Pressure washing

codprawn · 14 March 2007, 20:22

I read in a boat mag the other day that the only way to remove barancles with a pressure washer was to use a pencil type jet - fan types just wouldn't have high enough nozzle pressure. They didn't mention what kind of hull it was - will a narrow jet damage gel coat from a normal domestic type pressure washer?

2nd question is quite bizzare - has anyone tried pressure washing their hull when it is still in the water? I have a lance with a swivelling head that would be ideal.

Mollers · 14 March 2007, 21:01

If the barnacles have been there for over a couple of months no pressure washer will get rid of them. You'll get the barnacle itself off but, it'll leave a ring of calcium type stuff that is a shit to get rid of. A metal scraper used with care is about the only way. Then some 1200 paper to get rid of the staining. Either get it out and clean it thoroughly every 4-6 weeks or anti-foul it. I've been there, it's a pain.

Slaphead · 14 March 2007, 21:16

Domestic washers are no good for this. I used a petrol one that put out 2000psi and it blew the buggers away- barnacle bases and all. A guy from International Paint wrote an article about them last year in one of the yottie mags and said that the important thing about barnacle removal is to get the base of it off the hull or it will attract more of them back. The needle jet does not damage the gel coat but be careful not to blow off any mastic etc around skin fittings. I power washed mine this way for years every couple of months or so and it kept the barnacles at bay. Watch out for any blow-back or particles hitting your face. I never tried powerwashing in the water- don't think it would work too well.

Alex Brown · 15 March 2007, 00:23

We used to clean our dory at work with the steam cleaner on hot water mode as opposed to steam. Usually, I'd haul the dory out with the hoist, then spend an hr or so blasting the little beggers off at which point it would go back into the water again for a few months before becoming plastered once more.

I never had to use a pencil jet since the washer was powerful enough on fan mode to blast anything away with ease. Another good thing to get rid of them is the moment the boat leaves the water, scrub the hull with a deck brush.

-Alex

BogMonster · 15 March 2007, 11:25

I guess your "Codshield" home made anti fouling is not that successful then?

Mollers · 15 March 2007, 12:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

I guess your "Codshield" home made anti fouling is not that successful then?

Apparently, Zinc and Castor oil nappy cream works well. Not sure whether it would stay on at 30+knts though.

codprawn · 15 March 2007, 12:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

I guess your "Codshield" home made anti fouling is not that successful then?

Have only tried it on a few test patches - until I get the boat out of the water I won't know!!!

codprawn · 15 March 2007, 18:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Brown

We used to clean our dory at work with the steam cleaner on hot water mode as opposed to steam. Usually, I'd haul the dory out with the hoist, then spend an hr or so blasting the little beggers off at which point it would go back into the water again for a few months before becoming plastered once more.

I never had to use a pencil jet since the washer was powerful enough on fan mode to blast anything away with ease. Another good thing to get rid of them is the moment the boat leaves the water, scrub the hull with a deck brush.

-Alex

How did the fibreglass stand up to regular steam cleaning???

eupa · 16 March 2007, 01:26

I had a similar problem last year - became bold and tried the following - although everybody said you should not.

I have a karcher pro 200 bar washer , and brought the sandblaster kit that goes with it. It worked miracles on the hull and got rid of all the little white circles. However , you must use the smallest ( less than 1 mm) sand particles , otherwise you risk to "pit" the hull.

Jonathan

Limey Linda · 16 March 2007, 02:54

I suggest using Glass bead. I use this for gently removing calcium scale from swimming pool tile. Have never tried it on f/glass tho. More expensive than sand but is not sharp. Should be able to get it from any abrasive supplier or swimming pool supply wholesaler. Wear a mask.
Regards

Nos4r2 · 16 March 2007, 05:29

Cillit bang anyone?

I suspect with it being a dilute acid it'd get rid of barnacle rings quite well.

matt h · 16 March 2007, 08:11

Barnacle (hull)cleaner from Force Four !! Brilliant stuff, my searider had been in the water for months i guess, fisrt of all, whilst on the trailer, water the trailer down, (it will take off galvanized) spray on, wait 10 mins and very gently rub down with a light scourer, ,then wash down,looks superb,

Spottydog · 16 March 2007, 08:39

I don't know if you have heard of this product - it has been around for quite a while - it's called A N T I F O U L. You paint it on your hull and it stops stuff from growing on it - Amazing.

Alex Brown · 16 March 2007, 08:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

How did the fibreglass stand up to regular steam cleaning???

Never used it on 'steam' mode, you can adjust it so the water coming out is just hot - normally so the metal nozzle is still just about cool enough to touch without getting burned. The fibreglass did seem fine, but not sure how it would handle a direct steaming.

-Alex

Tim M · 16 March 2007, 12:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Brown

Never used it on 'steam' mode, you can adjust it so the water coming out is just hot - normally so the metal nozzle is still just about cool enough to touch without getting burned. The fibreglass did seem fine, but not sure how it would handle a direct steaming.

-Alex

I have used a steam cleaner on firbreglass. It works just fine

codprawn · 16 March 2007, 13:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spottydog

I don't know if you have heard of this product - it has been around for quite a while - it's called A N T I F O U L. You paint it on your hull and it stops stuff from growing on it - Amazing.

If TBT was still allowed there would be no problem but it isn't!!! Also I don't fancy taking sandpaper to my hull - eventually I will have a trailer so won't need the stuff.

Poly · 16 March 2007, 20:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

If TBT was still allowed there would be no problem

- unless you are a shelfish - or like to eat shelfish.

IBWET · 16 March 2007, 20:53

Mauric acid (i think that's how it's spelt) will remove the whole thing hard shell and all, follow the instructions carefully and don't let it get anywhere near metal. It will remove everything they use it in the states for cleaning pools.

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

I read in a boat mag the other day that the only way to remove barancles with a pressure washer was to use a pencil type jet - fan types just wouldn't have high enough nozzle pressure. They didn't mention what kind of hull it was - will a narrow jet damage gel coat from a normal domestic type pressure washer?

2nd question is quite bizzare - has anyone tried pressure washing their hull when it is still in the water? I have a lance with a swivelling head that would be ideal.

Nos4r2 · 16 March 2007, 21:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by IBWET

Mauric acid (i think that's how it's spelt) will remove the whole thing hard shell and all, follow the instructions carefully and don't let it get anywhere near metal. It will remove everything they use it in the states for cleaning pools.

Including your skin. It's Hydrochloric acid given a silly name

Spottydog · 16 March 2007, 21:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

.....I don't fancy taking sandpaper to my hull .....

Never mind a bit of roughing up before antifouling, some people on here seem quite happy to cover their hulls in various acids and other chemicals - some will even take a sandblaster to it

I just don't understand why, if their boat is to be on the water for some length of time, they don't do the job properly in the first place!