What Exactly is Boat Detailing?
Your boat is your escape. It’s where you relax, have fun, and get away from it all. But all that fun in the sun, on the water, and docked at the marina leaves its mark. Boat detailing is a comprehensive cleaning and reconditioning of your vessel from bow to stern. It goes far beyond a simple wash. We get into all the places that are often ignored, using specialized tools and marine-safe products to safely remove grime and restore your boat’s appearance. Think of it as a complete reset for your boat.
A typical full boat detail includes:
- Complete Exterior Wash: A thorough hand wash of all surfaces above the waterline, including the hull, deck, and superstructure.
- Stain and Scum Removal: We target and treat stubborn water lines, algae stains, and other discoloration on your hull.
- Compartment Cleaning: All hatches, lockers, and storage compartments are opened, cleaned out, and wiped down.
- Metal Polishing: We polish stainless steel, chrome, and other metal fixtures to remove tarnish and restore their brilliant shine.
Our BOAT DETAILING Packages
Full Detail
The pricing for this package includes a full detail which includes interior & cabin cleaning.
| Boat Length | Estimated Time | Rate (per ft) | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 20 ft | 6–8 hrs | $30–$35/ft | $600–$700 |
| 21–30 ft | 8–12 hrs | $35–$40/ft | $735–$1,200 |
| 31–40 ft | 12–18 hrs | $40–$45/ft | $1,240–$1,800 |
| 41–50 ft | 18–24 hrs | $45–$50/ft | $1,845–$2,500 |
| 51+ ft | 24+ hrs | $50–$60+/ft | $3,000+ |
Exterior Detailing
| Boat Length | Estimated Time | Rate (per ft) | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 20 ft | 4–6 hrs | $20–$22/ft | $400–$440 |
| 21–30 ft | 6–10 hr | $22–$25/ft | $460–$750 |
| 31–40 ft | 10–14 hrs | $25–$28/ft | $775–$1,120 |
| 41–50 ft | 14–20 hrs | $28–$30/ft | $1,150–$1,50 |
| 51+ ft | 20+ hrs | $30–$35+/ft | $1,530 |
Click below to expand ⇩
This Packages Includes:
- Full paint with clear coat gel coat wash
- Light decontamination wash
- Outdrive and transom
- Marine ceramic sealant
Ceramic Coating
Starting At 244/ft
Designed to shield your boat’s exterior from harsh UV rays, oxidation, and water damage, this service ensures a durable, glossy finish that lasts. Our expert application enhances the look and lifespan of your vessel while making cleaning effortless. Experience long-term protection and superior shine with our professional-grade ceramic coating.
The Real Value of a Professional Detail
Keeping a boat clean isn’t just about looks; it’s about maintenance and preserving your investment. A dirty boat is more than an eyesore; it’s a boat that’s slowly deteriorating.
Regular professional detailing helps prevent long term damage. Algae, bird droppings, and hard water can permanently stain or etch your boat’s gel coat if left for too long. Inside, mold and mildew can take hold, creating an unhealthy environment and unpleasant odors. A thorough cleaning from our team removes these threats and makes your time on the water more enjoyable. It also saves you work. Let’s be real, you bought a boat to enjoy it, not to spend every sunny weekend scrubbing it. We handle the hard work so you can just show up and cast off.
Our Full Detailing Process for Your Boat
Detailing a boat correctly requires a plan. You can’t just start scrubbing and hope for the best. Our experienced technicians follow a proven system to ensure every inch of your vessel gets the attention it needs for a consistent, high quality result.
- Assessment and Prep: We start by inspecting your boat to identify problem areas. We then do an initial rinse to remove loose dirt and debris.
- The Heavy Lifting: We tackle the hull, using specific cleaners to break down the waterline scum and any stubborn stains. This is often the toughest part of the job.
- Topside Deep Clean: Next, we move to the deck and all topside surfaces. We use marine-grade soaps and soft brushes to clean everything without harming the gel coat or non-skid surfaces.
- The Interior Overhaul: With the outside clean, we turn our attention inward. We clean all vinyl and leather with pH-neutral cleaners, and wipe down all interior walls.
- Final Touches: To finish, we clean all glass and clear plastics for a streak free view, polish the brightwork, and apply a high quality marine wax or sealant to the gel coat. This final layer adds shine and makes future cleanups much easier.
Why Choose JREK Autocare for Your Boat?
We’ve been building our reputation in Ottawa for being thorough, using the right products, and genuinely caring about the final result since 2004. Our team is certified and trained to handle all types of surfaces, including the sensitive gel coat and vinyl on your boat. We work with a wide range of vessels, from center consoles/game boats to fishing boats, speedboats, ski boats, wake boats, and even sea-doos. We bring our professional toolkit and passion for shine from the garage to the marina.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boat Detailing
How often should I have my boat detailed?
For most boat owners in the Ottawa area, we recommend a full detail at the beginning and end of the boating season. This gets it ready for the water and then cleans off the season’s grime before storage. Regular washes in between will help maintain its condition.
What's the difference between a boat detail and a car detail?
While the goal is the same, the products and techniques are different. Boats are exposed to a harsher environment and have different surfaces, like gel coat and marine vinyl. We use specific marine-grade products designed to safely and effectively clean these materials.
Will detailing fix an oxidized or chalky gel coat?
A standard detail will clean the surface, but it won’t remove heavy oxidation. If your boat’s gel coat looks faded and chalky, it will likely need a multi-stage polish or gel coat polish service to restore the gloss before the final wax or ceramic coating is applied.
How long does a full boat detail take?
It depends heavily on the size and condition of the boat. A smaller bowrider might take a few hours, while a larger cruiser with a cabin could take a full day or more. We take the time required to do the job right.
Do you offer this as a mobile service at my dock?
Yes. We understand that bringing your boat to us isn’t always practical. We can arrange to perform our boat detailing services at your marina, dock, or storage location. Please contact us to discuss the logistics.
