How Much Water Can They Take?

[MariahSX20]

My neighbor, a boat owner for 20+ years, is trying to convince me that hosing down the instrument panel's gauges with water after boat use is perfectly fine and won't do them ANY damage. He said he's been doing it on his boats all his life...

To me, that's simply INSANE!

What do you all think?

 

[tcindie]

Re: How Much Water Can They Take?

I imagine it would depend on what gauges he has in his boat. If they're fully sealed, then he's probably right, if not then he's just lucky he hasn't jacked 'em all up..

 

[drewpster]

Re: How Much Water Can They Take?

I do not do it as a general practice however Teleflex, Faria and others do make good marine gauges. I assume they are all splash safe. I simply do not want to risk it. My gauges may be fine but the panel and all the do-dads under it are not. It is best to be safe and just wipe them down. It is too expensive to learn the hard way.

 

[dingbat]

Re: How Much Water Can They Take?

While I don't make a habit of it I do "spray" off the helm every one and a while to get the salt build-up off of it. My helm is completely sealed so it's really no big deal.

Even though its sealed I won't "hose" it down on general principal

 

[jtexas]

Re: How Much Water Can They Take?

While the seals are good, they can take infinite water. The water isn't going to damage the seals.

What damages the seals is (in no particular order): time, heat, cold, salt, sunshine, shock & vibration. I guess you could just say "boat".

Once the seals are damaged, every little drop of water contributes to their demise.

 

[JB]

Re: How Much Water Can They Take?

I think any boat properly rigged is expected to tolerate rain, spray and occasional dousing without damage.

Any boat I have taken out in salt water got a thorough washdown on return to berth or driveway.