Boat detailing cost?

[RatFish]

I just got a quote for $10/foot (20' x $10 = $200) for detailing my boat. Includes wash, wax vacuum, treat vinyl, etc. Pretty much a complete job. Does the price sound about right for a 1 year old boat with no major stains (inside and out) or problems? The gelcoat is still shiny with no apparent oxidation. Seemed like a good price.

 

[dal929]

Re: Boat detailing cost?

What is your time worth?? also factor in what it would cost you to go out and buy the supplies alone. $200 seems good to me.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Boat detailing cost?

A real wax job, or are they just gonna wipe on some "Finish 2000" or other super polish from an info-mercial?<br /><br />I would say its an ok deal as long as you get to approve the products that are to be used.

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: Boat detailing cost?

A friend of mine owns a detail business and he charges an avg $12.00/ft. He's doing about 2 boats a week. If they're extra dirty, highly oxidized, or filled with snad he charges more. For one like yours he said $10/ft was a good deal. Just be assured wha tthat price includes. My friend readily discloses his procedures. Pressure wash and "wheel" exterior, steam clean carpets and clean/treat seating/vinyl. Repeat customers say he's doing something right. <br />Just make sure you knwo what you're getting for the price.

 

[TexomaAv8r]

Re: Boat detailing cost?

A client of mine reported his occupation as "boat washer"he is paid $6.00 an hour but says his employer charges $10 a foot so it sounds like an industry standard.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Boat detailing cost?

This guy says he has been detailing boats since 1976. My home port marina has been using him for at least the last 15 years. He detailed my boat when I had it delivered but it's pretty hard to screw up a new boat. I asked a few boat owners about his work and they all seem satisfied. He says that he uses "top shelf" cleaning supplies and wax. I'll ask what brands.

 

[bounder4465]

Re: Boat detailing cost?

For reference..I charge $20 a foot to buff a boat to near showroom condition, and can do the sides and top deck of a 20'cuddy or BR in about 8 hrs. If they want the carpet and vinyl cleaned, I give them a sample of purple cleaner (Home Depot $8 a gallon..and it will clean anything cut 50/50 with water) and send them to home to do thier own detail.

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: Boat detailing cost?

That price is right in line with the going rates in my area. I would expect him to use a buffer & a product like Finesse It to buff the boat out and then wax. For a simple wash and wax I would not pay that. I charge $10 a foot to wash, buff and then wax from the rubrail to the waterline.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Boat detailing cost?

$10 is a good bargain...if they do a good job its well worth it.