Boats, without a doubt, require a significant amount of maintenance. Both time and money is invested into watercraft to help them better hold their resale value and appear aesthetically pleasing. Importantly, boat detail services are available in the event you don’t have the knowledge or time to give the vessel the tender loving care it deserves. However, what is included with a full boat detail? Here is what you should expect when paying for a boat detailing service. 

Washing The Boat From Top To Bottom

First, it is critical for all surface contaminants to be removed before commencing waxing. Applying wax when small particles are present results in scratching. 

I have over eight years of experience maintaining yachts and can tell you that no buffing or waxing occurred until the vessel had a full washdown. 

However, the washing goes beyond exposed services. When it comes to washing, here is what is included in your service fee. 

Opening And Washing Hatches

Despite hatches being closed spaces and often lined with a seal, they are prone to the accumulation of dirt and debris. 

For this reason, detailers open the hatches, clean within, and dry before locking the hatch closed. 

Removing Waterline Stains

Waterline stains are common, especially on boats that are kept dockside. Unfortunately, the waterline is stubborn to clean; therefore, specialized products are used. 

The detailer will pay close attention to the waterline and remove all stains as part of the package. 

Scrubbing All Exterior Surfaces

Having washed boats almost daily over an eight year time span, I have come across all types of contaminants that make boats dirty. 

Without question, soaping and brushing will be standard with detailing. Importantly, this is one of the most important steps because it allows for the detail to apply wax without concern. 

Cleaning Enclosures

Boat windshields and enclosures are made from different materials, including plexiglass, tempered glass, vinyl, and more. 

The enclosures are prone to water spots when they become wet and are never dried. Water spots are difficult to remove, but a detailer has the proper products to remove the most stubborn water marks. 

Drying The Vessel

After the washing is completed, the detailer takes additional time to remove all of the water from the boat. 

Standing water must be removed prior to adding wax to the boat. Hand chamois and chamois mops are highly absorbent and quickly pull the moisture from the surfaces of fiberglass, stainless steel, and more. 

Vinyl Treatment And Stain Removal

Boats are subject to wear and tear as a result of use. I prefer to use my boat on a consistent basis, and it is easy to see when it needs a little extra detailing effort. 

With that said, a boat detail will include removing stains sucks as rust marks in fiberglass, fish blood, mold, mildew, scuff marks, and more. 

Additionally, vinyl seats exposed to the elements become marked up and moldy. Detailers clean the seats to like new condition before adding a protective coating. 

Compounding Waxing Oxidized Surfaces

Unfortunately, when boats are left without maintenance for extended periods of time, the gel coat and painted surfaces become prone to developing oxidation. 

Unfortunately, oxidation is difficult to remove and most often requires an eclectic buffing wheel and wax. I’ll admit I am fearful of using power buffing wheels because of how quickly painted and gel coat surfaces become damaged. 

Without a doubt, I give full credit to professional detailers because they know the art of buffing. The knowledge and expertise to buff with a wheel and wax is why they are capable of charging premium prices. 

The appearance of the boat after a buffing will be highly recognizable. It is not uncommon for the boat to be restored to its original finish. 

Polishing Smooth Surfaces

After the oxidation has been removed, a protective layer must be applied to prevent oxidation from forming again. 

For this reason, a protective wax is applied by hand to coat the painted or gelcoat surface. The wax reduces impacts from the sun’s harmful rays and lessens the likelihood of hard to remove water spots from forming. 

Importantly, wax should be applied by detailers at a minimum of every six months. Routine waxing reduces or eliminate the need for repeat buffing.  

Removal Of Rust From Stainless Steel And Waxing

Despite the steel being called stainless, it is still prone to developing rust. Rust is common, especially when boat owners fail to rinse metal components after they are exposed to saltwater. 

Detailers use metal waxes and buff by hand to remove rust from stainless steel before sealing with a protective coating. The protective coating reduces the likelihood of continued rust formation as long as it is applied routinely. 

Are You Ready To Schedule Your Boat Detail

Look, you won’t need a complete buff every time you schedule a boat detail. In fact, you will not need to plan for a buffing unless you don’t keep up with your routine maintenance. Importantly, hiring a detailer to apply wax consistently will keep money in your pocket because it will avoid the need for buffing. It is essential to take care of your investment so you can get as much as you can out of it if you decide to put it up for sale.