Boat Detailing Suggestions

T

tpgsr

New member
Well, me and Corey detailed a 32ft. cruiser the other day, and i actually enjoyed it. I have been detailing cars professionally for quite some time, and have gained a solid reputation. I decided the other day that i am going to push my skills into the boaters realm.



What i need are some suggestions from everyone. Wether you have detailed 1 or 100, i would like your input.



1) Use the PC, or my Dewalt rotary to polish? - I used the PC

2) I tried out a couple different polishes, and while none were great, i liked the new pinnacle swirl remover, what do you recommend for a heavy cut, medium cut, and mild polish. I know WHEN each should be used, just not what brands and specific products to use. (It is funny i liked the pinnacle on the boat since i HATED it on vehicle paint)



3) I am getting Woody wax for the non skid areas, any other suggestions

4) Plexus vs. Meguiars plastic polish?



5) I am using collinite insulator wax, I love the stuff, anything better?? What about a good cleaner wax for the ones that just want a one step?



6) Is car wash soap with a SUV wash brush good enough, or should i actually but marine wash, I assume they are pretty much the same stuff



7) any other suggestions?? I am all ears on this one. I always strive for perfection, and i am constantly learning more and more on automotive finishes, now it is time to learn about boats and gelcoat care.



Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to offer



Mike
 
Non-skid is your worst enemy when cleaning boats. You need a good non-skid cleaner (I use Meguiar's with success), a stiff brush, and physical effort. There are several non-skid waxes on the market in addition to Woody Wax.



Pick up a bottle of Mary Kate On & Off. It is a strong cleaner used for difficult stains.
 
Hello Mike,



I currently detail boats for five marinas and Marine Max. I will try to answer your questions:



1. I currently use both a pc and dewalt on boats. 80% of the time all I use is my portal cable with either a cutting or polishing pad. I use my dewalt for those really nasty boats were people do not take care of them and the boat is really oxidized.



2. I have tried different polishes like your self, but have found that my customers like the shine that Meguairs boat polish put out. One other that great one is 3m finessit II polish which does a great job but works best with the dewalt on 1000 rpm and a good polishing pad. I do a three step process with using either Hammerhead cleaner wax or Hella Glanz cleaner wax as the first step. It removes all light to medium oxidation and use it with a pc and a cutting pad. Then use the Megs polish and then top it off with a good wax. I only use 3m heavy compound for the bad oxidation. None others have worked the way 3m does. For medium oxidation to light I use either Hammerhead, Hella Glanz Cleaner wax, or 3m light compound. From experience, one of those will work so it is just a matter of preference. As for what to use first: the best answer is try a little on a terry cloth pad to see if you can remove it. Remember to start with the lightest compound and then go backward to heavy.



3. The best Non-skid wax is either Woody's or Aurora. Those are the only ones I like. Use Soft Scrub with bleach to remove any nasty stains on the non-skid with a stiff brush.



4. Plexus is the best I think.



5. Meguiars, Hammerhead and Dak Labs all have one step cleaner waxes so it is your choice.



6. I use either Meguiars boat soap or car soap. Just be sure it is biodegradable and it should not be a problem.



7. As for suggestions - go with your gut on what is the best product. I have tried so many and still have a lot of them in my garage that did not perform as expected. Detail a boat as you would a $100,000 dollar car and the customer will never complain. One suggestion - Make sure the customer signs off on the boat within 24/48 hours after you finish detailing. I have run into a few customers (2) that came back after three weeks complaining about something. Check out my boats at www.detailscubed.com. I am still booked out 10 days in advance on boats and lately have little time for cars which I miss sometimes for a change. Once word gets around on your quality of work then the fan hits and you will be working 7 days a week come spring. Shoot me an email if you have any other questions [email protected]. Also do you live near NJ?



Cheers



Rick





tpgsr said:
Well, me and Corey detailed a 32ft. cruiser the other day, and i actually enjoyed it. I have been detailing cars professionally for quite some time, and have gained a solid reputation. I decided the other day that i am going to push my skills into the boaters realm.



What i need are some suggestions from everyone. Wether you have detailed 1 or 100, i would like your input.



1) Use the PC, or my Dewalt rotary to polish? - I used the PC

2) I tried out a couple different polishes, and while none were great, i liked the new pinnacle swirl remover, what do you recommend for a heavy cut, medium cut, and mild polish. I know WHEN each should be used, just not what brands and specific products to use. (It is funny i liked the pinnacle on the boat since i HATED it on vehicle paint)



3) I am getting Woody wax for the non skid areas, any other suggestions

4) Plexus vs. Meguiars plastic polish?



5) I am using collinite insulator wax, I love the stuff, anything better?? What about a good cleaner wax for the ones that just want a one step?



6) Is car wash soap with a SUV wash brush good enough, or should i actually but marine wash, I assume they are pretty much the same stuff



7) any other suggestions?? I am all ears on this one. I always strive for perfection, and i am constantly learning more and more on automotive finishes, now it is time to learn about boats and gelcoat care.



Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to offer



Mike
Click to expand...
 
I detail a few boats a yr here in NJ. For newer boats with gelcoat in good shape, I use zaino and it seems to have unmatched durability on fiberglass.



On neglected finishes (UV fading,etc), I use a rotary, with a wool pad. I only use 3M abrasives. For the toughest jobs, I use super duty compound, and for lighter jobs I use Finesse it or equal. I'm not a fan of carnuba wax on boats, it just doesnt last. The exception is Collinite...not a bad selection. I have found that NU FINISH works well on boats and is very durable. While I would not use it on a car, the gelcoat is tougher and the chemicals and abrasives in NU FINISH really get a good bite. It is also great for removing fillers and oils from the polishing step you just completed without washing in between.



I wouldn't wax nonskid surfaces, they are meant for walking on and you don't want to slicken up the surface! For stain removing I use AMAZING ROLL OFF. Down by the water line, I use an even harsher formulation for stains called ON/OFF. I have yet to find a stain that it won't remove. After the boat is waxed I wash it after each use with a mild automotive car wash....usually something I can get an a gallon size for a good price (GOLD GLASS, WESTLEY'S,etc)
 
Boat product choices:



Polish= 3m finesse it 2, 3m perfect it machine glaze, 3m compound and finishing material



Wax= Collinite 845 super heavy duty paste wax, Meguiar's #16, collinite super double coat(same as 845), 3m perfect it show car wax or ultra performance paste wax(same product)



Wax for nonskid= Woodys



Far as polishers go, the rotary is superior and that is all I use on boats PERIOD!!!!!!!! If I use an orbital at all, its to apply a cleaner wax on the top sides.
 
:up thanks for the great suggestions so far. I think that this is going to be a great thread just because doing a search both here and detail city, there is no real informative Marine thread. I will post up some of what i know soon, but i want to hear others suggestions, and how you good folks handle marine detailing



Thanks again
 
Oh, what about pricing? I charged the last guy $30/hr. and had myself and my buffalo employee Corey out with me. Should i be charging by the hour, or by the foot with different rates depending on each different level of service?? Reason i ask, is i am trying to make up some nice brochures that i can clip a bouy keychan to, and leave out on all of the boats in the marina. I dont really know how else to market to these folks.



Would anyone mind posting what they charge either /hour, or per foot by service level?



EDIT: oh, I am out in rochester and buffalo Rick, that is near lake ontario and erie, opposite side of the state from NJ
 
Check with the marina(s) before you put brochures on all of the boats. Soliciting may not be allowed.



Ask the marina office if you can post a brochure or have a stack of brochures available for taking. A lot of marinas have little stores or bait shops that many people go into.
 
TW85 HHI said:
Check with the marina(s) before you put brochures on all of the boats. Soliciting may not be allowed.



Ask the marina office if you can post a brochure or have a stack of brochures available for taking. A lot of marinas have little stores or bait shops that many people go into.
Click to expand...





well that goes without saying :)



Im really not a noob in the professional world be it detailing or what have you, i have been in business for several years, and have numerous other business achievements.



But thanks, i know you meant no harm or foul :)







Some of the exclusive marinas around here are gated with an electronic key tag for entry! Those i will really have to go sell myself to the Manager/owner of the marina





Any price suggestions, i always have an issue creating pricing tables i dont know why??
 
tpgsr said:
well that goes without saying :)



Im really not a noob in the professional world be it detailing or what have you, i have been in business for several years, and have numerous other business achievements.



But thanks, i know you meant no harm or foul :)
Click to expand...



I said what I did for more than one reason. I hate having flyers and brochures put under the windshield wiper of my car or left on my doorstep and many others feel the same way. Anything I find on my property that I did not ask for solicitation wise goes straight into the trash.



The marina office is your best bet. :) But you knew this...;)
 
Mike, I've seen some 3M polishes back at Hutchins (specifically at the one in Niagara Falls errrr CARQUEST now). If I'm by there I'll swing by and write down what products they have for you, and what prices :)
 
I work for a yacht club on the cape and when we prep peoples boats for summer we use "Y-10" on the hull. It takes off yellow/brown scum along the waterline better than anything else I have seen.

That stuff is amazing but it works so well you need to do the entire hull or the area that was yellow will be cleaner than the rest of the hull! :)
 
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