Mobile Boat Detailing Near Me: My 15 Years of Keeping Boats Pristine
I’ve been detailing boats in South Florida for 15 years, from Miami’s marinas to Fort Lauderdale’s docks, and I’ve seen every kind of faded gelcoat and mildewed vinyl you can imagine. Last July, a guy named Carlos pulled his Sea Ray 270 into Dinner Key Marina, frustrated because his once-shiny hull looked chalky and dull. I walked the deck with him, pointed out the oxidation, and promised to bring back that showroom shine right there at his slip. By the end, his boat gleamed like new for $2,500, and he was back on the water grinning. If you’re searching for “mobile boat detailing near me,” here’s my guide—based on hundreds of jobs—to finding a service that protects your boat’s value without wasting your time or money.
Table of Contents
What Is Mobile Boat Detailing, and Why Does It Matter?
Mobile boat detailing isn’t just a fancy wash—it’s a full-on restoration that protects your boat from South Florida’s brutal sun and saltwater. I’m talking about shielding your gelcoat from oxidation, keeping vinyl seats from cracking, and stopping mold from turning your cabin into a health hazard. A good detailer comes to your marina or driveway, saving you the hassle of hauling your boat to a shop. It’s not just about looks; it’s about preserving your investment. I’ve seen boats lose 20% of their resale value from neglected finishes—don’t let that be you.
Why Does Saltwater Damage Boats So Badly?
Saltwater’s a killer. It eats away at gelcoat, corrodes metal, and seeps into every crevice. I had a client, Maria, at Key Biscayne last summer whose Boston Whaler 230 had rusty fittings after just two seasons. A $1,200 detailing job with marine-grade protectants saved her from a $5,000 refit. Regular detailing stops this damage cold, keeping your boat’s value intact.
How Does Mobile Detailing Save Time?
Dragging a boat to a shop is a logistical nightmare—trailering, scheduling, waiting. Mobile detailers work at your dock or driveway, often in a day. I detailed a Grady-White 208 at Stiltsville in June 2024, start to finish in six hours, while the owner sipped coffee nearby. You’re back on the water faster, with zero stress.
What Services Should a Mobile Boat Detailer Offer?
A pro detailer doesn’t just scrub and go—they restore and protect every inch of your boat. I’ve done hundreds of jobs, and the best services break down into exterior and interior work. Here’s what you should expect from a top-tier “mobile boat detailing near me” service.
What’s Involved in Exterior Boat Detailing?
Exterior detailing is about bringing back that mirror-like shine and shielding your boat from the elements. Here’s my process, honed over 15 years:
- Wash and Decontaminate: I use marine-grade, pH-neutral soaps to blast away salt and grime, followed by a clay bar to lift embedded pollutants. Last month, I cleaned a client’s Pursuit 3000 at Bahia Mar—took off years of waterline stains.
- Compound and Polish: For oxidized gelcoat, I use a dual-action polisher with 3M compounds to remove chalkiness, then polish for a deep gloss. It’s like sanding a rough diamond smooth.
- Protective Coatings: I apply either marine wax (lasts 3–6 months), polymer sealant (6–12 months), or ceramic coating (1–3 years). Ceramic’s my go-to for long-term UV and stain protection—used it on a Sea Ray 350 last week for $3,000, and it’s still gleaming.
How Do You Keep a Boat’s Interior Clean and Safe?
Interiors take a beating from humidity and salt air. A good detailer goes deep:
- Mold and Mildew Remediation: I use marine-safe biocides to kill spores in damp cabins. A client’s Hatteras 54 at Coconut Grove had a moldy head compartment—fixed it for $800, no regrowth since.
- Vinyl and Upholstery Care: I deep-clean vinyl with dedicated cleaners, then apply UV protectants to stop cracking. Saved a guy’s Intrepid 323 seats from splitting last spring.
- Brightwork and Bilge: I polish stainless steel fittings with Flitz and clean bilges to prevent corrosion. It’s the little things that keep a boat pristine.
How Much Does Mobile Boat Detailing Cost Near Me?
Pricing depends on your boat’s size, condition, and the protection you choose. Most pros, including me, charge per linear foot. Here’s a table I put together from jobs in South Florida:
| Service | Description | Cost per Foot | Typical Boat Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Wash | Hand wash, light cleaning | $15–$30 | 20–40 ft |
| Full Detail | Wash, polish, wax, interior cleaning | $40–$75 | 25–50 ft |
| Restoration with Ceramic | Decontamination, compounding, ceramic coating | $75–$150+ | 30–60 ft |
What Affects Detailing Costs?
- Boat Size: A 50-foot yacht takes more time than a 25-foot center console. My last job on a 60-foot Viking cost $9,000 with ceramic coating.
- Condition: Heavy oxidation or mold spikes labor. A neglected Bertram 35 I worked on last year hit $4,500 due to severe chalkiness.
- Protection Type: Wax is cheapest, ceramic’s priciest but lasts years. I quoted a guy $2,000 for wax versus $3,500 for ceramic on his Sea Ray 310.
How Do I Choose the Right Mobile Boat Detailer Near Me?
Picking a detailer is like choosing a doctor for your boat—you want a specialist, not a generalist. I’ve seen too many owners burned by car detailers who don’t get marine surfaces. Here’s how to find a pro who’ll treat your boat right.
What Makes a Detailer a True Pro?
- Marine Expertise: They should know gelcoat and marine vinyl like I do. A car guy with a pressure washer won’t cut it—gelcoat needs specific compounds.
- Insurance: I always show clients my liability policy. Ask for proof to cover any mishaps.
- Track Record: Check Yelp or ask at your marina. I got a referral at Bahia Mar last summer that led to a $5,000 job on a Riviera 43.
- Inspection: A good detailer walks your boat first. I did this for a client’s Intrepid 375 in July 2024, spotting a gouge that needed extra compounding.
What Questions Should I Ask a Detailer?
- “Do you specialize in marine detailing?” Ensure they know boats, not just cars.
- “What products do you use?” I swear by 3M compounds and Gtechniq ceramic coatings.
- “Can I see your insurance?” Protects you if they scratch your hull.
- “What’s the process for my boat?” They should tailor it to your vessel’s condition.
How Should I Prepare My Boat for Detailing?
Prep work makes or breaks the job. I’ve had clients leave fishing gear or coolers onboard, slowing me down. Here’s how to set up for a flawless finish.
What’s the Prep Checklist?
- Clear the Deck: Remove gear, cushions, anything loose. I lost an hour once digging tackle out of a Robalo 246’s compartments.
- Check Utilities: I bring my own water and power, but some detailers need a spigot or outlet. Confirm beforehand.
- Point Out Issues: Show them stains or scratches. A client at Key Biscayne last month flagged a waterline mark I might’ve missed—saved us both time.
What Results Can I Expect?
Even pros can’t erase deep gouges, but we can minimize them. I told a guy with a scarred Pursuit 3070 last summer that polishing would improve it 80%, and he was thrilled. Rinse with fresh water after outings to extend the coating’s life—takes five minutes, saves hundreds.
FAQ: Common Questions About Mobile Boat Detailing Near Me
What Is Mobile Boat Detailing?
It’s a pro service that restores and protects your boat at your location. I use marine-grade products to clean, polish, and coat, like the $2,500 job I did on a Sea Ray 270. Search “mobile boat detailing near me” to find local pros.
How Often Should I Detail My Boat?
I recommend a full detail every 6–12 months, depending on use. A client’s Hatteras 54 got a $3,000 ceramic coating last year—still looks great. Basic washes monthly keep it pristine.
Why Is Marine Detailing Different from Car Detailing?
Boats face saltwater and UV rays, which wreck gelcoat and vinyl. I use 3M marine compounds, not car polishes, to restore shine. Car detailers often miss this, ruining finishes.
How Long Does Mobile Detailing Take?
A full detail takes 4–8 hours, depending on size. I finished a Grady-White 208 in six hours at Stiltsville. Bigger yachts might need two days for restoration.
What’s the Best Protective Coating?
Ceramic coatings last 1–3 years, outshining wax or sealants. I applied Gtechniq to a Viking 48 for $4,000—still flawless after a year. Wax is cheaper but fades faster.
How Do I Find a Reliable Detailer Near Me?
Check reviews on Yelp or ask at marinas like Bahia Mar. I got a $5,000 job from a referral there. Always verify insurance and marine expertise.
Can I DIY Boat Detailing?
Basic washes are fine, but pros handle compounding and coatings better. I showed a buddy how to wax his Robalo 206 for $50, but ceramic needs my gear and know-how.
Why Is Detailing Worth the Cost?
It protects your boat’s value—neglect can cut resale by 20%. My $2,000 detail on a Boston Whaler 230 saved a $5,000 refit. It’s peace of mind.
Conclusion: Protect Your Boat, Enjoy the Water
Searching “mobile boat detailing near me” isn’t just about a clean boat—it’s about protecting your investment and maximizing your time on the water. I’ve seen owners like Carlos at Dinner Key turn frustrated frowns into grins when their boats shine again. Choose a marine specialist with insurance and a solid track record, and opt for a ceramic coating if you want long-term protection. Walk your boat this weekend, check for oxidation or mildew, and call a pro for a consultation. A $2,000–$5,000 detail now can save you $10,000 later—and keep your vessel looking like you just drove it off the lot.
Author Bio
I’m Alex, a marine detailing pro with 15 years of experience in South Florida, from Miami to Fort Lauderdale. I’ve restored 300+ boats, from center consoles to yachts, using 3M and Gtechniq products. ABYC-trained and fully insured, I’m passionate about keeping boats pristine.
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