Boat detailing and restoration shop

Boat owners wanting a full restoration, dealers preparing trade-ins, brokers and storage yards that send customers your way.

Higher-priced restoration and coating packages charged by boat length, plus ongoing contracts with dealers and brokers for sale-ready cleans.

• Machine polishing and gelcoat restoration
• Quoting jobs accurately
• Building relationships with dealers and brokers
• Managing a workspace and, later, helpers

• Check zoning and your lease for rules on dust, chemicals, fumes and wastewater
• Ask your city, county or state environmental agency about wastewater and chemical disposal rules
• Commercial general liability and coverage for customers' boats while in your care
• Workers' compensation insurance once you hire helpers
• Fixed rent and costs mean you need steady work, especially in off-season months
• Use respirators and good ventilation when working with polishes, coatings and solvents

Startup costs are typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your rented bay or unit, equipment and supplies. These are estimates, and fixed rent means you need steady work, especially in off-season months.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the size of jobs, your pricing and how steady your work is. Fixed rent and costs mean off-season months need planning.

Check zoning and your lease for rules on dust, chemicals, fumes and wastewater, and ask your city, county or state environmental agency about disposal rules. Also check commercial liability cover for customers' boats and workers' compensation once you hire.