How to Start a Boat Cleaning Business

Looking for a cheap part-time or full-time business? Start a yacht and boat detailing business that can help you earn more money than your full-time job. If you live in a coastal city, this is the ideal business. Follow the advice below to be on your way to financial independence.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• 1500 PSI electric power washer
• Wet/dry shop vac
• 7-inch professional waxer/sander
• Inflatable boat
• Sponge
• Bucket
• 20 wash cloths
• Large plastic brush with telescopic handle
• Small brush
• 280 to 300 grit sandpaper
• Metal polisher with UV protector
• Boat soap
• hydrochloric acid
• Compound paste wax
• Spray wax with carnauba
• Marine vinyl cleanser
• Bleach
• Degreaser
• Wood oil
• Business cards

Get Started

1. Fill out a business license application as required by federal, state and city laws.
2. Go to the Mobileworks website to get ideas on supplies and help with detailing resources. Purchase and gather all items listed in the "Things" section. Avoid buying used items; take advantage of manufacturers´ guarantees.
3. Set up pricing after investigating the competition. Offer a low monthly fee for detailing boats or yachts on a regular basis. Be flexible.
4. Place magnetic signs on your car doors or put stick-on vinyl letters containing company name and phone number on rear window.
5. Visit marinas and ask managers for referrals. Leave business cards to hand out to customers.
6. Wait for customers to call. Avoid giving clients a bid without first seeing the condition of the boat or yacht.

Clean the Boat's Outside

7. Secure and store loose items. Ensure all windows and doors are tightly shut. Avoid getting water on cockpit electronics and inside cabin.
8. Power wash boat from top to bottom with boat soap to rid boat of dirt and bugs. Pre-soak boat canvas in degreaser then use a brush to clean off dirt. Rinse with power washer.
9. Use a hydrochloric acid solution to get barnacles and scum off the bottom of the boat. Follow instructions carefully this product is harmful to skin and painted surfaces. Rinse product off with power washer.
10. Scrub the out side of the boat or yacht with the large plastic brush. Rinse with plain water using the power washer.
11. Polish chrome with metal polisher. Sand wood surfaces with 280 to 300 grit sandpaper; if worn, then oil.
12. Clean glass surfaces with window cleaner.
13. Put a light coat of wax on all painted surfaces and bottom of the boat. Let dry and use professional waxer to buff the boat or yacht.

Clean the Boat's Inside

14. Fill bucket with water and a small amount of bleach and degreaser. Remove mold using mixture and small brush. Avoid getting mixture on glass surfaces.
15. Vacuum rugs, hard to reach areas and under vinyl seats.
16. Wipe vinyl seats with damp cloth first. Use marine vinyl cleaner to protect seat covers. Let it dry and buff with a dry wash cloth.
17. Scrub the cockpit floor with degreaser to remove all streaks, then rinse.
18. Dry cockpit area with wash cloths. Lay towels down to walk on.
19. Spray wax lightly over entire cockpit and buff. Use metal polisher on chrome surfaces.
20. Pay attention to details. Nothing is worse than getting a call from an unsatisfied client. Provide excellent customer service, ask for referrals and watch your business grow.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a life vest when working around water.
• Keep electrical cords away from water.
• Wear dock siders or aqua socks when walking around a boat to avoid slipping.
• Adhere to all EPA guidelines when using detailing chemicals, which can be poisonous to fish and wildlife.