Mobile Boat Cleaning Services in Vero Beach, Florida, and the Treasure Coast
Topside Boat Cleaning provides two general boat cleaning services. Wash and Wax and Oxidation Removal. Every boat gets a Wash and Wax, every boat needs washing at least once a month and waxing several times a year. Oxidation Removal applies to boats that have been exposed to the “Florida Sun” and need extra work before they can be waxed.
This page gives you a description of my services and pricing for them.
Detailing Services
Topside Boat Cleaning provides two general boat cleaning services. Wash and Wax and Oxidation Removal.
Wash and Wax
Every boat receives a Wash and Wax. This is the basic cleaning and waxing of any boat. Here is a brief list of what that includes.
- Topside and Hull Washing
- Non-skid and Sea Deck cleaning
- Vinyl seat cleaning and UV protection
- Compartment cleaning
- Mold and mildew removal
- Bright work polishing
- Waxing – Topside and T-top
- Waxing – Hull from rub rail to waterline
Oxidation Removal
Most boats need to be rescued from the effects of the Florida Sun. This requires removing the effects from exposure to the elements – oxidation. You see oxidation as a dullness of surfaces and, in extreme cases, as a layer of chalky powder over the surface. To remove dullness and powder, we have to run a rotary buffer with a gritty paste (a compound) over the oxidized surface. We make a pass with a heavy compound to remove the oxidation and follow it with a medium, less aggressive, compound to remove the swirl-like marks caused by the heavy compound’s buffing pad. Each pass we call a “step.”
In severe cases, we have to wet sand before we can compound. We do this when the surface is chalky – it leaves a white powder on your hand when you wipe it across the surface – or when the surface is obviously cloudy. Thus, wet sanding is the first step. Consequently, removing oxidation can require from one to three steps.
I will make an estimate of how many steps it will take to remove the oxidation from your boat and then base my quote to do the job on that. I will also include price variations if I have to do more steps. If you accept my quote, I will do test areas when I start to work to make sure what I propose will remove all the oxidation or if more or even fewer steps are needed.
The link Detailing gives you some insight into the process of oxidation removal and the results possible.
Other Services
Besides cleaning, washing, oxidation removal, and waxing, some boats have special needs. Below is a list with prices.
| Isinglass cleaning and polishing | $10-$20 per panel |
| Window Cleaning (not windshields) | $10 per window |
| Window treatment for hard water spots | $75 per hour |
| Decal removal and subsequent compounding | $75 per hour |
| Non-skid detailing or compounding | $75 per hour |
| Excessive cushion mildew removal | $25 per seat |
| Scum removal | $75-$100 |
| Rust Removal from Props | $25-$50 per prop |
| T-top with tower – aluminum/stainless cleaning | $75 per hour |
| Excessive rust on stainless, often on sailboats | $75 per hour |
| Barnacle Removal | $100 per hour |
| Hard water fee (due to extra steps needed to rinse) | 10% of total invoice |
Pricing
The pricing of my mobile boat detailing services in Vero Beach, FL, and the Treasure Coast, is given below and gives you an idea of the costs involved in detailing your boat. The basic cleaning, washing, and waxing a boat runs between $12 and $30 per foot, depending on the length of the boat, type of boat, and its location (trailer, lift, dock, or mooring). If your boat needs oxidation removal, prices range from $5 to $25 per foot per step for each the topside and hull.
Because boats are maintained differently and their condition varies greatly, prices can be adjusted to your needs and budget.
Below is a summary of the pricing for the various kinds of boats and services.
additional comments
Estimates. All prices can be adjusted for your needs, budget, schedule, and condition of your boat. I will look at your boat and give an estimate for whatever service you need. For boats that need compounding before waxing, I will test a section to see if compounding will do the trick or if I need to wet sand it first. I may, therefore, have to change my original estimate if I did not include wet sanding. I will not wax a boat unless all the oxidation is removed.
Maintenance. If you need your boat maintained with an occasional washing and cleaning, we can agree on a frequency and specific detailing services for maintaining your boat. I will clean and wash your boat and take care of any issues that arise, such as rust or mildew. The cost is from $5 a foot. Typically, the topside needs to be waxed every three months or so and the hull every 6 to 9 months.
Seasonal. I can also clean and wax your boat before you head north for the summer and clean it for you when or before you get back. Even if a boat is covered, dirt and mildew find a way for infiltrating the coverings.
Marina Fees. If a marina charges me a fee for detailing your boat, I will pass the fee onto you. These can range from $10 per day to $15 per hour.
Deposits. A nonrefundable deposit is required on all jobs that take more than a day to reserve a service date and assist with material costs.
Travel Fees. I also charge an extra $50 per day for services south of Fort Pierce and north of Sebastian and $75 beyond Stuart and Melbourne per day. A cleaning, buffing, and waxing can take 3 days or more, depending on the size of the boat.
I want your boat to be as clean and shiny as possible, so I am willing to work with you to make your boat beautiful once again.
Please contact me with any questions regarding the prices of our mobile boat detailing services in Vero Beach, Florida, and the Treasure Coast.