Questions & Answers

 

Q- How do I know what condition my gel coat is in?

A - Shiny, Slick & No cloudiness =  Excellent >  Just wax

Shiny, Slick with some cloudiness = Lightly Oxidized> compund recommended & wax

Smooth but no shine = Heavy Oxidation> Agressive compound & wax

Ruff to touch No shine = Severe Oxidation> Wet sand Compound & wax

 

 

Q- How Long Will My Detail Last?

        A- There are many factors that will deterime how long your new wax application will last. 

 How your boat is stored,  Weather, Products used to clean between wax applications

Quality of gel coat from manufacturer

There are 3 different levels of Gel-coat (low ,med, & high uv protection)

 

Q- How is my Estimate Determined?

A - A estimate starts with the condition of the Gel Coat.

There are different levels of deterioration. Each level requires different steps. 

A experienced detailers will look & touch the surface to determine how many stages it will require to bring back the shine and protect the New surface. 

A Estimate will cover each stage required.  

Keep in mind

(Topside Rub Rail Up) & (Hullside Rub Rail To waterline) are billed separate

 

Q- What makes my Price Go Up?

A- If your metals are rusted more than a little the fee will be higher

If your boat is Extramly dirty, molded , stained etc the price will be higher.

If your hatches are full of stuff the price will be higher

Accessing your boat, are all sides easely accessible?

If your boat requires Moving, Turning,  Raising, Lowering , Climbing etc.

The price will be higher.

Basicly If it will take more time than normal the price goes up. 

 

 Q- What does my Estimate cover?

A-  People often wonder why Detailing cost what it does, Here are things to keep in mind when receiving a Estimate.

1. Is your detailer mobile? If so, Take into consideration Time, Gas & Toll fees to get too and from your boat. How many days the detailer needs to complete job.  If it takes 5 days to do your boat thats is two trips a day 10.00 to 20.00 a day for gas adds up quick. 50.00 to 100.00 for 5 days. 

2. Equipment/ Tools. Professional tools are not cheap. Buffers cords backing pads ladders sanders grinders  Wash brushes ect.

3. Supplies, Professionl products to clean & protect your boat include  

Compounds, Wax, Compounding pads, Wax Pads, Wax Applicators, Microfibers, Sand paper Stain removers, Mold removers, Degreasers,

 Metal cleaner/ protecters, Vinyl protectors,  this just a few to name. 

4. Then of course there is Labor. Detailing is very hard work.  If you dont believe me, Spend a day with me lol im sure you will be convinced by the end of the day. 

5. If your boat is at a Service Marina.

All Service Marinas charge a contractor fee, a minimum of 10% of what the contractor makes off each boat.

Then there is Insurance and tax

So keep all this in mind when you receive your estimate. 

 

Q- How can I tell A Professional from the kid down the street?

A- there are several ways you will know a Professional

1. Price, keep in mind the fees and expense's  , If someone bids to low be Leary. 

2.  Find out If they work at Marinas. If they do then they have to cary Insurance.

To get Insurance They have to be Licensed

3. Ask for refferences

 

Q- Is there anything I can do to Help reduce the cost?

A- The best thing to help keep your cost low is to keep your wax  maintained and boat  some what clean.

Most of the expese comes from having to remove oxidation, mold, and stains.

 

Q- Whats the difference in a Detail & A Restoration?

A- If your Boat Is Severely Oxidized and Requires more than A compound & wax

then It is considered a Restore. 

 

Q- How To Tell If your boat is severely Oxidized,

A- Rub your hand on it, If it feels rough to the touch It is severely Oxidized.

If you can wet a spot and there is a big difference in color It Is severely oxidized.