Pressure washing bottom in the water?

[over40pirate]

I was wondering if anyone has ever used a pressure washer to clean a boat bottom, while the boat is in the water?
I don't think it would get barnicles off, but for a once a month cleaning, it might work. A short wand on the pressure washer would make it easier.
I made a short wand for my pressure washer for pressure washing something while holding it down with my other hand, and it works great for cleaning my water tanks, that have large inspection plates.

[svHyLyte]

To quote Newton, "For every action there is an equal and opposit reaction". Attempted from the water with a pressure wand, you're likely to find yourself rather (water) jet propelled and the bottom untouched. However, if you do find a way to "bolt" yourself down, you'll likely blast the paint off the bottom on the first try, doing more harm than good.

Good luck..

[cdennyb]

LoL, that's funny. Everyone will laugh at you when you go in the water with it. Ha Ha LoL...
just ask me, I tried it. It works great but not without some preparation.
here's what you need.
1- scuba gear or topside compressor with reg and hose over the side.
2- 3500 psi min pressure washer, (mine has a 6.5hp Honda engine on it!)
3- wet suit, mask, a little weight to be neutral
4- a "hammock" to stretch under the boat. (Yes, a hammock, and attach a few 2 oz sinkers on it to keep it away from the boat hull initially.)
5- Someone topside to move the "hammock" as you clean from front to back or back to front...whatever.
6- about a gallon or two more gas, (it takes a long time despite what you think now)

Fire up that pressure washer, get your butt in the water, slide into the hammock, which is attached to each side of the vessel with snap hooks and line. The hammock will cradle you and you can blast away easily. It takes a while to do it but if you don't let it get too bad, you can get rid of the 'fuzzy' stuff easily. Keep in mind, NEVER use the stream, always use at least a 15 degree fan nozzle on your wand.

Knock yourself out... it ain't easy. but it works. And they do laugh at you, before you start,, while you're doing it (thrashing around), and after you're done.

Just a warning... the water gets very ugly with all that debris floating around.
Be prepared to explain where it came from.

[David M]

After your explanation Denny, it sounds like a Scotchbrite pad and some elbow grease is the easiest solution.

[James S]

You guys have got it all wrong...although it sure sounds like a "blast"

You have a nozzle on both ends of the wand. This balances the "thrust".

This is how it’s done with some ROVs.....not near as much fun though.

[GordMay]

Suction Cup Handles, such as glaziers & stone masons use are excellent boat hull “anchors”. I’ve never used them underwater; but they work great from a float or dinghy.

Wood's Powr-Grip Co., Inc. | Glass Handling | Vacuum Cups | Product Information

[cdennyb]

that's right James but the double ender requires about twice the volume and thus more pressure, but you are absolutely right. As a diver that's done this kinda stuff, also using counterrotating brushes on a hydraulic handle setup, it aint easy. I just figured he had a Harbor Freight washer and couldn't fashion a double ender that had sufficient pressure to do the job.
Oh well.

The suction cups work good but not on a really dirty bottom. If you preclean a few spots they work great though.

Good dialogue guys.