Boats are expensive so taking good care of them is important. A detailing service isn’t just critical to make your boat look good, it serves to protect it. Boats that are detailed need fewer repairs and have a far longer life than a boat that has been neglected. In this article we will discuss the process of cleaning the vessel, the cost, and how to evaluate companies. I will also share my experience with the places that do boat detailing near me.
Find Boat Detailing Near Me – Boat Detailer Locator
if you are looking for “Boat Detailing Near Me”, the map below show your best options. Most places can either service your boat in house or come to the location of the watercraft.
What is Boat Detailing?
Boat detailing is the process of thoroughly cleaning your boat inside and out. Although it is possible to detail your boat yourself, it is not recommended. Your boat, as you will know, is constantly being exposed to the elements and the corrosive effects of saltwater, which is can be difficult to protect against if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Not only that, but boats are made out, in part, of some very fragile materials which need to be handled with care. Professional boat details have all of the knowledge and experience required to have your boat looking pristine. While looking shiny is important keeping it protected from the elements, without damaging it is the real reason to get it detailed.
What to Expect on the Interior and Exterior of your Boat
Want to know what kind of service you can expect to receive when you take your vessel to the local boat detailers? Read on to find out what a typical boat detailing service includes:
- Hand Washing: In many respects, boat detailing is very much like car detailing, so it shouldn’t be surprising that boat detailers will usually start out by cleaning the exterior of your boat thoroughly. This should include the hull and topside, windows and gutter tracks even if you choose the most basic of packages. In most cases, hatches and compartments will also be thoroughly cleaned. Special chemicals that have been formulated with boats in mind are used for this process. This ensures your vessel will not be damaged during exterior cleaning.
- Remove Mildew: Next, mildew, which could cause your boat to oxidize will be specially removed.
- Rust Removed: Boats are extremely prone to rusting not only because they are often docked in saltwater, but also because they are exposed to the wind, rain and other harmful elements. Goof boat detailers will expertly remove as much rust as possible to have your hull looking like new again.
- Polishing: As you would expect, once the exterior has been thoroughly cleaned, surfaces will be buffed and polished to remove any imperfections and bring out your boat’s natural shine.
- Conditioning: Everything from your upholstery to your hull will be thoroughly conditioned, removing any imperfections and sealing each area with either protective sprays that stop spillages from staining to anti-corrosive spray that will prevent further rust from accumulating.
- Vacuuming: Most boat detailers will vacuum your boat inside and out where necessary to ensure that it is clean and fresh for your next voyage.
- Deodorized: Boats can get a bit smelly, so good boat detailers will always do some deodorizing with high-quality cleaning products and often steam cleaners to ensure that the vessel is hygienic as possible.
- Waxing: A coating of boat wax will be added to the boat to protect and add shine. Some companies will even add a compound gel coating for even higher levels of protection depending on the package you choose. So always ask what’s included if you require something very specific.
For larger vessels some big time detailers will offer in water surface cleaning. This is a professional method of removing unwanted material from the underwater surface of a vessel. They may use special brushes or a water jet to clean the hull without damaging it or introducing toxins in the water.
How Much Does Boat Detailing Cost
The cost of boat detailing varies from place to place and also depending on the size of your boat. Looking at the average costs of boat detailing per foot of boat will give you a better idea…
On average, a basic wash will set you back $2-4 per foot. A complete boat detailing service will likely set you back anywhere between $20 and $27 per foot of boat. However, if your boat happens to be over 40 feet in length, you could be expected to pay anywhere between 20 and 40 percent more .
Due to the expense you will want to get as many quotes as you can. You will also want to know the price of a mobile detail, where they come to the boat, and a price for you trailering the vessel to them. Also ask is how the price is impacted if the boat is in the water.
How to Choose a Detailer
When you search boat detailing near me, you will probably find a number of options. Likely all professing to be the best local detailers in the area, all quoting different prices and different levels of service. So how do you choose?
In order to ensure you DO choose the best possible service really read reviews. Read both good and bad reviews to get an accurate picture. Look for customer posted photos of before and after results. Research to see if anyone reported issues after the detailing was completed. If you’re in touch with other boat owners, asking them who they use. If you are at a Marina or docks you can even ask the staff for advise.
It’s also a good idea to see how long the boating detailers have been in business because, although it isn’t always the case, it’s usually fair to assume that the longer a company has been in business the better they are at providing the service.
Another important aspect with a boat is where are they located. Can they come to you? Do you have to bring the watercraft to them? How long will it take?
Other than that, you may want to call the detailers and ask them about the service they offer. Find out what it does and does not include and what costs extra. Questions like that, so you can be confident of making the right choice.
Boat Detailing Near Me – Final Thoughts….
Boats are expensive and getting detailed helps to preserve the boat and seal it from weathering. The process of boat detailing is very meticulous. It requires professionals who use special techniques and the highest quality cleaning products. Deciding to get your boat detailed is expensive and many people who do it often do it, when they winterize it. If you are looking for a good local service make sure you call several places and get competing quotes. This is what I have learned from the places that do boat detailing near me.