Power washing

[Steeldieman]

I want to use a small electric power washer rated at 1600'psi to wash my boat.
I don't want to blast it just use the wide fan setting to get at the crannys and spiderwebs.
The guy washing my boat now tells me power washing is a big no no and I really don't see anyone else using them what is the truth

 

[Red Raven]

I power wash the bottom of our boat every fall when we pull it out. No problem after three years. Like everything you have to be careful. I think the stuff growing on the hull and running gear does far more damage than a good power wash. Just my opinion but I think he is blowing smoke. Having said this a general rinse after each trip is sufficient for the top sides.

 

[Irish Mist]

I have found the pressure washer takes the wax off. I see no problem if you keep away far enough from the surface. point it at your barefoot, it it stings then its too close. If you cut a toe off then you are really too close..

 

[Brian B]

You can use it on the bottom of the boat but be extremely careful topside. I don't know if it is used on all models but on mine there is some type of white trim tape on the beige band around the cabin. I chipped it with one of those electric power washers. I just use a hose topside now.

 

[Navigator's Son]

A pressure washer is not going to do anything better than a simple hose and nozzle for the scenario you mentioned.

I tried using a pressure washer on my previous boat deck, the kind with the little raised diamonds in it. Surprisingly it didn't work at all to get the dirt out. A simple brush did a much better job getting the deck clean.