Washing Out Boat

[HangOutdoors]

Looking for some opinions. I really want to take out the carpet and removable seats and then power washer and wash out, down, the inside of the boat and the swim platform as well as the engine bay. I have a 40 degree nozzle attachment which I use for my car so it won't tear into it. I want to run soap through it then rinse off, leaving all plugs open. Its amazing how much gets tracked in and out just after a couple of outings, and also I cover it every evening.

After this I have 303, Hot Sauce, Vinyl Sauce and Vinyl cleaner

Is this a bad idea or should I just do it all by hand? I know everything should be water proof and in the engine I do not plan on saturating the engine just the side walls and transom. Could I even wash/rinse down the engines I am worried they won't start of have an issue?

 

[Dixie Highway]

With a 40 degree nozzle you should be ok, I would recommend keeping the gun moving and maintain a fair distance from the surface. Gelcoat that cracks tends to kind of "powder" away, so I'd stay away from edges of holes/openings. Like you mentioned maybe avoid directly spraying electrical connections, otherwise I see no harm in going to town with it. This will likely save you some time.

 

[anmut]

Freshwater use here: I wipe down my seats with a clean cotton cloth and some 303, cleans them up nice. I will then pull up the seats and the bow jumpers every few trips and clean behind and under them. Floor (seadeck) gets shop-vac'd and touched up with 303. One of these days I'm going to unsnap all the flooring and hosed down underneath it, but the snaps seem to be a real PITA to put back on correctly and without damaging them. Windows get cleaned the day of boating - I've done it before tucking her in but they always end up dirty when I uncover for a day on the water.

That's it - I always try to remember to chill with my OCD and the boat, no reason to be a psycho about keeping something perfect for the next guy to enjoy.

 

[biffdotorg]

I started using a "dirt buster" tip. It's those 4" long rotating tips just to be safe. Although I have all those other degree tips. The dirt buster is my go to tip. As it cuts down on the moving on my part. But it's still important to keep it moving and at a safe distance of soft items.

I will regularly put my hand out and rinse some grime off when the dirt buster is installed. Mind you, it's a good foot-plus from the tip. At that point it's a hard mist. It just takes practice.

What I do love though is my foam cannon. Fire that sucker up with some good soap and lather that whole damn boat down. I will usually do it in four sections. Starboard, then port outside, then front interior and back interior as it drains out the back. Then the engine bay once a season or so.

Best stuff on the planet seems to be from MTM Hydro. It's not cheap, but the quality is second to none. And not the $20 foam cannon on Amazon that you replace ever season.

Most of the electrical in the engine bay is safe. It literally is the same stuff as that installed in a waverunner hull. Not meant to be submerged, but very splash resistant. For a bit of grease or grime, simple green and a pressure washer will do the trick.

In the ski locker, that grime around the rim, will go away with a pressure washer. I find that very satisfying. As you hate people saying "oh gross" every time you pull out your ballast bags etc.

I do avoid the head, unless something is spilled in there. As any water that goes in, has to be sponged out.

Good luck!

 

[Dave burke]

I started using a "dirt buster" tip. It's those 4" long rotating tips just to be safe. Although I have all those other degree tips. The dirt buster is my go to tip. As it cuts down on the moving on my part. But it's still important to keep it moving and at a safe distance of soft items.

I will regularly put my hand out and rinse some grime off when the dirt buster is installed. Mind you, it's a good foot-plus from the tip. At that point it's a hard mist. It just takes practice.

What I do love though is my foam cannon. Fire that sucker up with some good soap and lather that whole damn boat down. I will usually do it in four sections. Starboard, then port outside, then front interior and back interior as it drains out the back. Then the engine bay once a season or so.

Best stuff on the planet seems to be from MTM Hydro. It's not cheap, but the quality is second to none. And not the $20 foam cannon on Amazon that you replace ever season.

Most of the electrical in the engine bay is safe. It literally is the same stuff as that installed in a waverunner hull. Not meant to be submerged, but very splash resistant. For a bit of grease or grime, simple green and a pressure washer will do the trick.

In the ski locker, that grime around the rim, will go away with a pressure washer. I find that very satisfying. As you hate people saying "oh gross" every time you pull out your ballast bags etc.

I do avoid the head, unless something is spilled in there. As any water that goes in, has to be sponged out.

Good luck!

very helpful @biffdotorg. Where did you get your dirt buster trip? I looked on amazon and didn’t see It.

also, how strong is your pressure washer? Thx

 

[ScreaminJay]

Does anyone else have an elegant solution for cleaning the boat with water in a space with no hose bib or water access?
My storage unit does not have a water hook up and we launch in a remote spot with no water at the ramp either.

 

[minn19]

Does anyone else have an elegant solution for cleaning the boat with water in a space with no hose bib or water access?
My storage unit does not have a water hook up and we launch in a remote spot with no water at the ramp either.

I've used this in the winter here on my cars and wiped parts of the boat down with it for a quick clean. It's worked really well for me for quite awhile now on various things.

Adam's Waterless Wash

Adam's Polishes Waterless Car Wash is the perfect product to use when you're washing your car and don't have access to a hose. Our California customers who are experiencing water restrictions love using this car washing product in their garage.

adamspolishes.com

 

[biffdotorg]

very helpful @biffdotorg. Where did you get your dirt buster trip? I looked on amazon and didn’t see It.

also, how strong is your pressure washer? Thx

These are pretty common. I bought mine at Menards, but I know MTM sells one, and amazon has them, but they may be called Turbo Nozzle

https://www.menards.com/main/outdoors/outdoor-power-equipment/outdoor-power-equipment-parts/pressure-washer-parts/briggs-stratton-reg-turbo-nozzle/6195/p-1483341986566-c-1525269720180.htm

If anyone chooses to make a purchase at MTM here are a couple savings for you. (i'm not sponsored, I wish)

This link will get you $10 off.

Premium Cleaning Equipment, Detailing Kits, Engine Parts and Pump Kits

MTM Hydro Parts is Home to the best Foam Cannon on the market! We offer the Best in Detailing Supplies, Pressure Washer Parts, Radiant & Indirect Heat Equipment, Parts for Small Engines, and Pump Repair Kits. Shop our online store today.

i.refs.cc

And this code will get you 10% off. I just used it as I needed to order a new filter/agitator for my PF22 from MTM.
TStone10

I have a very low pressure electric unit. My foam has been going down, so I know I need to clean my filter or replace it. I thought it was my low pressure on my washer, but I know that's not it, as it has worked well for years. It's like 1700psi

I think I have shared this video before. But it does show the assembly of the PF22. I dialed in the soap since this video, as it was the first time using it. Since, I have been able to put a thick layer on just about anything.

Good luck!

 

[Yeary4]

I wipe everything down with bucket with a packet of oxyclean and then wipe dry with some 303 for the vinyl.

 

[Dixie Highway]

Does anyone else have an elegant solution for cleaning the boat with water in a space with no hose bib or water access?
My storage unit does not have a water hook up and we launch in a remote spot with no water at the ramp either.

Got a pickup truck? Years ago I used to clean 1000 gal propane tanks with a 55 gal drum, and a gas pressure washer. No hose needed. Most plastic drums have a 2” npt bung, and a different bung opposite. Lay the drum down, with the npt bung on the bottom and a hose running to the pressure washer. Fill the drum through the top bung. Boom, mobile pressure washer. You can run the thing for probably at least 30 minutes on a drum of water. If you have 2 drums, lay them side by side and make a ”y” hose into the washer. Double your runtime.

 

[anmut]

Got a pickup truck? Years ago I used to clean 1000 gal propane tanks with a 55 gal drum, and a gas pressure washer. No hose needed. Most plastic drums have a 2” npt bung, and a different bung opposite. Lay the drum down, with the npt bung on the bottom and a hose running to the pressure washer. Fill the drum through the top bung. Boom, mobile pressure washer. You can run the thing for probably at least 30 minutes on a drum of water. If you have 2 drums, lay them side by side and make a ”y” hose into the washer. Double your runtime.

Look into a backpack garden sprayer too, you could get three gallons of water under minimal pressure.

 

[CraigAR]

After 3 years of ownership and taking it straight to the car wash after every weekend in the salt, the boat looks good as new. I always keep all the plugs open all the time and only install the transom plug just before dropping her in the water. I rinse down the tower, inside and out of the windshield, seats, walls and front to back of the inside of the boat. Drive her like hell on the way home and she's clean and dry every time. It's so easy now this way and takes way less time. I did have the outside of the boat ceramic coated 3 years ago and I did bust my ass about 6 months ago cleaning, polishing and layering on some chemical guys hydro slick ceramic coating. But like I said, now I drive from the boat ramp to the car wash and give it a 10 minute rinse and im done.

 

[ScreaminJay]

Got a pickup truck? Years ago I used to clean 1000 gal propane tanks with a 55 gal drum, and a gas pressure washer. No hose needed. Most plastic drums have a 2” npt bung, and a different bung opposite. Lay the drum down, with the npt bung on the bottom and a hose running to the pressure washer. Fill the drum through the top bung. Boom, mobile pressure washer. You can run the thing for probably at least 30 minutes on a drum of water. If you have 2 drums, lay them side by side and make a ”y” hose into the washer. Double your runtime.

I do! Yeah love that idea.

 

[alain.lpa87]

After 3 years of ownership and taking it straight to the car wash after every weekend in the salt, the boat looks good as new. I always keep all the plugs open all the time and only install the transom plug just before dropping her in the water. I rinse down the tower, inside and out of the windshield, seats, walls and front to back of the inside of the boat. Drive her like hell on the way home and she's clean and dry every time. It's so easy now this way and takes way less time. I did have the outside of the boat ceramic coated 3 years ago and I did bust my ass about 6 months ago cleaning, polishing and layering on some chemical guys hydro slick ceramic coating. But like I said, now I drive from the boat ramp to the car wash and give it a 10 minute rinse and im done. View attachment 122926

is it a hand carwash, or one of those "The carwash" automatic machine, does the tower get busted or do you lower it, i just got my boat la weekend went out on sunday and spend 2 long hours cleaning it, i would like to know more about your method

 

[CraigAR]

is it a hand carwash, or one of those "The carwash" automatic machine, does the tower get busted or do you lower it, i just got my boat la weekend went out on sunday and spend 2 long hours cleaning it, i would like to know more about your method

I pull it from the boat ramp straight to a do it yourself carwash, where you get out and use a pressure washer wand. I'm in Florida so there are so many car washes to choose from. I can pull right in with the tower up and all. Now mind you, the entire boat was coated in a ceramic coating so I'm mainly just rinsing salt off from top to bottom, inside and out. I use the light pressure (spot free rinse) to wash the soap out of the inside and in the engine bay around the motors. Hope this helps. My boat is going back in later this week for another 3 year coating, the installer guarantees it for 2 years so this is a big help.

 

[Billtex2000]

I have one of these that I use for the boat and our vehicles:

RYOBI 1600 PSI 1.2 GPM Cold Water Corded Electric Pressure Washer RY141612 - The Home Depot

The RYOBI 1600 psi Electric Pressure Washer features a light-weight, portable design with on board storage for user convenience. It is great for use on bikes, campers, grills, patio furniture and many

www.homedepot.com

Only 1600 psi and with the 40 tip you wont do any damage. Works good with a foam cannon too.

 

[drewkaree]

We use these for work, cleaning up old semi-solidified oil from hoses/pipes and fixtures. I'm trying to determine if I want to get one for personal use since I have 2 other pressure washers already, and I'm likely to go this route for the boat. If you're already into the Dewalt system, this is a no-brainer, to me, if you don't have a pressure washer currently. If you do, like myself, then it's a bit harder to justify, but it's SO convenient compared to a typical pressure washer

Amazon.com

 

[biffdotorg]

I so wanted this to work at the end of my dock. It was supposed to suck water out of a bucket (or the lake) So it would have been perfect in theory.

Please DeWalt, come out with a 60v version so that I can wash my boat on the lift. I used to wash my boat all the time before we put it on a lift for the season.

 

[drewkaree]

I so wanted this to work at the end of my dock. It was supposed to suck water out of a bucket (or the lake) So it would have been perfect in theory.

Please DeWalt, come out with a 60v version so that I can wash my boat on the lift. I used to wash my boat all the time before we put it on a lift for the season.

I'll see if I can find one of our service techs who has that thing. I'm almost certain he's not using the fitting(s) that came with it, but I don't know what, specifically, he's got. Our chemicals are also way better than the typical stuff found in a store, so maybe that's helping with what we use it for, and they're using it for washdown purposes.

Do you recall what tip(s) you were using for that vid? With the specs they have on it, I wouldn't expect it to handle pressure washing duties, but the flip side is, with the right tip, it might do better than expected, depending on what it's needed for. We do enclosed spaces (inside buildings while they're open), so I know there's a company recommendation to never use 2 of the tips. Not sure if it's due to width of spray, or excess pressure inside a building, or what exactly.

Nice vid, I think it shows the unit and its abilities.

 

[biffdotorg]

It think I should have hooked it up to a pressure water source, like a garden hose. As it was sucking and blowing at the same time. It maybe has a better time creating pressure when it doesn't have to pull the water up from the bucket or the lake at the same time.

The soap dispenser needs more pressure to create any suds or foam. As you can see in the video, it really wan't doing anything more than pouring water on the dock. In comparison to my foam cannon that shoots a stream of foam that coats whatever you point it at.

I would think DeWalt would come out with a 60v version, which may have more potential. Other brands have created a portable washer. On that same note, I should drop a pickup hose into a bucket and see if my electric pressure washer can suck water. If so, I have power down on the dock to charge batteries. So it's not impossible.