration when choosing and installing a system. The pump capacity will determine how quickly and effectively the system can clean the boat. A higher pump capacity will result in a more powerful washdown system, which may be necessary for larger boats or boats that are used in particularly dirty or muddy conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
A boat washdown system is an onboard system that helps you clean up the boat after a day on the water. It includes a 12V DC pump with an integral pressure switch, a hose and nozzle, an inline filter, wiring, circuit protection and connectors.
A pump pumps raw water (the water directly below your boat) to the washdown connection. A hose is generally attached to it. The valve is to shut it off when you are through using it so the pressure-sensitive pump does not continue to run.
The pump capacity of a boat washdown system is rated in gallons per minute (gpm).
