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How to Detail a Boat – 7 Steps to Boat Detailing

Home » How to Detail a Boat – 7 Steps to Boat Detailing

Published on -->04/08/2021 Last Updated on 01/17/2024 -->

View all posts by Ed Cupler

Boats can be a challenge to detail properly due to the unique gel coat applied to the exterior. Gel coats provide the very smooth & shiny look that gives them that mirror-like effect on the water. Over time, exposure to the sun’s UV rays combined with water pollution, animal droppings, corrosion from salt and other organic buildups will fade & discolor the gel coat. Professional detailers should follow the following steps to properly polish a boat.

Exterior Boat Detailing

Step 1: wash & clay treatment.

The first step to every boat detail is a deep clean of the exterior & interior to remove any loose debris, grime and pollutants. Start from the top of the boat on the inside & work your way down and out until you reach the bottom. Use Detail King’s Black Cherry Soap , which is specially formulated to remove dirt & grime. Only wash segments at a time to prevent streaks appearing later.

To remove heavy waterline stains, use Detail King’s Ex-Con, which is a more aggressive cleaner and is good for removing the algae and scum on the exterior of the boat.

If you find black rubber marks from the docks, use a small amount of acetone with a white rag to wipe those smudges clear.

Step 2: Correct Exterior Gel Coat Finish

Once the boat is squeaky clean, we can get to work on repairing the boat’s gel coat. Gelcoating is the unique process marine vehicles apply to the fiberglass layer to keep the surface smooth and shiny. Gel coats are extremely durable, but as with any exterior surface requires restoration.

Detail King recommends a two-step paint correction process; first you want to compound with a product like our Vibra Cut II to remove the oxidation and surface imperfections, and then polish with a product like our Blue Diamond to bring out a high shine and vibrant color.

Again only working in segments at a time. Be sure to cover the hull and full bottom surface area.

Step 3: Apply Paint Protection

Finally, wrap up the exterior by applying our Premium Polymer Boat Sealant, which provides 6 – 12 months protection. Our Premium Polymer Boat Sealant offers the most advanced UV protection on the market. This will keep the paint looking better longer and also make the cleaning process afterwards easier and quicker.

Interior & Cabin Boat Detailing

Most boat interior compartments can be washed at the same time as the exterior (once all carpets and loose areas are removed or covered). We recommend drying the interior first to prevent water spots appearing on the seats or glass.

Step 4: Deep Clean Seats & Compartments

Since the interior floor has been washed & scrubbed, the first step in the cabin is to deep clean the seats & storage compartments.

Detail King has the perfect product for every nook & cranny you may find in the boat’s cabin, for example:

• Product Description
• Magic Cleaner Concentrate This amazing cleaning agent can be used on many surfaces on the interior of the boat – use this on vinyl, carpet, plastic, etc. to clean heavily soiled surfaces
• Extractor Soap Excellent for cleaning carpeted areas of the boat
• RTU Glass cleaner This is a great cleaner for all glass and acrylic windows

There are multiple towel types to use for a boat, Cleaning – Drying – Glass .

• Leather Magic Excellent conditioner/protectant to keep vinyl seating surfaces from drying out and fading
• Jade A65 Ceramic protection for the carpeted areas of the boat

Step 5: Correct & Protect Interior

While you save time washing the inside at the same time as the exterior, you’ll make it up while polishing & protecting the interior surfaces.

Step 6: Polish All Metal & Clean Glass

Take a breath, you are almost there. Now that all hard surfaces have been waxed & polished, it’s time to restore that pristine shine to all metal with our Medallion Metal Polish .

Then move quickly through all windows and glass with RTU Glass Cleaner and our Black Diamond glass towel , which eliminates all streaks on the first go.

Step 7: Final Inspection

Give the boat a final buff with a clean microfiber towel to remove any excess wax, chemicals, dirt from your shoes, etc. Walk around the entire boat with Detail King’s Final Touch Ultra to spot check any areas that could use a final polishing before the customer sees the finished product.

How do you wax a boat?

Detailers should use a gear driven or long throw polisher along with a wool pad & our Vibra Cut II that are safe for a boat’s gel coating & strong enough to apply real protection against the sun & water. Start at the top at the back and work towards the bottom of the hull.

How long does a boat wax last?

Typically boat owners should wax or buff the gel coat once every 3 – 4 months due to breakdown & oxidation from the water and sun. Detail King’s Premium Polymer Boat Sealant lasts 6 – 12 months.

Should you wax the boat’s hull?

Protecting the gel coat on the hull and bottom of the boat is the most important part of the exterior surface. Proper maintenance will remove any oxidation and barnacle buildup from time in the water. Eliminating rust & water stains will not only help the vehicle run smoothly, but also increase its resale value.

How much should a boat detail cost?

Basic boat detailing services should include a wash, wax and interior cleaning. Most services should be charged by the foot and the size/condition will need to be evaluated and taken into consideration to determine the amount of labor time involved, to ensure all labor & costs are properly covered. Reference the below table for a starting point with ranges that you can consider.

• Boat Area Price per Foot Covers
• Hull Detail $15 – $25/ft -Exterior wash & protection only $25-$75+/foot -Exterior wash, oxidation removal, and protection Boat Wash $5 – $10/ft General wash & clean
• Cabin Cleaning $5-$25/ft Interior clean & fabric protection
• Engine Cleaning $100 – $200* *Total price (not per foot)
• Vinyl Treatment $5 – $10/ft Fabric clean & protection

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Diamond Yacht Detailing

Added by Seattle Boatnut

Listed in Washing & Waxing

• Edmonds, WA 98026
• 425-750-0710
• www.diamondyachtdetailing.net/
• [email protected]

Ensure that your boat looks nothing less than perfect when you hire our yacht cleaning and detailing team. At Diamond Yacht Detailing, we understand the investment you have made in owning a beautiful boat.  With that in mind, we have based our business around these ideals:Quality, security, preservation and convenience.

Quality: We have been cleaning boats for over twenty years and with that experience comes a superior attention to detail. All work is done by hand with no buffing or harsh chemicals. Our work is also subject to a quality guarantee so you can feel assured your boat is in good hands.

Security: Let’s face it, putting your boat in the hands of a stranger is scary. We take that fear out of the equation. Diamond Yacht Detailing is a licensed and insured contractor in the state of Washington. We have dock keys to most major marinas and are an approved Port of Edmonds vendor.

Preservation: The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the best waterways in the world. At Diamond Yacht Detailing, we value preserving this precious ecosystem so our children can someday benefit from it as well. As such, we only use marine-safe, biodegradable products.

Convenience: Never worry about the state of your yacht when our team is on the scene. With options for annual, monthly and bi-monthly service, you gain the peace of mind that your boat is voyage ready year-round. We even offer professional yacht-sitting services for when you’re out of town for long stretches.

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Speak to Jorge +1 (786) 597-3324

Mon-Fri: 8am–8pm ET | Sat: 10am-4pm ET

Detailing, fiber glass repair and teak restoration

We always provide our clients with a high professional finish, offering the best services. Making their boats super beautiful & brand new.

With years of experience in the business, we offer services like: boat restorations, fiberglass, gelcoat, bottom painting, awlgrip, teak restoration, boat detailing, ceramic coating and monthly maintenance

Our main priority is to provide the customer with quality services. We know the unique relationship boat owners have with their vessels. 

Our Services

Detailing service.

Teak Restoration & Replacement

Fiber Glass Repair & Paint

At Diamond Boats, we understand the importance of transparency and convenience when it comes to pricing for our services. That’s why we’ve developed system where you can easily estimate the cost of their desired boat restoration services. Whether you’re considering fiberglass repair, paint restoration, or teak wood floor refurbishment, our 3 calculators provides a straightforward breakdown of expenses tailored to your specific needs. We believe in empowering our clients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their boat restoration projects. With Diamond Boats, calculating the price for our services is just the first step towards achieving your vision for your vessel’s restoration.

Detailing Services

In the sunny and vibrant state of Florida, owning a boat is synonymous of living life to the fullest, especially when it comes to a Diamond Boat. These vessels represent not only luxury and superior performance but also a significant investment that deserves exceptional care. This is where our specialized detailing services come into play, providing maintenance that preserves and enhances the value and beauty of your Diamond Boat.

Teak Restoration Services

We are more than just a boat repair company in Miami, FL as we understand that your watercraft gives you the freedom and confidence to explore the vast waters and carve your own special connection with the sea and the ocean. 

Fiber Glass Repair and Painting

Maintaining the pristine condition of your Boat is essential for both its performance and aesthetic appeal. Our specialized Fiber Glass Repair and Painting services in the Florida area ensure that your vessel remains in top-notch condition. Whether it’s minor scratches, cracks, or significant damage, our experienced technicians use advanced techniques and high-quality materials to restore your boat’s fiberglass to its original strength and smooth finish. Coupled with our expert painting services, we provide a flawless, durable, and lustrous finish that enhances both the appearance and value of your Diamond Boat, allowing you to enjoy your time on the water without compromise.

From West Palm Beach to key west. Our priority is to get a perfect detail finish on each project we performance.

Fiberglass Repair and Paint

Fiberglass repair and paint go hand in hand, seamlessly restoring damaged surfaces to their former glory. Through meticulous attention to detail, damaged areas are expertly repaired and coated with high-quality paint, resulting in both durability and aesthetic appeal

Florida Area

In the Florida area, Diamond Boats specializes in fiberglass repair and painting, ensuring that every vessel receives top-notch restoration and a stunning finish.

Best price guaranteed

With our 'Best Price Guaranteed' promise, you can rest assured that you're getting the most competitive rates without compromising on quality or service.

Instant online booking

Experience the convenience of instant online booking, where securing your appointment is just a click away, ensuring a hassle-free scheduling process

At Diamond Boats, we provide top-quality detailing services to ensure your boat looks impeccable. We use advanced products and techniques to clean, polish, and protect every detail, guaranteeing a brilliant and long-lasting finish. Trust Diamond Boats to keep your vessel in prime condition.

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• Regional Interest
• LICC - Long Island Cruising Club

Diamond yacht maintenance detailing

• Thread starter ChezBippy
• Start date Apr 3, 2009
• Apr 3, 2009

hi, Thinking of having my boat detailed instead of doing it myself. I called diamond from the sticky in this forum. Mike came by and gave me an estimate, it was a good price and he seemed like a nice guy. Does anyone know of them that can provide feed back. I did call waves and wheels but there price was more them I'm willing to pay, I'm on the north shore in suffolk, I don't know if that may have affected the price as I'm prety far out of their area and it's only a 28' boat. Thanks,  

Active member

If they are in the LIBI section then they are a recommended by one of more of our fellow RO's. Before I post someone there I look for feedback from at least 2 RO's.  

• Apr 5, 2009

Thanks  

• Apr 14, 2009

As a follow-up, I had Diamond detial my boat yesterday and was pleased with the work and price. Mike did what he said, when he said he would do it. I never had my boat detailed before, so I don't have anything to compare it to. But, I think it looks good, better then if I had done it.  

Price?  

Hey ChezBippy I'm thinking of having Diamond do mine as well. What was the scope and $/foot for the detailing? Is yours a bridge boat?  

The price was better then the two other prices I received over the phone. One phone quote was an about price pending looking at the boat. The other was for wash and wax, rails, vinyl. Compounding extra if needed Mike didn't give a price over the phone, so I think it may have been based on how the boat looked and how hard the specific model might be to clean. I have a 28 express( 30LOA w/platform and pulpit), it was 350 for all exterior, wash, compound, wax, rails, vinyl and windows. He cleaned the canvas some that we hadn't discussed. He also removed the shrink wrap and putting up the canvas. Nothing in the cabin and no cockpit carpet. Typing it out makes it seem like an even better deal. I'm happy...splash tomorrow afternoon!  

Thanks, Bippy. My shrink wrap comes off this Saturday but i won't splash until at least the week after next at the rate I'm going.  

littlebookworm

• Apr 15, 2009

A year and a half ago, when I first bought the 20' Sunrunner I'm now refurbishing, I asked the marina's recommended detailer for a price to wash and wax (no compounding) the boat, shampoo the inside and, in general, clean the boat. I was quoted over $1300 with no guarantee that some of the mildew stains on the vinyl in the cabin would be removed. Needless to say, I passed on the job. I don't mind paying for a job; but that's a ridiculous price. In about two weeks, I'll tackle the job myself. I figure two to three days' work (I'm not as young as I used to be) and about $50 worth of supplies and I'll be all set. Hy  

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📞 (407) 874-0036

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POLIGLOW RESTORATION AND BUFF OUT

$25-35 per ft.

INTERIOR SERVICES

• Vacuum seats, and floor
• Wipe down all interior surfaces
• Apply UV protectant to restore all hard interior surfaces
• Clean interior windows

EXTERIOR SERVICES

• Cannon soap foam spay
• Pressure washer rinse
• Microfiber cloth dry
• Clean windows
• Clean and degrease wheels and tires
• Exterior dressing of plastics
• Clay Bar all painted surfaces to remove harmful contaminants
• Wash decontamination to remove oxidations, mold and all impurities
• Apply high-quality wax POLIGLOW to all fiberglass surfaces to restore and protect the shine
• BUFF to restore shine to all paint surfaces

WASH & GLOW

$22 per ft.

• Clean exterior windows

WASH SERVICE

$11 per ft.

• Apply exterior conditioning to all plastics

Our boat detailing services are designed to ensure that your boat looks as good as new, both inside and out. For the interior, we begin by vacuuming the seats and floors to remove any dirt or debris. We then wipe down all interior surfaces to get rid of any grime, before applying a UV protectant to restore all hard interior surfaces and protect them from sun damage. We also clean the interior windows, leaving them crystal-clear for optimal visibility on the water.

When it comes to the exterior, we start with a cannon soap foam spray and hand wash, followed by a pressure wash and rinse. To remove any harmful contaminants from painted surfaces, we use a clay bar before performing a wash decontamination to get rid of any oxidations, mold, and impurities. After that, we apply a high-quality wax called POLIGLOW to all fiberglass surfaces to restore and protect the shine. Finally, we buff all paint surfaces to restore their shine and give your boat that showroom-quality finish. We also apply an exterior dressing to plastics, leaving them looking new and shiny. With our boat detailing services, your boat will look and feel like new, and be ready for your next adventure on the water.

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• Fall Services

Boat Detailing & Restoration of Gel coat on Fiberglass Boats

Since 1994, John has worked very hard learning, and perfecting his craft of keeping boats like new and bringing back the beauty of vessels that have lost their shine. We offer many different levels of services to help keep your boat in the best condition it can be! Most people prefer a full "clean and wax", the reason its in "quotes" like that is because we do so much more then just a simple clean and wax. ​

We truly believe that for the amount of money you are paying, you deserve to be able to enjoy your boat, more than spending your valuable time washing it and take personal pride in each job we do. 

We believe in detailing, not just cleaning. We take our time from the second we get on your boat to make sure it's:

• ​Every compartment gets sponged out
• Any mold or mildew gets treated with a mold/mildew treatment to remove it at the source.
• Place in carpets are removed, sprayed with carpet cleaner and pressure washed.
• Regardless of amount of stuff or if it looks perfectly clean
• ​All seats are scrubbed until the surface is completely clean, and then sealed with our water and dirt repellent sealant

Reconditioning aka Recon

These are what you see on our facebook because it is easier to see in pictures.

• We start with the same wash process. 
• ​This saves us time, which saves you money
• We buff out the scratches, revealing a brand new finish.​
• Then seal with the ceramic coatings

Please be advised that with this process we are removing gelcoat and this can only be done so many times. It is best to keep your boat from getting oxidized by keeping the gelcoat protected with UV protective coating (Wax, Polymers, sealants ect) from day one. This process is also most expensive and should only be done once or twice in the lifetime of the boat. 

Better yet, see us in person!

We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.

Diamond Shine Boat Detailing

34 Meadowbrook Ln, Gilford, NH 03249

(603) 293-0378

Drop us a line!

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Specialty Services

Sometimes your vehicle needs a more specialized touch. We offer an array of specialty services to enhance your exterior or complete details. We also offer comprehensive detailing services for RVs and boats!

Paint Protection Film – Keep your exterior paint job looking its best while protecting it from environmental hazards with the professional installation of paint protection film.

Window Tinting – Give your vehicle a stylish makeover while providing enhanced privacy and exceptional protection against UV rays with our custom window tinting.

RV Detailing – Restore your RV, motorhome, or camper to its former showroom glory with our comprehensive interior and exterior RV detailing.

Boat Detailing – Keep your boat looking its best on the water while protecting it from oxidization, algae, and the elements with our comprehensive boat detailing.

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Every vehicle is a little different and so are everyone’s needs and budget.  Whether you just need your vehicle spruced up, a full detail or you are looking to protect it with a ceramic coating, you can use this tool to get a good idea of what it will cost. When you are finished, you will be able to schedule your customized service if you are ready to have it done.

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