Pistol-style, plastic garden-hose washdown nozzles work well, but they break easily. The handles eventually crack or the valves wear out. Rather than spend as much as $25 for a “marine” nozzle every few months, try an Orbit hose shut-off fitting and a sweeper nozzle ($7 and $4, respectively). The compact bronze shut-off valve is easy to use, while the gold anodized-aluminum pressure nozzle creates a powerful stream to sweep away blood, slime and dirt. Rubberized collars prevent gelcoat chips. This valve-and-nozzle combo is less expensive and far more durable than any plastic marine-grade pistol nozzle.
