Mobile boat detailing

Recreational boat owners, marina members, yacht clubs, charter operators and small dealers.

Priced per foot of boat length or per package (wash, polish, full detail), with extras like oxidation removal, vinyl and canvas care, and seasonal contracts.

• Patience and attention to detail
• Using polishers and buffers safely
• Knowing gelcoat, vinyl and marine materials
• Customer service

• Commercial general liability insurance, ideally covering work on customers' boats
• Many marinas require contractors to show insurance or be approved, so check first
• Rules on washing and wastewater runoff near water, check with your municipality and provincial environment ministry
• Short season in most of Canada, so plan for winter income or off-season work
• Check whether your municipality requires a business licence

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000 CAD, depending on your polishers, products and how you transport your equipment. Insurance is another cost to plan for.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000 CAD, depending on how many boats you detail and your prices. That is revenue, not profit, and the estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week.

Check commercial general liability insurance, ideally covering work on customers' boats, since many marinas require proof of insurance or approval. Also check wastewater runoff rules near water, whether your municipality requires a business licence, and plan for the short season.