How much does boat detailing cost?
The short version: most detailers price by the foot. In published 2025 and 2026 price lists, a wash and wax typically runs about $15 to $25 a foot, a one-step polish and wax about $30 to $45 a foot, and oxidation correction about $45 to $75 a foot or more. Use the calculator to see a range for your boat.
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.
Typical prices by service
| Service | Per foot | 24-foot boat |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance wash (recurring) | $3 to $7 | $72 to $168 |
| Full wash (one time) | $7 to $10 | $168 to $240 |
| Wash and wax | $15 to $25 | $360 to $600 |
| One-step polish and wax | $30 to $45 | $720 to $1,080 |
| Compound, polish, and protect | $45 to $75 | $1,080 to $1,800 |
| Heavy oxidation with wet sanding | $75 to $140 | $1,800 to $3,360 |
What changes the price
- Condition. More oxidation means more buffing stages, and each stage adds to the per-foot price.
- Size and shape. A tall hull or flybridge has more surface than the length suggests.
- Hull color. Dark hulls show every swirl and take more care.
- Time since the last cleaning. A neglected boat takes much longer the first time.
- Access. A boat in the water is slower to work on than one on a trailer.
- Your area. Resort towns and big-city marinas cost more.
- Extras. Interior work, seats, stain removal, coatings, and travel are priced on top.
Common questions
Why do quotes vary so much?
Detailers price the same length very differently depending on the boat's condition, the number of buffing stages, and the area. A good quote comes after someone sees the boat in person.
Should the detailer see my boat before quoting?
Yes. Photos can be old or misleading, and condition changes the job more than anything else.
Is a cheap detail a good deal?
Not always. A low price often means fewer steps, like a wax over oxidation instead of a correction. Ask what steps are included.
Are you a detailer? See how to quote a boat detail.