How Much to Charge for Boat Detailing Per Foot
Boat detailing is priced per foot of length overall, stepped by service level — a wash-and-wax is the base, compound-and-seal is a multiple of it, and full oxidation correction is the top tier. Interior, canvas, and non-skid are quoted separately because they don't scale with hull length.
Tiers, then feet
Set a per-foot rate for each service level, not one rate with vague inclusions.
| Tier | What it is |
|---|---|
| Wash & wax | Base per-foot rate |
| Compound, polish, seal | Multiple of base |
| Oxidation correction | Top tier, quoted after inspection |
| Ceramic coating | Premium, requires correction first |
Priced separately, not per foot
- Interior — hourly or flat per boat
- Canvas and isinglass — per piece
- Non-skid deck — labor-heavy, its own line
- Bilge cleaning
- Engine bay detail
- Bottom work — a different trade entirely
Never quote oxidation over the phone
Chalky gelcoat is the difference between a two-day job and a five-day one.
Inspect first, quote second — every detailer who’s been burned on this learned it the same expensive way, and you don’t need to repeat their mistake.
Add travel
Mobile detailing at a marina an hour away just isn’t the same job as one in your own yard. A stated travel or mobilization line keeps those distant boats from quietly costing you money.
Frequently asked questions
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.