www.iFourWinns.com

Hello All,

I just picked up a power washer last week to clean various things including the boat.

My question is, are there any negative effects of using a power washer on the fiberglass hull?

I understand it may power away wax but could it damage my gel coat?

Thank you in advance,

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1993 Sundowner 215
OMC Cobra 5.0 EFI
South Hadley, MA
Connecticut River Rat for life

It certainly could if you aren't careful regarding tip selection. Be guided by the fact that gel coat thickness only averages about 1/16". Use the right tip and be careful with distance and you should be good.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Also be careful near vinyl letters or stripes. You will make a mess of those as well if you are not cautious.

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2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

The cautions are all valid, but I will say that I have used my 2700 psi power washer to clean the non-skid on the swim platform and forward deck of my 268. A little deck cleaner and a brush helps, but the power washer will make a big difference by itself.

_________________
Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

I've come "this close" to buying one myself. Seems like it would be a great thing to have. I only based my thought on having seen a couple of cases where house siding and even concrete was damaged simply because people didn't think about what they were doing.

_________________


Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

The "psi" rating is what the pump puts out. The type of tip can make a big difference in how aggressive it is. A normal 15 or 30 degree tip should be fine. Remember, the farther the tip is away from the surface the less aggressive it is. A 2500 psi unit has enough force to cut or tear skin immediately in front of the spray tip, but should not damage skin at 18 inches from the tip. Whether you have a 1200 psi electric unit or a gas powered unit at well over 3000 psi, the principals are the same. Start conservatively and adjust your technique for the situation. As you might guess, yes I feel that having a power washer is worthwhile.

_________________
Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

I have a power washer, but have not used it at all on my boat. I use the hose then scrub real good with one of those telescoping wash pad set ups. I don't see why it would hurt anything as long as you use the the less aggressive tips. There are quite a few options, I do have a hand adjustable tip for mine that is pretty slick. You might want to look into one of those if you get a pressure washer. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Power-Care-Variable-Soap-Blaster-Nozzle-AP31048/204467843?N=5yc1vZbxc1Z1z10uuk

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2014 Four Winns H180 RS
14' 70's Lund

Trust me, if you picked up a Simonize pressure washer, go nuts. These things couldn't blow the skin off chocolate pudding.

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07 Azure AZ200,
Previous boat,
95 278 Vista,
And a lot of others.

Ontario, Canada

LOL, I don't like electric power washers at all.

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2014 Four Winns H180 RS
14' 70's Lund

Stay away from the drive boots.