Why price per foot instead of per job?

Because hull surface scales with length and it's the number every boat owner already knows. Per-foot pricing lets you quote over the phone accurately, which is most of what wins the job.

How much more is oxidation correction?

Several times a wash-and-wax, because it's compounding and polishing rather than cleaning. Quote it as its own tier after seeing the boat — chalky gelcoat varies enormously and a phone quote here loses money.

Should interior be included in the per-foot rate?

No. Interior time depends on layout, upholstery, and how the boat's been used, not on length. Quote it hourly or as a flat per-boat package.

What about ceramic coating?

Its own tier at a substantial premium, quoted after inspection. It requires correction first, and pricing it as an add-on to a wash understates the prep that makes it last.

How Much to Charge for Boat Detailing Per Foot

Essential pricing components for boat detailing per foot

A profitable marine detailing and gelcoat restoration business relies on accurate length overall (LOA) per-foot tier pricing, gelcoat oxidation scoring, marina mobilization fees, and separate interior flat rates:

Per-Linear-Foot Base Wash & Wax ($12–$18 per foot): Standard hull wash, nonskid deck scrubbing, stainless steel rail polishing, glass wiping, and marine spray wax protection.
Medium Oxidation Compound & Polish Tier ($22–$35 per foot): Rotary wool-pad compounding to remove moderate sun haze and chalkiness, followed by foam-pad finishing polish and sealant.
Heavy Gelcoat Restoration Tier ($35–$65 per foot): Multi-stage wet sanding (1000/2000 grit), heavy rotary wool compounding, polish, and marine polymer sealant for severe chalky gelcoat.
Marine Ceramic & Graphene Coating Tier ($45–$95 per foot): 2-to-3 year professional marine ceramic coating application on hull sides, topsides, and outboard motor cowlings.
Separate Cabin Interior Flat Rates ($150–$450): Deep cabin interior cleaning, head sanitization, galley detailing, and leather/vinyl conditioning billed as a separate flat rate.
Marina Mobilization & Dock Call Fees ($45–$95): Mobile service van travel charge covering marina parking, generator fuel, and hauling heavy water hoses down long gangways.

Free Boat Detailing Pricing & Invoice Text Template

Copy and paste the template below to build professional marine detailing invoices:

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          BOAT DETAILING PER-FOOT PRICING & INVOICE TEMPLATE
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MARINE DETAILER INFO:                      INVOICE & VESSEL DETAILS:
[Your Marine Detailing Company Name]       Invoice Number: MAR-2026-0814
[IDA Certified Detailer # / License #]     Service Date: August 3, 2026
[Phone & Billing Email Address]            Marina: Harbor Light Marina (Slip D-12)
                                           Payment Terms: Due Upon Completion (Net 0)

CLIENT & VESSEL METADATA:                  LENGTH OVERALL (LOA) & GELCOAT:
Client Name: [Boat Owner Name]             Vessel Length: 32 Feet LOA
Vessel Name: "Wind Dancer" (32-ft Cruiser) Hull Type: Fiberglass Gelcoat (Blue/White)
HIN #: WDB32048K223                        Gelcoat Status: Moderate Chalky Oxidation

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LINE ITEM DESCRIPTION & PER-FOOT SCOPE                          AMOUNT
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1. Medium Oxidation Compound & Polish Tier (32 ft @ $28.00/ft)   $896.00
   - Rotary Wool-Pad Compound Cut, Polish & Synthetic Polymer Seal
2. Nonskid Deck Deep Clean & Chemical Scrubbing (32 ft @ $5/ft)  $160.00
3. Marine Ceramic Coating Application — Hull Sides (32 ft @ $50/ft) $1,600.00
4. Cabin Interior Deep Cleaning & Head Sanitization              $250.00
5. Marina Dockside Service Mobilization & Equipment Setup Charge $65.00
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SUBTOTAL SERVICE CHARGES:                                      $2,971.00
State & Local Marine Cleaning Sales Tax:                         $89.13
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TOTAL AMOUNT DUE & PAYABLE AT DOCK SLIP:                       $3,060.13
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GELCOAT CARE & CERAMIC WARRANTY NOTICE:
1-Year Marine Ceramic Hydrophobic Warranty. Rinse with fresh water after saltwater runs.
Accepted Payment Methods: Credit/Debit Card (Dockside Reader), Venmo, Check.
================================================================================

Boat detailing pricing math: 20-ft Center Console vs. 32-ft Cruiser vs. 45-ft Yacht

Marine detailing pricing scales rapidly with boat length, beam width, and flywheel height:

20-ft Center Console ($240–$360 for Wash & Wax): A 20-ft open fishing boat takes 2 hours for a single detailer. Compounding moderate oxidation adds $240–$400 ($12–$20/ft extra).
32-ft Cabin Cruiser ($700–$1,120 for Medium Detail): Includes hull sides, flybridge, cockpit, nonskid decks, and cabin windows. Requires a 2-man crew for a full day.
45-ft Motor Yacht ($1,800–$4,200+ for Full Restoration): Multi-day project involving staging ladders, scaffolding, heavy compounding, teak wood restoration, and marine ceramic coatings.

Itemizing gelcoat oxidation, Isinglass, and marina mobilization

Never quote heavy gelcoat oxidation over the phone without a visual inspection:

Scoring Gelcoat Oxidation (Light vs. Moderate vs. Severe): Fiberglass gelcoat is much harder than automotive clear coat. Severe chalky oxidation requires wet sanding and 2 to 3 compounding passes. Quoting oxidation after an in-person inspection prevents undercharging.
Isinglass & Canvas Polish Surcharges ($75–$160): Restoring yellowed clear vinyl enclosures requires special plastic polish pastes. Itemize clear vinyl polishing as an add-on line item.
Marina Mobilization Fees ($45–$95): Mobile marine detailers lug heavy rotary polishers, extension cords, and water hoses down long marina docks. Always include a dedicated mobilization fee.

Slip-side card payment collection before untying

Dockside Joint Inspection: Walk the boat perimeter with the owner at the slip, using a LED inspection light to highlight gelcoat reflection and swirl-free finish.
Mobile Terminal Payment: Charge the customer’s credit card or process Apple Pay on a mobile phone reader right at the dock slip before packing up your polisher bags.

Once your per-foot rates are set, download our free boat detailing invoice template to bill on-site. To compare mobile software for marine detailers, see our breakdown of the best boat detailing business software for a solo operator.