pressure washing gelcoat

[Sheepdog012]

HI All,

I have had my R-21 in a salt water marina for a few months during the "pre-season" here in Maine. The water has been cold and so growth is not much of an issue pre-season. I am about to pull her out for a few months to trailer around to the Maine lakes and I know there is some slime etc... built up on the bottom. She is not bottom coated. Any thoughts or cautions on pressure washing the gelcoat on her bottom to remove the slime? I have never had to do this before and I'm not sure if it's dangerous to the gelcoat? Any insights are appreciated.

-Sheepdog

 

[Matty]

I have used a pressure washer several times on the gelcoat. I have had no issues. Having said that you need to ) do a test area 2) only use the amount of pressure necessary 3) don't get to close.
There are different strength pressure washers as you know. Mine is 3800 psi.

 

[Ralf H]

hi Sheepdog,

Matty nailed it. I've been pressure washing my 42-year-old boat for years. Still doing fine. Just be aware of the pressure, test an inconspicuous area (as the saying goes) and don't get too close in one spot for too long.

Cheers,

Ralf

 

[bob daily]

Mr. Sheepdog, what I do is mix a strong solution of bleach in a small pump sprayer and coat the exterior of boat, wait about 20-30 minutes and rinse off with high psi water. Works great! Bob

 

[Sheepdog012]

Thanks Bob Daily,

Do you spray only below the water line or the whole boat? The bleach doesn't damage the gelcoat?

I am picking up my pressure washer today from my brother in law, who is a professional borrower of power equipment (lol), and will be pulling the boat on Tuesday or Wednesday. So we will see how it goes!

Thanks!

-Sheepdog

 

[bob daily]

Sheepdog, I spray the whole exterior, just be sure to remove any fabric, seat cushions life jackets etc.
Also don't use bleach around any canvas covers for your boat. A little bit of soap in the spray solution will help cut grease and the smelly jelly fish sent on the side of the boat. Will not harm the exterior, they use chlorine in fiberglass swimming pools! Good luck. Bob

 

[Sheepdog012]

Thanks All for the input! I feel much better about giving her a good high pressure bath.

Be well!