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Author Topic: How much should a boat detail cost?  (Read 4041 times)

Offline Westside88

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Re: How much should a boat detail cost?
« Reply #15 on: May 24, 2021, 06:07:15 AM »
I would expect $500-$600, but I’m betting it was closer to double that

Offline luvmystang67

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Re: How much should a boat detail cost?
« Reply #16 on: May 24, 2021, 09:45:28 AM »
He charged me $500, I gave him 540.

He did a single step process on the outside, above the water line.  Its clean, but I wouldn't say its shimmering where it was dull before.  Topside bow is still a bit dull, but looks nice enough.  He DID do the inside seating area for me (not the cuddy, but the seating area).

Seemed like a good guy, we just had a misunderstanding and then I felt like I was getting a raw deal.  Sounds like it was pretty spot-on from your comments. 

On a positive note, I was trying to sell the boat and already have a $500 deposit towards the sale, so while its still in my yard, I think we're close!

Thanks for the comments everyone.

Offline Stein

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Re: How much should a boat detail cost?
« Reply #17 on: May 24, 2021, 10:33:56 AM »
That's the challenge with boat (and car) details, many times, a single step just won't make much of a difference.  Multi step processes are time consuming and expensive but there is only so much you can do with a single step since you won't be able to go over it again.  You can only use a fairly fine polish instead of a more aggressive pad and compound necessary to take out scratches, oxidation and other contaminants.

I'm about half done with my older truck, it's taking 3 steps to get the paint to look like someone actually did something other than a wash.  One aggressive, second was lighter pressure and third with a lighter pad and compound to take the previous pass marks out.  Fourth step is the coating.  That's after a thorough wash, iron remover, clay bar and another wash, so 7-8 steps in total.

Unfortunately, there aren't any shortcuts.  Single steps are only good for surfaces already in good to great shape and will only take out the most minor swirls, very shallow scratches and shine it up a bit.  It's not going to be a big difference unless you have a dark finish that is really swirly or has quite a few very shallow scratches.

Most buyers aren't going to look that close at the finish, sounds like you got enough done to make a difference and get it in someone else's driveway.

Offline Kola16

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Re: How much should a boat detail cost?
« Reply #18 on: May 24, 2021, 11:32:19 AM »
I have detailed all of my fiberglass boats multiple times (usually 1 step), and you would have to wave $1000 in front of me to get me to do someone else's :chuckle: It is a chore for sure...
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Offline PolarBear

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Re: How much should a boat detail cost?
« Reply #19 on: May 27, 2021, 11:54:36 AM »
This

 


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