Keeping your boat clean makes it easier to maneuver and reduces wear on the hull and propeller. Performing regular detailing also allows you to identify potential problems before they become major issues and saves money on repairs.
Before launching your business, research the market by studying local boat detailing companies’ pricing, clientele and services. Also, investigate whether any specialized tools or products are needed to perform the job.
Exterior
Surfaces on boats are often exposed to corrosive environmental elements, including saltwater and UV rays. Regular detailing helps them withstand these conditions, reducing wear and tear and prolonging the life of the boat. This is especially important for older boats, as their surfaces are likely to be more prone to damage than newer ones.
Detailing work may include cleaning and waxing, sanding and buffing, and painting to enhance the appearance of a vessel. This helps to remove dirt, grime, and stains for a clean, smooth, and polished look. It also improves the performance of a boat by reducing drag on the water’s surface.
Boat detailing also protects the resale value of a boat, which can help the owner to get a good price when they decide to sell it in the future. A well-maintained boat with a nice looking exterior will be more attractive to buyers, which can lead to a quicker sale. In addition, regular detailing will help prevent potential issues from becoming bigger or more expensive problems down the road.
Interior
There’s nothing quite like settling into your cabin after a day on the water. It’s an experience that soothes the soul. Whether it’s varnished woodwork or upholstered surfaces, boat detailers are skilled at cleaning and maintaining interior boat areas.
They may utilize a clay bar or decontamination solution to remove bonded contaminants that can damage a boat’s gel coat and paint finish. Then, they polish and wax the surface to restore its shine and protect it from oxidation and other environmental factors.
If the boat has teak surfaces, they may apply a special product that helps to retain its color and prevent the buildup of dirt and grime. They also apply protectants to fabric and vinyl surfaces, such as seats, to shield them against stains and mildew.
Engines
Some detailers will include a basic engine room cleaning as part of the detailing process. This includes spraying a degreaser on all of the engine components and wiping them clean. Any sensitive electrical components may be covered with plastic to prevent them from getting soaked. They will also clean the bilge areas and replace the oil-sorb pads.
If the boat needs a little more work than just a simple wash the detailer will most likely step up to wet sanding. This typically involves a multi-stage process working up from a coarse grit sandpaper to a fine sandpaper.
Lastly the detailer will probably apply a polish that contains Si02. This step is important as it will provide a really nice surface for a new wax or gelcoat to bond to. This is a great way to keep your boat looking great and protect it from UV damage. Other odds and ends may be included like metal polishing, isinglass cleaning/polishing and vinyl protecting.
Metal
The metal parts of a boat can become corroded over time due to exposure to saline environments and UV radiation. A detailer may clean, sand, and polish these surfaces in order to recondition them and enhance their appearance.
During a detailing job, the crew members may need to use ladders and scaffolding to reach certain areas of the boat. It’s important for these employees to feel comfortable working at a height.
A well-detailed boat will not only look better, but it will also perform better on the water. This will increase its resale value and make it more attractive to potential buyers or anyone who might be interested in trading it in the future.
Any boat detailing business that relies on vehicles for their services should have commercial auto insurance from Tivly to protect them against work-related accidents and damages. Contact us to learn more about our policy offerings.