Underwater Hull Cleaning Service
Clean boat bottoms and hulls underwater while boats remain in water
Overview
Hull cleaning divers charge $3-$6 per linear foot per cleaning.
Cleaning 200-500 boats monthly (average 30 feet) generates $100,000-$400,000 annually with 70-85% margins.
In 2025, boats in water require regular bottom cleaning.
Services include hull cleaning and scrubbing ($90-$180 for 30-foot boat), prop and running gear cleaning ($50-$100), zinc anode replacement ($80-$200), through-hull inspection ($40-$80), monthly maintenance programs ($75-$150), and haul-out avoidance cleaning.
Successful hull cleaners are certified divers, clean efficiently underwater, prevent marine growth between haul-outs, photograph underwater condition, and build large recurring customer base.
Can work year-round in warm water.
Marketing through marinas, boat owners, dive shops, and marina bulletin boards.
Required Skills
- Scuba Diving
- Underwater Cleaning
- Marine Biology Knowledge
- Equipment Maintenance
- Route Optimization
- Customer Service
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Recurring monthly service
- All boats in water need bottom cleaning
- Very high margins
- Can work year-round in warm climates
- Low startup costs
Cons
- Need diving certification
- Physical demanding underwater work
- Water visibility affects work
- Seasonal in cold climates
- Limited to boats in water
How to Get Started
- Get scuba diving certification
- Invest in diving and cleaning equipment
- Market to boat owners at marinas
- Offer monthly bottom cleaning programs
- Build efficient cleaning routes
- Provide underwater condition reports
- Grow recurring customer base
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