Where can I buy boat cleaning supplies in bulk?

Questionma

I would like to start a boat cleaning business and would like to buy big 5 gallon or 55 gallon drums of cleaning supplies and waxes and polishes. Is there a website or supplier? Thanks for the help, I am a college student and just wanting to make some extra cash in the summers.

Answer
Cleaning supplies for boats are not really much different from most everything else. Ok! Guys calm down! Yes, there are a ton of "Boat products! Special care should be exercised when it comes to environmental issues. (Green Products). Vinyl plastic, Canvas parts, Fiberglass, some upholstery issues.

But, Soap is Soap.

Other than some "caustic" products I've found you can do about as well at Costco, as from "wholesalers". I even find useful things at the Dollar store.

I once bottled my own brand of Boat wash. I bought drums of a pretty good cleaner, bottled it and labeled it. it retailed for about half the price of Name brand "boat cleaner".

The trick is to "know" what works and what doesn't.

You can buy wax and rubbing compounds, from "Automotive Paint" wholesalers. Like Sherwin-Williams Auto Paint stores. (Different from their regular paint stores.)

But you can also get set up to buy from boat stores, like West Marine or Defenders Boat supply. The more you buy the better the price. However the bulk savings are small in comparison to other businesses. (Read: "are not worth the effort")

I think the biggest thing you need to know about is the use of buffers, pressure washers, etc. Be very mindful of safety. Wear goggles. Rubber gloves, long sleeve shirts etc.

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Pressure Washer Trouble?

Q. I have the water hooked up to the pressure washer and the gun the water shoots out of hooked up as well. I started it up and the water that came out the gun was not as strong as it usually is. I am not sure what the problem is, I have run on and I have the lever towards the rabbit, and it has a full tank of gas. Anyone know what could be causing the gun not to shoot the water out with as much pressure?

Answer
From your description, you have a low priced pressure washer, probably 3 hp engine. There are two possible problems. The pressure relief valve may be leaking by or stuck partly open or the pump may be failing. The pressure relief valve is usually part of the pump, so either problem requires dismantling the pump assembly. Most of the low priced pressure washer pumps are "throw away," not worth repairing. You may be able to buy a replacement pump from the manufacturer, but the cost of the part and shipping is usually more than the washer is worth. Good luck.

Gas and Oil in Honda Pressure washer?

nathan w

I have a Honda GX340 11HP pressure washer. I just had someone get the motor working good and fill all the fluids.

Should I use premium gas or regular? Do I need to mix oil in the gas? How should I store it after my May & June annual pressure washing?

Answer
Regular gas and do not add oil to the gas. Modern pressure washers have 4 stroke engines.

Make sure there is water in the water lines of the pressure washer before running it or you can burn out the pump.

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Help with mobile pressure washer?

Q. am starting up a mobile pressure washer business and I need help finding a cheap pump to transfer water from my holding tank to a pressure washer. I know i need a "on demand" pump or one with a pressure switch, but i just dont know which one to use... also how could i hook it up to my portable generator. this is the generator i have http://www.lowes.com/pd_166734-24212-6110_0__?productId=3449766&Ntt=generac&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dgenerac&facetInfo=


i know you dont NEED a pump but my set up is not the best and does require one

Answer
Mobile car wash systems, pressure washers and car wash business opportunities are available at Detail King.pressure washers are designed to be able to drawl water from a standing tank (static source). It does not matter if the pressure washer is a 2000, 2500 or 3500 psi tank it is how the valves were designed in the pump. Check out our line up of pressure washers. Most are equipped with soap injectors and are very easily mounted to floors of vans, pick up truck beds, and trailers. We also offer mobile detail trailers, water tanks and car wash soap for power washers, and pressure washers.

What is best gas powered pressure washer in the 3000-3500 PSI range?

icp_tcarri

Ive been trying to find the best gas powered pressure washer in the 3000-3500 psi range. Going to be used to regular home use but would like to have to option of having the extra power. I am willing to spend the extra money on a better unit or brand. Ive been looking at different brands, and i see generac keeps popping up as one of better units for money. i also read good things about rigid. its getting confusing.... I want it to last, i want a good brand, and i want some extra power? Any Help?
Would you consider this to be a Good - Very good pressure washer. For home use as well semi commercial. and good for that price range of 800.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=203185011&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&ci_sku=203185011&ci_kw={keyword}&kwd={keyword}&cm_mmc=shopping-_-googleads-_-pla-_-203185011&ci_gpa=pla#.UH5TX4YsGSo

Answer
In general consumer grade equipment such as that sold at Home Depot or Walmart will not hold up as long as commercial equipment typically sold at an independent power equipment retailer. I would go to a lawnmower shop that sells commercial equipment and see what they have, the price is quite a bit higher but for regular home use you will almost always never have a problem with the unit for as long as you own it. Brands are pretty much irrelevant anymore in consumer grade because there have been so many company mergers. You can have one company like MTD making over 10 different brands. El cheapo pressure washers typically have Briggs or Tecumseh engines, I've been seeing many now with no-name Chinese engines on them, but good units almost always have Honda engines.

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Having some trouble with my Pressure washer?

Q. Ok my Pressure washer model is Honda GCV160 5.5 and i turn it on and for some reason oir gets into the system the oil get mixed with the water then it loses pressure

Answer
You probably got a seal gone in it.If it was a cheap unit I'de say s#itcan it.But Honda is a good one,so take it in for repair.I've got a 1300 lb. Wald-Mart special that giving me trouble,and I'm junking it.

How good is a Karcher K 310 1100 PSI electric pressure washer?

Q. My brother in law just gave me a Karcher K 310 1100 PSI electric pressure washer that he doesn't use any more. The thing is probably older than 10 years old but he is meticulous about caring for any of his power equipment and I'm sure it's in fine working order (I haven't used it yet).
Most of the pressure washers I had considered purchasing prior to his giving this one to me were at least 1400 psi. Is there that much difference between 1100 and 1400 psi? I'm just going to use it to clean mildew off of my siding and other light residential use.

Answer
Useless in my opinion. I had one, Karcher 1300 PSI if I remember right, and hated it so much that I threw it away when I moved even though it was still "working". I didn't want to inflict it on anyone else. I now have a 2200 PSI gas model and the difference is remarkable. I can wash things twice as fast with less patchy results. You have to get very close up with the lower PSI for any effective cleaning, so your spray pattern is very narrow and it takes forever.

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Any ideas on removing mud stains from concrete using high temp, high pressure washers? Chemicals?

Bama M

Answer
If you are talking about mud from dirt, high pressure washer should be sufficient. Careful about chemicals; some could be harmful to surrounding plants or grass.

Where do I attach bleach on the troy-bilt pressure washer 3000 psi?

William W

Answer
Pressure washers wash with pressure. You don't use chemicals with them.

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how do you pull pressure washer pump off the engine honda 3/4 keyed shaft.?

DUMBDON

I need to replace a pressure pump and unbolted it and can not get it off.

Answer
I use a pickling fork a u shaped wedge tool with a strike end.

The keys are a harder steel than the crankshaft and often fret the crank. one solution over the years has been to use a silicone glue type product and literally glue the two parts together.

Because of the high rpm 3400 and pressure combined with water these things can be very difficult to separate.

some pumps will come with threaded ports on the ears to provide a means to separate the pump from the motor. Use caution as it is easy to break of the ears if too much for is use on the bolts.

drain all the oil from the pump before you start. Try the flat bar method above as some times you get lucky.

If that does not work you need to use the pickling fork and a mini sledge or very large hammer hit it form all four directions working around the shaft. sometimes a large wrench is needed as a block as the unit separates.

It often takes a huge amount of sweat time and force to separate these two.

what is the best pressure washer?

Q. Looking for a good gas cold water pressure washer for home use.

Answer
There are a couple different types of cold water, gas pressure washers out there. There are direct drive models, and there are belt drive models. The difference is as follows:

Direct Drive- These things are more efficient because they have no moving parts. the shaft from the motor is connected directly to the pump, so no belts or pulleys are required. These units are cheaper because they are simpler to build.

Belt Drive- These units use a belt and pulleys to connect the motor and the pump. This setup uses a few more parts, but is actually preferable to the direct drive units because they last longer. This is because a larger pulley can be used at the pump, causing the pump to run at a lower RPM than the motor. this is less straining on the pump, and will help your unit to last longer. Unfortunately, it is also more expensive.

For home use, I would go with a belt driven unit. If you are using the pressure washer less than 20 hours a week consistently, then it is not worth the added cost to get a belt driven unit. If you do a quick Google search, you will see that most sources recommend 3000 PSI for concrete, and that is more than enough for siding and decks (I'll put a link in my sources to a forum discussion on what pressure is needed for concrete). 3000 PSI is also enough to run a surface cleaner or rotary nozzle if you later decide that you want to speed up that driveway cleaning. I have heard it said that pressure cleans, but flow helps you clean it faster, so make sure that the machine you get has a decent GPM rating. A machine that is like 3000 PSI at 2 Gallons per minute will be perfect for what you need it for.

Note: I would get a machine with a Honda engine. They rarely have to be serviced, and after market parts are abundant online for cheaper repairs.

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Where can I buy boat cleaning supplies in bulk?

Q. I would like to start a boat cleaning business and would like to buy big 5 gallon or 55 gallon drums of cleaning supplies and waxes and polishes. Is there a website or supplier? Thanks for the help, I am a college student and just wanting to make some extra cash in the summers.

Answer
Cleaning supplies for boats are not really much different from most everything else. Ok! Guys calm down! Yes, there are a ton of "Boat products! Special care should be exercised when it comes to environmental issues. (Green Products). Vinyl plastic, Canvas parts, Fiberglass, some upholstery issues.

But, Soap is Soap.

Other than some "caustic" products I've found you can do about as well at Costco, as from "wholesalers". I even find useful things at the Dollar store.

I once bottled my own brand of Boat wash. I bought drums of a pretty good cleaner, bottled it and labeled it. it retailed for about half the price of Name brand "boat cleaner".

The trick is to "know" what works and what doesn't.

You can buy wax and rubbing compounds, from "Automotive Paint" wholesalers. Like Sherwin-Williams Auto Paint stores. (Different from their regular paint stores.)

But you can also get set up to buy from boat stores, like West Marine or Defenders Boat supply. The more you buy the better the price. However the bulk savings are small in comparison to other businesses. (Read: "are not worth the effort")

I think the biggest thing you need to know about is the use of buffers, pressure washers, etc. Be very mindful of safety. Wear goggles. Rubber gloves, long sleeve shirts etc.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

what is the best pressure washer?

Q. Looking for a good gas cold water pressure washer for home use.

Answer
There are a couple different types of cold water, gas pressure washers out there. There are direct drive models, and there are belt drive models. The difference is as follows:

Direct Drive- These things are more efficient because they have no moving parts. the shaft from the motor is connected directly to the pump, so no belts or pulleys are required. These units are cheaper because they are simpler to build.

Belt Drive- These units use a belt and pulleys to connect the motor and the pump. This setup uses a few more parts, but is actually preferable to the direct drive units because they last longer. This is because a larger pulley can be used at the pump, causing the pump to run at a lower RPM than the motor. this is less straining on the pump, and will help your unit to last longer. Unfortunately, it is also more expensive.

For home use, I would go with a belt driven unit. If you are using the pressure washer less than 20 hours a week consistently, then it is not worth the added cost to get a belt driven unit. If you do a quick Google search, you will see that most sources recommend 3000 PSI for concrete, and that is more than enough for siding and decks (I'll put a link in my sources to a forum discussion on what pressure is needed for concrete). 3000 PSI is also enough to run a surface cleaner or rotary nozzle if you later decide that you want to speed up that driveway cleaning. I have heard it said that pressure cleans, but flow helps you clean it faster, so make sure that the machine you get has a decent GPM rating. A machine that is like 3000 PSI at 2 Gallons per minute will be perfect for what you need it for.

Note: I would get a machine with a Honda engine. They rarely have to be serviced, and after market parts are abundant online for cheaper repairs.

electric pressure washer fitting broke?

bamafansin

I need to order another fitting for it but don't know the exact name for it. Its the plastic peice that i screw my garden hose into that has a quick disconnect on the other end to connect to the pump.

Answer
Since there are a number of different "quick disconnect" coupling systems used by various manufacturers, you need to start by identifying the manufacturer of the pressure washer, if they provided the fitting with the new system, or the fitting manufacturer if the pressure washer manufacturer did not supply the fitting with the pressure washer. The fitting/coupling will likely have a manufacturers name / mark and model / part number on it.

The pressure washer manufacturer will likely have a web site (which you find by using the brand name to find their main web site) that sells replacement parts, but you will need their model number (or be able to identify the unit visually) in order to choose the right unit from which to choose / identify a component.

The garden hose is on the water "supply side" of the pressure washer, should that come up when trying to identify the components.

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Motorcycle fuse box repair?

Rocco

I have a 1984 Kawasaki ZN700 motorcycle. This bike runs great, I've had it for 15 years, never had a problem.....until now. My nephew borrowed it and before bringing it back to me, he decided to clean it for me. He said all he did was wash the bike. When he was drying it off and polishing it, he noticed smoke and a crackling sound coming from the fuse box and that was it. Now, when I turn the key, all the lights work except the signals and it won't start. What could this be? How can I fix it? Any suggestions?

Answer
Need to ask your nephew if he used a pressure-washer or a strong-stream from a hose, both of which could have put water where it didn't belong.
Personally I'd let the bike set in the full-sun for a day, dry things out, than try again.
Since you have some power means that the fuse-box isn't fried but there may be water in a lot of connections if pressure-washed incorrectly.

Leaking Clothes Washer?

CHECKMATE

If the seals are shot on my washer pump, will it leak when the washer is not running, or only when it is running?

Answer
The pumps will only leak under pressure when washing and disbursing the used water out of the drain hose. If the leak is continuing when washer is not in use then there is a bad hose connection or split hose is another problem.

The other is it could be the spindle seal of the agitator could also be worn out and this can be detected if there is any oil mixed in with the water on the floor.

If you cannot fix it yourself then get a repair person to fix the problem.

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Karcher K 301 domestic pressure washer repairs?

ruben

How can I repair it?, motor works ok, water flows without pressure (no leaks), I disasembled it and everything looks ok, what piece should I replace? Washers? rubber rings? All check valves are complete and seem to work

Answer
May be that the pressure pump is shot. If the unit is not old Karcher may cover under warranty or may assist in determining the problem.

I replaced the pump on my 5hp Gas powered unit for around $75. I found a vendor on Ebay. I didn't bother with trying to repair as it can be quite complex and hard to troubleshoot.

With a Karcher the repair (or even the parts alone) may be more than a new unit.

Here's a link to a place that sells repair kits: http://www.pressureparts.com/U-PumpKits-C-KAKITS-Pressure-Products.aspx

installation tips for mountable pressure washer?

noahdxn

Answer
read the directions what came with the product

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Pressure washer help!!!!?

Q. I have a Troy Bilt Pressure washer that won't build up pressure or spray water. It comes out the hose but not the wand. I don't know if it could be the pump or wand? Please help!!!

Answer
Easy fix. There is a small rubber washer inside the attachment assembly that needs to be replaced. I use my pressure washer daily and it happens all the time. Home Depot sells replacment "O' ring washers for them.

Garden hose + compressed air = pressure washer?

mfjordan23

I have air compressor in my garage and a garden hose. Is there a gun or wand on the market which accepts garden hose and compressed air to create a pressure washer? Thank you.

Answer
Garden hoses are not made to withstand much pressure. You could find yourself getting beat mercilessly with the end of a broken hose. Look carefully at the hoses on actual pressure washers.

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What is the best and powerfulest water gun that is for sale?

Q. Ok which is the most powerfulest gun available for sale? I tried to look it up in the internet nobody has a answer and all of them are old.

Answer
you can get a commercial 6hp pressure washer at home depot.. that'll knock the feathers off a canadian goose at 40 yards.... uhm... not that i've ever tried that sort of thing...


and, well, if you're looking for something a bit more mainstream here's a recent "buyers guide" from slate magazine - http://www.slate.com/id/2170024

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What's a fair price for this used pressure washer?

Q. What's a fair price for this used pressure washer?
It was bought new June 2005. Briggs and Stratton 2900 PSI. Price was 487 new. It's been used 3 times by my dad. My dad wants to buy it from me. What should I ask for it. He found a new one at Lowe's 3000 PSI for 389.

Answer
If its your dad give him a good deal. Otherwise 1/2 price or less from what you paid. Used is used.

What's a fair price for this used pressure washer?

Q. What's a fair price for this used pressure washer?
It was bought new June 2005. Briggs and Stratton 2900 PSI. Price was 487 new. It's been used 3 times by my dad. My dad wants to buy it from me. What should I ask for it. He found a new one at Lowe's 3000 PSI for 389.
some are saying to give it to him since he's my father, I have to pay him to do things for me to help me out and I gave him my old car a few years ago...he's NOT a good father

Answer
For a three year old pressure washer the price you paid has no relation to the current value. He can buy a new one for $389 with a warranty so you should expect to get about half the replacement cost. I would say it is worth no more than $200.

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What is best gas powered pressure washer in the 3000-3500 PSI range?

icp_tcarri

Ive been trying to find the best gas powered pressure washer in the 3000-3500 psi range. Going to be used to regular home use but would like to have to option of having the extra power. I am willing to spend the extra money on a better unit or brand. Ive been looking at different brands, and i see generac keeps popping up as one of better units for money. i also read good things about rigid. its getting confusing.... I want it to last, i want a good brand, and i want some extra power? Any Help?
Would you consider this to be a Good - Very good pressure washer. For home use as well semi commercial. and good for that price range of 800.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=203185011&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&ci_sku=203185011&ci_kw={keyword}&kwd={keyword}&cm_mmc=shopping-_-googleads-_-pla-_-203185011&ci_gpa=pla#.UH5TX4YsGSo

Answer
In general consumer grade equipment such as that sold at Home Depot or Walmart will not hold up as long as commercial equipment typically sold at an independent power equipment retailer. I would go to a lawnmower shop that sells commercial equipment and see what they have, the price is quite a bit higher but for regular home use you will almost always never have a problem with the unit for as long as you own it. Brands are pretty much irrelevant anymore in consumer grade because there have been so many company mergers. You can have one company like MTD making over 10 different brands. El cheapo pressure washers typically have Briggs or Tecumseh engines, I've been seeing many now with no-name Chinese engines on them, but good units almost always have Honda engines.

Briggs and Straton or Honda?

Q. I am buying a pressure washer for home use. 3000 psi. The Briggs and Straton and the Honda are the same price. ( $399) Which one is better ?

Answer
Briggs and Stratton. Honda small engines have a bad reputation for early wear-out and smoky oil burning.

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pump on pressure washer seizes up?

Q. I run the water through the pressure washer.
I fire up the pressure washer.
I pull the trigger and the pressure washer dies.
I cannot pull the cord again until I release the water pressure in the pump, and no water flows through the hose after the engine dies.
I drained the fuel and restarted. I tried to pull the trigger and gave it a little bump--on and off. The motor stayed running, but the water quit flowing. Is there some sort of a valve in the pump that I need to do something to?

Answer
How long has it been since you ran the thing? If you have bad gas or a clogged fuel line, the unit will start and even run after a fashion. But the moment you load the engine (engage the pump), it will die. Before you look to anything else, drain out the old gas, clear the fuel line, check the carburetor and make sure everything is clean - then add fresh *stabilized* gas and try again.This is such a common problem with small engines - mowers and washers in the spring, and snow and leaf blowers in the fall and winter that have not been stored properly that I expect many dozens of such questions over the next few weeks.

If this doesn't work, then look into the pump itself - but as it is building pressure, I am inclined to think that the engine is running lean or fouled and so cannot take the load.

Simply putting in fresh fuel may not be enough if the carburetor is fouled or the fuel-line partially blocked. You could run some carburetor cleaner through the system and there are fuel-additives that perform the same function - but the former requires some small-engine skills, the latter a lot of time - you may have to run several tanks through the system to clean the jets properly.

But, also read the directions that came with it for pump maintenance and sequence-of-operations. It may be as simple as an adjustment of the pressure switch.

What is best water pump for inflow of water for a Gas pressure washer?

Sergio M

I need to feed water into the pressure washer using a still water tank in a van. There are two types of water pumps: Continuous flow and On-Demand.

If i am squeezing the trigger on the pressure washer, I can see the continuous flow pump working best but what if I am NOT squeezing the trigger? What happens? Will it damage the water pump?

An On-Demand pump hiccups between trigger squeezes and I am running the pressure washer "dry" which could damage it. See my question?
The use of the pump would be to rinse a car. (allow time for us to suds and sponge) then rinse.

One alternative I see is to just continually power off the 12V pump and Gas pressure washer Engine to prevent damage. and I see a continuous flow working best.

To comment on your water relief inlet. I don't deem it necessary as we will just be using a few gallons before shut down.

Any new thoughts?

Answer
Your problem doesn't have a simple answer.
You would be wise to contact the pressure washer manufacturer's tech support for pump recommendations. Be prepared to give them the model of your unit, the size of your tank, and the length of time you need to use it continuously.
A constant displacement pump would require a relief valve which returns surplus to the tank for continuous operation. A centrifugal pump would not require relief for continuous operation, but would have to be sized accurately for the task.
A demand pump might not meet the washer manufacturer's requirements.
The manufacturer probably has economical solutions.

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