Pressure Washing Your Boat: More Harm Than Good?

Pressure washing a boat can be a quick and effective way to clean it, but it's not always a good idea. While it can be a good option for removing tough dirt, algae, and salt from hard-to-reach places, it can also cause damage to certain boat materials. For example, pressure washing can strip the stain and water-resistant sealants from traditional wooden boats. It can also damage old gel coats and cause further chipping. Additionally, certain types of pressure washers and settings may be too powerful and cause harm to the boat. Therefore, it's important to consider the boat's materials and use the appropriate pressure washer and settings to avoid potential damage.

Pressure washing can damage certain boat materials

Pressure washing is a great way to clean your boat, but it's important to be aware that it can damage certain boat materials. While most boat materials hold up well under pressure washing, some are better off being cleaned with soft washing methods.

Aluminum boats, for example, are typically soft washed because aluminum is a soft material that abrades and dings easily. For reinforced aluminum boats, pressure washing can be used, but it's important not to exceed speeds of 1500 psi to avoid damage.

Traditional wooden boats are another type of boat that can be damaged by pressure washing. The high pressure of the water can strip the stain and water-resistant sealants from the wood, compromising the protection of the boat.

Gelcoat is another boat material that should be treated with caution when it comes to pressure washing. Old gelcoat can bubble and chip over time, and pressure washing can further erode the coating or cause damage. Even gelcoat in good condition should not be pressure washed above 1500 psi to avoid erosion and unwanted porosity.

Polyethylene boats are also not suitable for hot water pressure washing as the material is not stiff enough and can deform under the high pressure. Soft washing is recommended for this type of boat to avoid the risk of deforming the vessel.

In addition to the materials mentioned above, it's important to be cautious when pressure washing boats with decals, graphics, or painted areas. The high-pressure water can ruin decals and graphics if not done properly, and it can cause peeling and chipping in painted areas.

To avoid damaging your boat, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your pressure washer and use the appropriate settings and nozzles for the specific material of your boat. It's also crucial to remove any loose equipment or items that could be damaged or pushed around by the high-pressure water.

It's important to remove loose items before pressure washing

Pressure washing is a popular and effective way to clean a boat, but it's important to take precautions to ensure you don't cause any damage. One essential step is to remove loose items before beginning the pressure washing process. This includes items such as canopies, seat cushions, and other removable equipment.

The high-pressure water from a pressure washer is powerful and can cause damage to loose items on your boat. By removing these items beforehand, you can avoid potential damage and ensure a more effective clean. Loose items can be blown away or damaged by the force of the water, so it's best to take them off and set them aside in a safe place.

Additionally, loose items can obstruct your cleaning and create additional work. For example, if you're pressure washing the underside of your boat, having loose items in the way can make it more difficult to reach all the areas that need to be cleaned. By removing them, you can easily access all the nooks and crannies and ensure a thorough clean.

Furthermore, loose items can also pose a safety hazard. If they are not secured properly, they could become projectiles during the pressure washing process, which could be dangerous for you and anyone else nearby. It's always important to prioritise safety when operating machinery like a pressure washer, and removing loose items is a key part of that.

Taking the time to remove loose items before pressure washing your boat can also help you inspect your boat for any damage or issues that need to be addressed. As you remove each item, you can give it a quick check-over and identify any problems that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. This proactive approach to boat maintenance can help you stay on top of any necessary repairs or replacements.

In conclusion, removing loose items before pressure washing your boat is crucial for several reasons. It helps protect your boat and the items themselves from potential damage, ensures a more thorough and efficient clean, improves safety, and provides an opportunity for boat maintenance checks. By taking the time to complete this important step, you can ensure a safe and effective boat cleaning experience.

You should close doors, windows, hatches and portholes

Before you begin pressure washing your boat, it is imperative to close all doors, windows, hatches, and portholes. This step is crucial in ensuring that the interiors of your boat remain dry and are not exposed to the high-pressure water stream.

Closing all openings will help prevent water from seeping into the boat, which could cause damage to electrical systems, upholstery, and other sensitive components. It also helps to maintain a dry and comfortable environment within the boat, protecting any personal belongings or equipment stored inside.

By securing these entry points, you provide an additional layer of protection against water intrusion, which could potentially cause extensive damage to the boat's interior, leading to costly repairs and a prolonged period of the boat being out of the water.

Additionally, closing all doors, windows, hatches, and portholes helps to create a safer working environment for you and anyone assisting with the pressure washing. It reduces the risk of water spraying inside and potentially causing slips or falls, ensuring a more controlled and manageable cleaning process.

Taking the time to properly secure these openings demonstrates a proactive approach to boat maintenance and reflects a commitment to preserving the longevity and value of your vessel. It is a simple yet vital step that should not be overlooked when preparing to pressure wash your boat.

Use a biodegradable, ammonia-free detergent

Using a biodegradable, ammonia-free detergent is an important step in the process of pressure washing a boat. Here are some reasons why:

Protecting the Environment

Biodegradable boat cleaning supplies are less harmful to the environment and are a good choice for responsible boaters who want to use greener boating products. As boaters, it is important to protect the environment and water sources. Choosing green and environmentally friendly cleaning products for boats is an easy step to take to keep the water clean.

Protecting Your Boat

Green or eco-friendly boat cleaning products are made of organic, phosphate-free, and biodegradable soaps that will have the least negative impact on water, land, and animal life. Boaters should try to avoid cleaners and soaps that contain toxins and chemicals because, as you wash your boat (particularly in the water), the runoff goes directly into the water. This can have a negative impact on fish, birds, and other wildlife, and you also don't want to swim or fish in water that is not clean.

Ammonia-Free Alternatives

Many companies that make cleaning products understand the dangers of ammonia and are pivoting towards safer, yet still effective, ingredients. There are lots of options across all categories that don't contain ammonia. For example, Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Soap, Nature Clean Multi-Surface Cleaner, and Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner are all ammonia-free alternatives.

Biodegradable Boat Wash Soaps

When looking to buy green and eco-friendly boat wash soaps, key terms to look for on the packaging include "biodegradable" and "eco-friendly." Some good options include Star Brite Sea Safe Biodegradable Boat Wash Soap, Better Boat Boat Soap, and BOATER'S EDGE Wash. These products effectively remove dirt, grease, and grime without harsh scrubbing and are safe to use on various marine surfaces.

Rinse from top to bottom to prevent streaking

Rinsing your boat from top to bottom is the best way to prevent streaking after cleaning. Streaking occurs when soap is left behind on the boat's surface, so it's important to ensure that all soap is rinsed off.

After applying detergent to your boat, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, making sure the surface stays wet. Then, attach a 25-degree nozzle to your pressure washer and pull the pressure gun trigger to clear the detergent. Next, rinse the boat from top to bottom, ensuring that all soap is rinsed off and preventing streaking.

It's also important to use the right detergent for your boat. Use a biodegradable detergent that is approved for use with your pressure washer. Avoid ammonia-based cleaning solutions, as these can damage your boat and washer.

Additionally, be careful when rinsing around decals, as they can easily be stripped off. Spray decals at a 90-degree angle, starting at the middle and working your way to the edges.

Frequently asked questions