A while back, I mentioned my new cleaning process for the Flybridge windows. It worked okay, but it was far from the kind of job you’d get from a professional detailer repelling off the roof.
Last season, a local detailer named Bottoms Up cleaned every window on the boat for $280. Before this season began, I contacted all of the local detailers, hoping to set up a weekly program to clean the Flybridge windows.
Unfortunately, my home marina had decided to go with an exclusive boat detailer who turned out to be too small to take on Amazing Grace.
When we were in Nantucket earlier this month, we noticed several boats being washed with a Deionized Water System (DI). One Captain told us it was all he used – no soap, no squeegee, no towels.
Our friend Terry owns a cleaning company near Boston, so I mentioned it to her and Tom. They both said they used a system from Unger Industries. Tom said he’d clean windows four stories high using Unger.
After a little research, I found this video.
The Unger System
Unger offers free demos, so I signed up for one, but nobody ever got back to me to schedule. Their website lists a bunch of local dealers, but none of them actually sell their system.
Eventually, I found a company I’d dealt with in the past that offered all of their products, and they offered a very complete Entry Level Kit.
Using The Unger System
I got the system last week and watched a couple of YouTube videos on how to use it.
Connecting the cleaning brush to the pole was tricky until I found this video.
Once I fully assembled the kit, I watched this video on how to clean windows.
It’s totally straightforward to use. It’s not a pressure washer, so it doesn’t use electricity, just local water pressure.
The Biggest Challenge – Getting the twisty 82’ hose to cooperate was tricky. Over time, I’ll figure out where to place the DI unit to keep the hose from fighting me.
Pro Tips – Since the only thing doing the cleaning is the brush and DI water, you really need to do a lot of dousing and scrubbing. I missed the under edge of the Flybridge windshield, and there was still a string of water spots after cleaning. Everywhere else was spotless.
I also discovered that it was easier to clean the side windows standing on the dock.
The Carbon Pole – My kit came with the standard expanding pole that enables one to clean five-story windows. It’s a little heavy for wielding around the deck. They also offer a lightweight carbon pole, and I may be adding one down the road.
It’s still early, but I think I’ve found a respectful in-house Flybridge window cleaning solution.