What a boat detailing price list is for
Boat owners compare detailers by the foot, and most have no idea what oxidation removal or a coating should cost until they see a list. A price list by boat length, with the condition-based services marked as starting prices, answers the first question every owner asks at the dock and makes your quotes look consistent.
What to put on a boat detailing price list
- Per-foot prices for washes, polish, wax and coatings.
- Interior, teak, metal and canvas services.
- Which services depend on condition, as starting prices.
- In-water versus out-of-water work.
- Travel or dock fees and your marinas.
A worked example
A price list for owners of boats roughly twenty to thirty feet. Add your price per foot to each row.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wash and dry, exterior | 1 | ft | Your price |
| Hull cleaning, waterline stain removal | 1 | ft | Your price |
| Oxidation removal, compound and polish, from | 1 | ft | Your price |
| Wax or sealant | 1 | ft | Your price |
| Ceramic coating, from | 1 | ft | Your price |
| Interior cleaning, vinyl and carpet | 1 | ft | Your price |
| Teak cleaning and oiling | 1 | sq ft | Your price |
| Canvas and bimini cleaning | 1 | each | Your price |
Say in the notes how you measure length, such as overall length including the swim platform. Owners measure differently, and the list should settle it.
Line items boat detailers use
| Line item | Unit | How to write it |
|---|---|---|
| Wash and dry, exterior | ft | Priced per foot of boat length; say whether it is in or out of the water. |
| Hull cleaning, waterline stain removal | ft | Acid-based or gentle cleaners depending on the gelcoat. |
| Oxidation removal, compound and polish | ft | Chalky gelcoat takes more passes; price after a look. |
| Wax or sealant | ft | Name the product and how long it should last. |
| Ceramic coating | ft | Prep included or separate. |
| Interior cleaning, vinyl and carpet | ft | Seats, cockpit floor and storage. |
| Mildew treatment | each | Vinyl seats and canvas. |
| Teak cleaning and oiling | sq ft | Brightening and oil or sealer. |
| Metal and stainless polishing | each | Rails, cleats and hardware. |
| Canvas and bimini cleaning | each | By piece. |
| Bottom cleaning, in water | ft | Diver or out-of-water service. |
| Travel or dock fee | each | If you go to the marina or the owner's dock. |
How to fill it in
- Fill in your business details and service area.
- Check each service and its unit, and add or remove rows.
- Put in your prices and what each includes.
- Print it, post it, or download Word or CSV to edit later.
Free tools for boat detailing
The same price list for other trades: auto detailing, bin cleaning, carpet cleaning, chimney, house cleaning, fleet washing, gutter, handyman, junk removal, lawn care, locksmith, pest control, pool service, pressure washing, snow removal, window cleaning.