Mobile boat detailer

Private owners of motor boats, sailing yachts and narrowboats, plus brokers and small dealers who need boats presented for sale.

Fixed price by boat length for each service, or a day rate for bigger jobs. Regular wash and wax plans bring repeat income, with seasonal deep cleans as extras.

• Patience and an eye for detail
• Comfortable using polishing machines
• Working outdoors and around water
• Friendly, reliable customer service

• Public liability insurance, ideally covering work on other people's boats and at marinas
• Many marinas and yards have their own contractor rules, insurance requirements or approved lists, so check before turning up
• Check which products are allowed near water, as some marinas restrict harsh chemicals and washing run-off
• Safe working on pontoons, ladders and in confined cabins
• Work is seasonal in many areas, so plan for quieter winter months

Startup costs are typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on the polishing equipment, products and insurance you choose and how you travel between marinas and moorings.

Check you have public liability insurance, ideally covering work on other people's boats and at marinas. Also check each marina's contractor rules, insurance requirements or approved lists, and which products are allowed near water.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £600 to £3,500, depending on how many boats you detail and the services you offer. Work is seasonal in many areas, so plan for quieter winter months. The idea assumes at least around 10 hours a week.