Pressure Washing Growth from Hull

[sundowner205]

Hi All,

I'm going to be pulling the boat from the mooring this week. Yesterday when I was at the boat I noticed alot of growth on the outdrive and on certain parts of the hull. My SS prop looked like a giant flower - I spent 15 mins scrubbing the sea grass off of it. It seems the growth has gotten worse in the passed month.

I want to clean all of this growth off using a pressure washer, however, I'm curious as to what pressure and detergent, if any, would be sufficient for removing just the growth and not my bottom paint which should be good for another few years - as it was just applied last season. I'm not too worried about the outdrive anti-fouling paint, as I strip & re-apply that every year.

Thanks, guys.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Pressure Washing Growth from Hull

get it off before it dries!! 5 times as hard if it dries. just use a pressure washer, start at a distance, and get closer, just don't blow the paint off.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Pressure Washing Growth from Hull

You can pretty much forget about 'saving' your bottom paint. If you have that much growth on it now then it certainly doesn't appear to be doing its job. Use the biggest unit you feel comfortable with and go for it. And do it first thing after hauling out - while the grass is still wet. Comes off a lot easier that way.
Double check on the bottom paint you are now using. It might not be the correct stuff for your area and it might also not make it out of water for that long of a period of time. Bottom paint only works while in the water - once out it dries and becomes pretty useless for the next dunk.
Give the factory reps a call regarding your question - I'm sure they will set you straight on your questions.

 

[FREDDYPD]

Re: Pressure Washing Growth from Hull

I just cleaned mine. I was worried about getting all the barnacles off. It was worse than ever this year. I scraped it by hand with a spackle knife as soon as I got home and they came right off.....don't wait.

 

[sundowner205]

Re: Pressure Washing Growth from Hull

Yeah I'm going to do it right after I pull it out. The bottom paint was done by a marina on the south shore of the island, and I assume the waterways and harbors in that area produce different types of growth as opposed to up here on the sound.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Pressure Washing Growth from Hull

Yeah I'm going to do it right after I pull it out. The bottom paint was done by a marina on the south shore of the island, and I assume the waterways and harbors in that area produce different types of growth as opposed to up here on the sound.

SD - Sounds like the marina applied the wrong type of paint,Dad owns a house in Watermill,on his boats a Self Polishing Copolymer paint is used,this type isnt ablative, its got a copper base bioside that restricts growth,go to Interlux's web site and grab some knowledge about bottom paints...then tell the marina what you want,and go there when there doing it, many marinas slap on whatever's laying around.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Pressure Washing Growth from Hull

SD - Sounds like the marina applied the wrong type of paint,Dad owns a house in Watermill,on his boats a Self Polishing Copolymer paint is used,this type isnt ablative, its got a copper base bioside that restricts growth,go to Interlux's web site and grab some knowledge about bottom paints...then tell the marina what you want,and go there when there doing it, many marinas slap on whatever's laying around.

Mine had a fresh coat on the bottom and I got more barnacles this year than ever before. I bought cheap paint.

I pressure wash mine every spring. There is always a good coat of algae by this time. I find it easier to remove in spring. A lot of it (on the bottom) disappears and what's left seems to come off easier after sitting all winter. Go figure. What's above the waterline is a different story. I've had to use muratic acid to get tough spots off in the past.

 

[sundowner205]

Re: Pressure Washing Growth from Hull

SD - Sounds like the marina applied the wrong type of paint,Dad owns a house in Watermill,on his boats a Self Polishing Copolymer paint is used,this type isnt ablative, its got a copper base bioside that restricts growth,go to Interlux's web site and grab some knowledge about bottom paints...then tell the marina what you want,and go there when there doing it, many marinas slap on whatever's laying around.

I was reading on their site just yesterday Lots of good information to help you make an informed decision, and alot of "How To's" as well. I'm going to get the bottom paint done again for when the boat heads up to our lake house for it's new home, I just wish I had the facilities to do it myself - I hate having to pay someone to perform a service that I know I can do just as good. If i could just get it off the damn trailer I could do it! Not sure what kind of paint was applied last time, the previous owner had it done right before I bought it. And I'm going to make sure the new boat gets hit with a copolymer.

I see you're in Ocean Isle - I used to live in Wrightsville Beach for about 8 years...we're considering relocating back down there - miss that area so much!

 

[marine4003]

Re: Pressure Washing Growth from Hull

Aside from the 5+ years overseas,ive always lived near water...had the opportunity to live in Watermill,but came down here...all she wrote. Come on down,still plenty of real estate for sale..and i know a VERY good Contractor should the need arise

 

[FREDDYPD]

Re: Pressure Washing Growth from Hull

Man I'd love to leave NY and head South. The property taxes and winters are killing me. How are the winters there in Ocean Isle? Florida is too hot for the wife.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Pressure Washing Growth from Hull

The marina where I launch,uses muriatic (sp?) acid.they apply it with a spray bottle and let it sit for 5 minutes.Then they come in with a power washer and for a 20 foot boat it takes them about 10 minutes to get a very clean bottom.
I must add that this is in fresh water environment.I don't know if it does the same with salt water growth.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Pressure Washing Growth from Hull

Man I'd love to leave NY and head South. The property taxes and winters are killing me. How are the winters there in Ocean Isle? Florida is too hot for the wife.

Freddy, we have alot of "halfbacks" folks who moved to Fla...found it too hot then moved half -way back home..ended up here..winters are mild,a couple of weeks in Jan-Feb that can get chilly,but nothing like NY,winter rates are cheap compared to summer,worth a week trip down,check it out.