Advice for Pressure Washing Companies Cleaning Marina Docks

So you are in the pressure washer business and you want to clean the local docks at the Marina. Good plan, let us give you a little advice on this. First you have to sell the account. Explain to the marina manager or the dock master or municipal purchasing agent that their clientele and/or citizens will be very impressed to see that this normally much neglected area of the marina and/or pier is being taken care of and cleaned. It's going to make it much more presentable. The clientele will be happier, therefore will be more likely to keep their moorage in storage there and be happy-paying customers for long into the future. Explain to the dock master or marina manager also that it can be a safety issue. The cleaner and less slippery their docks are the better and safer it's going to be for their clientele. This is also a good selling point. This is an easier sell to government agencies since everyone wants to stay away from lawsuits.

When doing areas that are consistently shaded, or in dark recessed areas, make sure that you remove the excess water to avoid the growth of algae. If you are doing anything inside a building that's over water or anything similar to this, make sure that you remove as much water as possible. You may also want to, in certain situations where their docks warrant it, use a staining product to re-stain the docks to keep them up since a lot of them get weathered and they are consistently exposed to sunlight and harsh salt air and water. For the best products on wood we recommend Lifeguard Water Proofing Products which are guaranteed for five to seven years depending on which grade you buy. You can purchase them at Eagle Hardware, in Canada at Depots.

Other products we recommend are Behr Products, which are the second best and can be found at Home Depots around the country. If they ask you for a wet look go buy a product called Sikkens and this is also available at Home Depot.

If you do any re-staining on decking, be extremely careful not to let the stain material drop into the water as it can sometimes drift and attach itself onto the gel coat of other boats right at their water line. Although it can create some work for you, there will be some unhappy boaters and they will know directly who to go to if you do not work carefully. So, just be cautious, since most stains are lighter than water and they float until they wash up against something, such as a boat hull.

Wood Discoloration Factors and Procedures for Dock Cleaning

There are many types of stains, which can get on a dock at the Marina, if you do not have a pressure washer or steam cleaner and you need to clean these stains you may wish to know how to clean them without expensive equipment. If you have the proper equipment but a stubborn stain, you might want to use these procedures to increase your success.

Algae: Use a diluted bleach* solution (4:1). Saturate algae growth and allow to sit five to ten minutes. Scrub and rinse well.

Extractive/Tannin Bleed: Use a four to five percent solution of oxalic acid. Allow solution to remain on spot until the darkness disappears, then rinse well with water.

Grease: Use a strong household detergent in warm water and agitate with a brush. Automotive degreaser has also shown to be effective when used according to directions.

Mildew: Use a diluted bleach* solution and scrub.

Mill Stamps: There are no solvents available to remove these stamps. Sanding is the most effective means. They will also fade with time.

Leaf Stains: Use a diluted bleach* solution and scrub.

Pitch/Rosin: Scrape the excess material from wood using a putty knife or steel wool and clean the area with hot, soapy water. Turpentine is effective in removing pitch, which is still sappy.

Rosin from surrounding trees: Wipe area with a wet cloth with turpentine.

*Sometimes when cleaning wood with a stain, especially with bleach, the natural color of the wood may disappear. Check with your distributor/supplier for products than can be used to ensure uniformity and restore the wood to its natural color.

Wolmans, Behr, Sikkens, Lifeguard and others have company websites with all this type of information and more. You would be wise to understand these procedures to insure a perfect job. Do it right, do it efficient. Think about it.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

---

A Land Divided - A World United - The Panama Canal

It has been called "the big ditch", "the bridge between... Read More

Family Cruise: Family Get-Together for Fun

Family Cruise: Happy Times you will not forgetA family cruise... Read More

Whats Involved With Honeymoon Cruise Packages?

With so many honeymoon cruise packages to choose from, it... Read More

Monaco Yachts

Sea and rich people: where else to find a better... Read More

World Cruise - A Relaxing Experience

Have you ever thought what it would be like to... Read More

Take a Wine-Tasting Tour While Yachting

Just think of it, the world of opulence and leisure:... Read More

The Nile Cruise

Egypt is where history first emerged. It is here that... Read More

Caribbean Cruise Expert Guide

Comprising of around 50 islands (750 if you count the... Read More

The Absolute Best Romantic Gift Idea!

We all want to please and impress that special someone... Read More

Bahamas Cruise Expert Guide

The Bahamas is arguably the most popular cruise destination for... Read More

Family Cruise and Family Cruises

Family cruises are a special time for families to connect... Read More

The Best European Cruise Travel Vacation!

So, you are contemplating a European cruise. You are looking... Read More

Disney Cruise Expert Guide

Experiencing the magic of Disney at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney... Read More

Boat Detailing - Diagnosing Gel Coat Surfaces

Determining Oxidation Levels on Your Yacht and how to deal... Read More

Australia Cruise Expert Guide

Australia is a country of amazing diversity and awe- inspiring... Read More

Places to See On Your Alaska Cruise, Welcome To Juneau!!

Well my sister in law is in town this week... Read More

Orient Beach Shore Excursions - Beauty on the Beach!

When cruising to St. Martin (or Sint Maarten), some of... Read More

Silversea Cruises! Committed To Elegance, Luxury, And Gracious Hospitality

Committed to elegance, luxury and gracious hospitality, Silversea Cruises is... Read More

Atlantic Ocean at Great Depths

The Atlantic Ocean is Earth's second-largest ocean. It covers approximately... Read More

Alaska Glacier Cruises: Alaska Up Close and Personal

What do you have in mind for your next vacation?... Read More

The Bottom Line on Yacht & Boat Charters

Whether you are considering your first yacht charter vacation or... Read More

Yacht Charter From Rhodos Base - Dodecanese

The most famous of the Dodecanese, beautiful and famous for... Read More

Boat Cleaning Business - Bilge Clean-up Tips

These areas, like any other car engine and compartment that... Read More

Cruise Trips: Just How Popular is Cruising?

The results are in for 2004. The number of people... Read More

Dining Out At Sea

If eating fine food is your pleasure, a cruise vacation... Read More

River Cruises Can be Such a Rich Experience

Exploring Europe can be such a unique experience with a... Read More

Stocking up Your Boat

There, you have just got a boat. A nice new... Read More

Back to Nature: Observing Marine Life When Boating

"Whether you boat on fresh water or on the ocean,... Read More

Summertime And Boats... And Boat Insurance

Early summertime is the time of year, when boat owners... Read More

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises! Where Luxury Goes Exploring

Luxury goes exploring! How faithfully these words portray the elegance,... Read More

Crossing Paths With a Legend

When 13-year-old Bill Lefakinis first visited the famed yacht Christina... Read More

Boat Washing 101 - Spring is Here, Lets Go Boating

As a boat owner you know that washing the boat... Read More

Yacht Competition Racing for the Disabled Takes Off!

Yacht racing, though it may seem like "a breeze" to... Read More