Fresh Water Wash down

[Nmontagno]

I have a new R23 and am planning to do a thorough fresh water wash down on it. I haven't been able to take it out on the water since we purchased it, but the birds, tress and other things are making a mess of her. Would it hurt anything to spray down inside the cockpit lockers where all the batteries and certain electronics are kept. Obviously I would ensure that any external power is disconnected and all the battery switches are off. I know that there are drains and bilge pumps in the lockers but want to know if there would be any certain risk to just spraying it all out.

Thank you.

 

[TylerFromEverett]

My battery charger shorted out from water damage so I would be careful not to get too much water around electronics. I clean my rear locker with a shop vac and 303 Marine Cleaner and a couple clean rags. The 303 cleaner really gets the much and grime off easily.

 

[Toucan]

When you wash out the lockers, make sure that the limber holes are cleaned out and the water is quickly draining into the bilge. A wire coat hanger and draining water will do the trick. On our boat, we had an inordinate amount of leaves hidden under the locker shelves blocking the drainage holes going into the bilge. We almost lost all of our starboard cockpit locker electrics/electronics when a small salt water leak flooded the non-draining locker. In fact, our battery charger is now called Lazarus.

Barry Thompson
TOUCAN, R-27 Classic

 

[Chimo]

Would it hurt anything to spray down inside the cockpit lockers where all the batteries and certain electronics are kept.

Depends. How lucky do you feel? Do you win the lottery often? (Humour intended!)

Seriously, get a bucket and a sponge. Vac out the lockers and then wipe them out. Leave them to dry before closing the hatches. You have a beautiful new boat. Enjoy!