If you own a boat, you already know how important it is to keep it clean, and the task is much easier if you use a top-notch pressure washer for the job. Pressure washers make cleaning boats more efficient and much faster, but you also have to do a little research so that you get the right one in the beginning.
Specs for a good pressure washer for your boat
Generally, pressure washers for boats should have a power of at least 2,000 PSI – or pounds per square inch. Most domestic pressure washers can accommodate this type of power. You should also find one with a GPM (gallons of water per minute) of 1.3 or higher.
How to Use Your Pressure Washer on Your Boat
Boats are exposed to the elements on a regular basis, so regular cleaning is a must. Because dirt and grime can get into the various cracks and crevices on a boat, a pressure washer is sometimes the best thing to remove it. It’s also good to start by cleaning the boat by hand so that big chunks of debris are removed much easier.
If you have specialized materials on your boat, such as teak wood, make sure your pressure washing isn’t too forceful because it can strip away the varnish layer that is important to protect the wood. You should also have already removed anything from the boat that cannot get wet in case the water accidentally gets too close.
You do not need a high-power commercial pressure washer to clean your boat. A standard pressure washer will do as long as the PSI is a minimum of 2,000 and the GPM is a minimum of 1.3.
Again, always use gentle pressure when cleaning your boat, and you’ll also want to avoid any type of cleaning agent that has ammonia in it, as it can be too harsh and can even damage the boat. If you have any type of scrub brushes, using them on your boat can get it extra-clean, and always rinse from the top of the boat to the bottom.
Finally, when you get to the hull of the boat, look for any air bubbles or chipping in the gelcoat finish, and if you find any, be sure to avoid pressure washing that part of the boat because it can cause even more chipping.
Getting Started
When you start looking for a great pressure washer for your boat, you can make it easy on yourself by remembering the PSI and GPM numbers, and to prove how easy it is to find these pressure washers, take a look at the numbers associated with the Karcher Premium electric pressure washer:
- 2,000 PSI
- 1.4 GPM
- 25-foot hose
- Lightweight at around 35 lbs
- Easy-to-use buttons to change pressure
- Costs roughly $370
Indeed, finding a pressure washer that has a 2,000 PSI number and a 1.3 or higher GPM is a lot easier than you think. In fact, there are dozens of brands that offer this type of power in their pressure washers, and since they come in a variety of price ranges, you should easily be able to find one you can afford.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To help you even further determine how to choose the best pressure washer for your boat and how to properly use that pressure washer, here are a few common questions a lot of people have about the process:
What is the best way to power wash my boat?
Always wash from top to bottom, use long and wide strokes, and work in small areas about 3-4 feet wide. Spray slowly and make sure you hold the trigger perpendicular to the surface you are washing.
Can I use cleaning solutions on my boat?
As long as they do not contain ammonia, you can use them. You should never let them sit on the surface of the boat for more than 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing them off completely and thoroughly. A good pressure washer does a great job of removing all of the cleaner you put on there.
How often should I use the pressure washer on my boat?
The recommended usage is once a week, but there are other factors that go into the decision of how often to use your pressure washer. These include how long the season is, whether your boat is stored indoors or outdoors, and whether the boat stays in a marina slip. Once-a-week cleaning is usually a minimum, however.
Can I use any cleaning product with the pressure washer?
You should only use the types of products recommended by the manufacturer of the pressure washer. This will ensure your boat is safe and usable for many years to come.
Indeed, shopping for the right pressure washer for your boat is usually a breeze, especially once you learn a few tips that help you pick a high-quality pressure washer in the end.
