Marina Hull Cleaning and Underwater Boat Service
Dive to clean hulls, change props and zincs, and clear lines for boat owners and marinas in your area.
- $4k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
What it is
A small mobile diving service for boats on moorings and in slips. You clean hulls and running gear, replace zinc anodes, inspect props and free fouled lines, working from a truck and a small boat or the dock.
Your first three steps
- Get diver training and certification, and consider a commercial diving course if you plan to work for pay regularly
- Visit marinas in your zip code to learn their rules for outside divers, then price your service against local competitors
- Buy your dive and hull cleaning gear, get insurance, and offer a discounted first clean to a few boat owners to build a route
Who pays
Recreational boat owners, yacht managers, marinas, charter and fishing operators, and small commercial vessel owners.
How it makes money
Price per foot of boat length for hull cleaning, usually on a monthly or quarterly schedule. Extra charges for zinc changes, prop work and one-off recovery jobs.
Skills that help
- Comfortable and safe diving
- Basic boat and propeller knowledge
- Reliable scheduling and customer service
Watch out for
- Diving for pay may fall under OSHA commercial diving rules, check what applies to a solo or small operation
- Some states and marinas restrict in-water hull cleaning, especially on copper antifouling paint, so check state and local rules
- Marinas often require proof of insurance and may limit or license outside divers
- Check marine general liability coverage and what your policy says about work in the water
- Diving alone is risky, plan for a dive buddy or tender and emergency procedures
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a hull cleaning dive business?
Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your dive gear, vehicle, whether you use a small boat or work from the dock, and your insurance. Treat these as estimates and get real quotes before committing.
How much can a hull cleaning diver earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many boats you service, your prices and your local customer base. The idea assumes at least 12 hours a week. These are estimates, and revenue is not profit.
What rules should I check before starting a hull cleaning business?
Check whether OSHA commercial diving rules apply to a solo or small operation. Check state and local limits on in-water hull cleaning, especially on copper antifouling paint. Marinas may require proof of insurance and limit outside divers. Check marine liability coverage and plan for a dive buddy or tender.
Other ways to run this business
Similar trades ideas
Custom millwork from a home workshop
Build custom trim, moldings and interior doors to order from a garage or backyard shop.
- $4k-20k
- Side hustle
- From home
Parking lot striping service
Repaint parking stalls, arrows and fire lanes for property managers, shops and churches in your area.
- $4k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Brick and stone repair specialist
Fix chimneys, steps, walls and brickwork for homeowners, working solo from your truck.
- $4k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile glass and mirror repair
Drive to homes and small buildings to measure, replace and install glass panes, mirrors and tabletops.
- $4k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Local air filter supplier to businesses and fleets
Deliver replacement filters to local garages, HVAC companies, offices and fleets on a regular schedule.
- $4k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile air compressor repair
Drive to auto shops, contractors and small factories to fix and service their air compressors on site.
- $4k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Photo: cosmoerik on Pixabay