How To Quote a Boat | Boat Detailing Business Tips

[@nicholassmith8773]

Just started watching your videos and I'm hooked! I just opened a marine services business with a business partner (mechanic/technician). I'm in charge of the detailing aspect and your videos are eye opening, this one especially from the business aspect! I look forward to watching more! Thanks!

[@DrakesDetailing]

Awesome!! Do what I say and you guys will be the best in town!!!!

[@scottpilgram696]

2 yes later how is it going brother?

[@birdmannichols939]

@@scottpilgram696wondering the same i actually had an idea to start a similiar business currently a marine technician lol

[@grndhg86d]

Nice video and good job teaching people to be good to their customers. The whole world could use a bit more of that these days.

[@DrakesDetailing]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks a lot! 💪🔥😎

[@davidolsen4435]

Ive been wantimg to make videos like this for years now and never did it. Glad youre out here putting in the work for us boat detailers!

[@DrakesDetailing]

Never too late to start!

[@jjoy79]

Im a transplant from Roseville California to Orange Beach. Love it!

[@DrakesDetailing]

Awesome! Thanks for the comment!

[@jeffeisenzapf4131]

Thanks for the video it helps us boat detailers out so much and not loose out on money the works so hard got to get paid right looking foward to the next one thanks!!

[@DrakesDetailing]

That’s right! Boat detailing ain’t no joke! Thanks for watching

[@justjon8262]

Absolutely! Very informative! Thank you Drake! Would love to see a video of you returning a boat back to a customer.

[@DrakesDetailing]

I’ll see what I can do! Thanks for watching

[@dually53]

Dude thanks for all the info and how to I really appreciate you for what you do thanks again budd!!!

[@DrakesDetailing]

Thank you! I appreciate this comment !

[@ericd1276]

As always, great info man. I’ve been bingeing on your videos for the last week now

[@kalicoolcat]

thank you, I sell myself short on boats and RVs lmao. and i obviously needed a refresher, i forgot boats have gel and paint. i also had the worst time getting a heavily oxidised aluminum pontoon back to a mirror finish. need to improve always

[@DrakesDetailing]

So glad I could help! I did a video on Aluminum polishing if that helps at all! m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/naDKiqSvn5agiZI

[@anthonypuglisi6748]

Wow I've been under charging! This is my second season (first State Marine Service) your videos are so helpful! How do you do rubrail down on the water? I've had several people ask but taking a little kayak or jon boat does not seem fun

[@DrakesDetailing]

Working in the water is never fun! I usually require the boat to get hauled out. If you need todo it, get one of these! its a game changer! you'll also need some suction cups and rope locks from Home Depot www.amazon.com/Solstice-Swimline-Inflatable-Floating-Dock/dp/B00WXEH1IK/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=solstice%2Bfloating%2Bwork&qid=1610885808&sr=8-1&th=1

[@PerryShriver]

good stuff.👍👍👍👍👍

[@DrakesDetailing]

Thanks 👍

[@MikesAutoDetailing]

Awesome stuff, powerfull info provided

[@DrakesDetailing]

Thanks bro!

[@theteamgreenkids4887]

Nice vid congrats on 3k

[@DrakesDetailing]

Thanks bro!

[@bilalsdetailingpressurewas7997]

Emphatically true, good info. Humbly, one should always charge more for dealing in water. Most chemicals you can't use in waterways or rinse into the water. If you're using chemicals for the interior that aren't EPA okayed or okayed by your state, you can still use them but you must use fresh water & microfiber towels & wipe everything down thoroughly before rinsing, THIS IS EXTRA TIME SO CHARGE. If you're compounding, polishing & applying a wax/sealant below the rubrail, in a DINGHY, it is absolutely exhausting & will take a lot time & most of all, you have to rig your DINGHY to not shift or as much. You EMPHATICALLY MUST CHARGE MORE or.......PLEASE DON'T TAKE THE JOB, PLEASE DON'T!!!!!!

[@DrakesDetailing]

Yep, it’s a lot of work! And the EPA Doesn’t make it any easier! Ha!

[@vipercar9687]

Thanks for the info. Helps me out alot.

[@DrakesDetailing]

Awesome! Thanks for watching

[@executivemarinecarellc5917]

Great stuff, and super informative! 😎⚓

[@DrakesDetailing]

Thank you for watching!

[@Blakeneal407]

Can you make a video on cleaning a scummy bottom of a boat without bottom paint that’s on the trailer I don’t have a boat with a dirty bottom never have but it would be interesting to see the process thanks from Orlando

[@DrakesDetailing]

Sure! When I get a job like that I’ll film it!

[@bubbabubbie1]

Fair quote. You Could go higher. But definitely not lower.

[@DrakesDetailing]

I ended up doing it for $4900

[@detaileast]

Thanks for this dude

[@DrakesDetailing]

🔥👍🏻

[@lestersmith9481]

During my malibu restoration i had a guy tell me he would finish the cutting /polish after i wetsanded for $500 im glad i did it myself. I knew he would either screw it up or try and upcharge me like crazy once he saw the boat in person.

[@DrakesDetailing]

Yeah, haha that is way to cheap for that job

[@brianmarine8533]

All the work that explained for the $3,400 quote, how long would it take you to perform all of that? I recently sanded, buffed and finished and 58’ commercial fishing vessel and it took me by myself almost two weeks. I would comment a pic but I don’t know how. Love your content. I’ve wanted to start a marine detail business for years now

[@DrakesDetailing]

I did a video when I actually started detailing this same boat… this will explain all that actually went into it 😎m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2rEaJqrfth1gZY

[@andrewsanchez9413]

I’m so glad I found you!!

[@DrakesDetailing]

Thank you! I'm glad as well! ha

[@brandydogsdad]

Nice video Drake. How do you market your services to boat owners and how do you get access to Marinas?

[@DrakesDetailing]

I have a strong online presence with a website, google maps. Marines let you in with a fee and insurance

[@davidvanhoosier202]

13:22 you mention a basic package of wash & wax at $25 per foot, Does that mean you would just do a complete wash & then just put wax on the boat without doing any compounding?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Yes, for that price I clean & protect compartments, metal and seats. Its complete detail and wax only

[@davidvanhoosier202]

What kinda wax do you use? Do you just apply the wax on top of the oxidation if customer doesn’t want compounding?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Yes you can, but it may not look good. If you wax over oxidation, it will still look cloudy. Jescar power lock is my go too!

[@8upJoker]

Awesome content as usual. Why are you doing 600 before 400?

[@willfitzgerald1420]

New to your page. Watched several videos. Is there a playlist or can you give me a quick run down. Do you charge separate fee like 15/ft for the sides/hull then 20/ft additional for your wash/wax? Or is that the price point for the inside out side wax? Thanks for the information! Really liking the content so far

[@DrakesDetailing]

watch this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYabqoWwlqeJoa8

[@raypacheco01]

One man army

[@DrakesDetailing]

🔥💪💪

[@correypinkney7316]

Good info

[@emodakbary]

Would you still do steps on the painted sections? Or we don't touch paint? Amazing videos brother!

[@DrakesDetailing]

Hey bro! Yes do all the steps. Formulas are painted entirely

[@emodakbary]

Hey brother. You had mentioned on this video that the paint was really bad at spots. Would you still compound that area? Or just do final steps on those certain areas?

[@sega2229]

How much does only a wash and wax detail take? Hours? days? And do you simply get on the roof with shoes without I’m looking into detailing a boat but I’m more of a car detailer also have a question on how to clean a sail boats pole.

[@DrakesDetailing]

A boat this size about 2 days for wash and wax topside only.

[@emodakbary]

Hey brother. How would you quote a boat if customer only wants the top side done? No hull. the same per foot structure?

[@DrakesDetailing]

I would be about the same.. right around $15 per foot per step.

[@franciscosprott2433]

Test spots are the most effective way of locking in a job.

[@DrakesDetailing]

100% !!

[@scottpilgram696]

Man i want to buy and live on a sailboat.. i wonder if i could get into a businesses like this. How much competition, how hard is it to get going? I feel i could walk docks and ask people if they would like thier boat cleaned... should i try?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Hey bro! Definitely lots of competition. However waking docks and Marina’s are your best way to put yourself out there!

[@davidolsen4435]

Fire!

[@DrakesDetailing]

Thanks!

[@eduardob.d.3925]

How can you make sure you have cut through all the oxidation?

[@DrakesDetailing]

the gel coat should look completely even, NO DULL AND SHINY SPOTS. Like an even mirror

[@skatejoni1]

One question why 2 steps with the wol pad instead of a foam pad i like to dry the wax for 20 minutes and polish it away with wol pad and the otter two steps polishing with foam i think wol Works faster but foam works better for my feeling i dont know You have Some tips?

[@DrakesDetailing]

The wool pad cuts more than foam. I had to use a heavy wool to get those deep scratches out. I didn’t have 2000 grit sand paper so I had to cut with a heavier cutting wool pad The wool pads will leave holograms in the gel coat, always use a foam pad to polish and wax to finish the surface properly.

[@davidshawkinsrealtor]

Quick question? My rotary buffer roughed up my vinyl letters. I had to remove them and get new ones. What do you recommend for customers? How do I not mess them up? Thanks

[@DrakesDetailing]

Try to void them.. or go over them very lightly on a slower speed

[@scoutlife.7765]

So what water do you use on boats, like where do you get your fresh water to rinse it off if there is non provided.

[@DrakesDetailing]

The boat must need to be by running water hookups in order for me to book a job

[@timmclaughlin2108]

Would your pricing be different if you were also doing rub rail down ?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Yes, same structure, however it would be in addition to the top side since it’s a lot more ground to cover on top of what I’m already doing.

[@Tom-oj2sq]

Do you charge vat on top?? Are you only polishing and waxing the top side?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Yes only polishing and waxing the topside since it was in the water,

[@jake_drage]

How do you go about charging customers and getting them to pay...do you require a certain deposit % to be paid before you start detailing a boat? or do you expect the person to pay in full after you have finished the job? I have heard stories of guys getting burn't and not receiving payment afterwards...always chasing money from the odd one that gives you a hard time...

[@DrakesDetailing]

Yes! We require half down before we start and the remainder upon completion!

[@MiaBch1969]

What is "cutting"?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Cutting, is removing an oxidized layer of the gelcoat and exposing a new shiny layer by using a rotary buffer, a wall wheel, and heavy cutting rubbing compound to expose that new layer of shiny gelcoat underneath the oxidized layer.

[@luisromero8103]

How would you price it if you had to do the hull as well?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Hull is around$10- $15 a ft per step

[@BermudaBoss]

Sup man you responded to me the other day so I figured I would ask another?! Awesome videos, where do you get your music, what camera did you use for this? Would I be okay to just use the jescars sealant on gelboat boat with no oxidation? I was looking at 3D speed all in one vs the jescars sealant...

[@DrakesDetailing]

Yes, you can use jescar I also like to top it with mckees 37 hydro pearl. Music I get from epidemic sound And I use a canon m50 for camera

[@BermudaBoss]

@@DrakesDetailing thanks for the reply, awesome!

[@BermudaBoss]

@@DrakesDetailing would I do jescars first then take off with microfiber cloth (after 30 minutes) then wet entire boat again and use the mckees? Would that be the correct order?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Yes exactly, I like to let the jescar cure for about 4 hours or so before getting it wet. So time it right

[@BermudaBoss]

@@DrakesDetailing thanks again good sir!!!

[@jeremyblatz]

How much do you add if the boat is on stands and they want the whole hull done as well?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Based off a per ft price. It’s depends on what compound steps needed to be done. Typically around $15 a ft per step

[@jeremyblatz]

@@DrakesDetailing thanks for the info!

[@DrakesDetailing]

Yes sir!

[@danielmcginnis6630]

On the 40ft Cabin cruiser. If you was doing topside and rub rail down how would you have priced it?

[@DrakesDetailing]

$20 per foot per step

[@danielmcginnis6630]

@@DrakesDetailing so for your bigger boats you wouldn’t charge separate for top then separate for the bottom even tho there larger areas then your smaller bay boats? It would still be $20 a foot per step for the whole thing then add on additional for 2 to 3 story?

[@carlossanchez8534]

Hi Drake, how many hrs went into completing this boat?

[@DrakesDetailing]

It was so long ago I don’t even really remember haha, probably around 40 or so

[@IMAGO0N]

If you HAD to only do a 2 step process for polishing a fairly oxidized boat what would it be? I was thinking a heavy duty compound with a rotary wool pad and then a sealant or wax with a DA. What do you think?

[@IMAGO0N]

also what pad would you use for the DA to minimize swirl marks/holograms?

[@DrakesDetailing]

If I could only do 2 steps, I’d use menzerna 400 on a wool pad and rotary. Then do orange lake country force pad on Da with nautical one one step ceramic polish. That’s a good polish with Si02 in it for protection

[@charleslara4074]

Do you find that owners of bigger boats like 40 ft plus are more hesitant to spend the extra money on the necessary steps such as sanding and such because the estimates are so high? I find alot of people here in Marina del rey constantly complain about owners being cheaop and wont pay for the good work. I will be starting my business in next month!!!

[@DrakesDetailing]

no, I don't really run into people not wanting to pay anymore. People in my area complain about people not wanting to pay too...

[@charleslara4074]

@@DrakesDetailing thanks for the reply. Your channel has inspired me to come up with a business plan and start detailing again!

[@anthonyblack7990]

How would you quote cars and trucks? Same concept or no? I’ve got two brand new cars the owner wants me to seal and wax and not sure where to even remotely quote.

[@DrakesDetailing]

I usually do $150 per Waxing or sealing step, and $250 per compounding and polishing step

[@CaliforniaCasey]

🏆

[@DrakesDetailing]

😎🔥

[@rogergalvez2278]

You do that entire boat in one day?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Haha no... I wish! My next video will about me doing this job! It didn’t really go as planned took about 7 days

[@donpetrey8007]

How about this I get you a fishing trip in Alaska and you polish and detail my 34ft trawler. 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@donpetrey8007]

Still waiting for an answer lol

[@DrakesDetailing]

You pay for my family to come I’ll be there :)

[@donpetrey8007]

@@DrakesDetailing tell me how many and I’ll see what I can do

[@Hydrosilex]

Hey! We'd love to send you some of our Marine products for you to test out. Do you have an e-mail so we can properly reach out?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Yes, [e-mail]

[@Hydrosilex]

@@DrakesDetailing Sent!