Boat detailing service, how much should it cost?
Getting your boat to look like it just rolled off the assembly line can be a rewarding experience. Hiring a professional boat detailing service can accomplish this easily. Using high-quality products to polish and wax your hull and topside can make your boat the envy of the marina. But how much should you pay for it? Hopefully, we’ll help you figure that out here.
Many things can affect prices. Your location is one of them. The availability of competing services is another. If you are in a lake with only one provider, you are more likely to see high prices. The season too, if it is right at the start or the end of “boating season,” expect to pay more as well. If you pay to keep your boat at a marina scheduling your detailing service for a low traffic date can help you save a few dollars.
If your boat is more than 40 feet long, you can also expect to pay around 30% more than smaller vessels. The condition of your ship will also play an essential part in the budget. If you waited for years to take your boat for a proper detailing, then the amount of labor that will go into it will be significantly more, and that will be reflected in your bill.
Having said all this here are a few references for what you should pay for boat detailing:
Wash and polish
If your ship is well maintained, then washing and polishing it should be enough to bring it back to pristine condition. A service that washes polishes the boat, as well as cleaning the compartments, should cost around 10-15$ per foot.
Deep wash and waxing
Besides cleaning and washing, this service should also wash the seats and apply protective products to them to extend their lives. It should remove rust and apply protective coats to working parts to prevent future corrosion. Finally, it should also wax all the exterior surfaces to restore your boat to its original glory. This service should cost around 20-30$ per foot.
Extras
Some providers offer à la carte options where you can pick and choose what you want done to your boat. You should talk to your provider if this is what you prefer. For example, some people just want their hull polished and waxed and don’t care to have their interiors serviced. Most providers will accommodate you, but you will probably end up paying more per service than you would if you bought a package deal.
Many extras aren’t included here that a skilled boat detailing service should offer, like polishing all the stainless steel and chrome surfaces on your boat or cleaning barnacles off your hull. Prices for these services are hard to estimate without knowing your boat’s model, so you’ll have to discuss it with your provider to get a quote.
If more than one service provider exists in your area, don’t be afraid to ask for multiple quotes and get the one that’s right for you. If you are looking for a professional boat detailing service, you can find some here. They’ll be more than happy to send you a quote.
