The short version: Price by the foot for each service, see the boat in person, and let condition set the number of buffing stages. Check every quote against how long the job really takes, and do not underquote out of fear of losing the job. Use the calculator below for typical market ranges.
On this page: Pricing calculator Decide the scope Price by the foot See the boat in person What goes into the price Check it against time Minimums and deposits Mistakes that cost money Common questions
Pricing calculator
Enter the boat, pick the service, and check what applies. The range is the typical market price. The starting point moves toward the top of the range as you check more factors.
Ranges come from published 2025 and 2026 detailer price lists and pricing guides. The starting point is a simple guide, not a rule: each factor you check moves it toward the top of the range. Prices vary by area and by detailer, so get a quote from someone who sees the boat in person.
Decide the scope
- Wash and dry only
- Wash and wax or sealant
- Correction (compound and polish) plus protection
- Specialty work, such as stain removal, vinyl, or coatings
Each scope is a different price, because each takes a different amount of time and skill.
Price by the foot
Most detailers price by the boat's length, and so do we. Larger boats have more surface to cover. Each service has its own per-foot rate, and correction is priced by the number of buffing stages.
See the boat in person
Always look at the boat before you quote. Photos can be old or misleading, and owners often describe the condition as better than it is.
What goes into the price
- Condition. Heavier oxidation means more buffing stages, and each stage adds to the per-foot price.
- Size and shape. A tall hull, a flybridge, or a lot of surface for its length takes longer than the length suggests.
- Hull color. A dark hull shows every swirl and needs more care at the polish stage.
- How long since it was last cleaned. A neglected boat takes much longer the first time.
- Access. A boat in the water or in a tight slip is slower to work on than one on a trailer.
- Your area. Resort towns and big-city marinas pay more than quieter areas.
- Extras. Interior work, seats and vinyl, stain removal, coatings, and travel are priced on top.
- Your time. Whatever the factors, the price has to cover your real hours.
Check it against time
Estimate the hours, multiply by what you need to earn per hour, and compare it to your quote. If the numbers do not match, one of them is wrong. Track your real hours on early jobs so the next quote is better.
Minimums and deposits
Some detailers set a minimum charge so a tiny job still covers travel and setup, or take a deposit on big correction jobs. We do not, but either can protect you. Decide up front whether travel, supplies, and water access are included.
Mistakes that cost money
- Quoting without seeing the boat. The condition is almost always worse than the photos.
- Underquoting out of fear of losing the job. A low price attracts customers who want the most for the least, and you end up working for free.
- Pricing a heavily oxidized boat like a clean one
- Not tracking time, so you never learn your real rate
Common questions
Should I give a flat price or an hourly rate?
Price by the foot for each service. It is easy for customers to understand and easy to compare. Use your hours to check that the per-foot price is high enough.
Should I look at the boat before quoting?
Yes. We always see the boat in person before quoting, because photos can be old or misleading.
If you buy through a link on this page, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How that works. Last checked October 2026.
Timmy Mohar, Nautical Glow Marine
I run a boat detailing business in Southwest Florida and on the North Coast of Ohio. I have spent every year of my life around boats and taking care of them. About this site