Mobile Boat Detailing & Cleaning

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Startup Cost
$8,000-$35,000
Difficulty
Beginner
Time to Profit
4-8 months
Profit Potential
$60,000-$250,000/year

Overview

Mobile boat detailing services travel to marinas, docks, and boat storage facilities to clean, detail, and maintain boats for owners who want professional care without trailering their boats.

With 12+ million registered boats in the U.S.

and boat owners willing to pay $200-$800+ per detailing session, mobile detailers generate revenue of $95,000-$280,000 annually with profit margins of 50-70%.

The business requires vehicle, boat cleaning equipment and supplies (pressure washer, buffers, marine cleaners and waxes), water tanks or access, and knowledge of boat materials and finishes.

Services include exterior washing and waxing, hull cleaning, interior cleaning and conditioning, teak maintenance, canvas and upholstery cleaning, and brightwork polishing.

Pricing typically ranges from $15-$35 per foot for basic wash to $25-$50+ per foot for full detail.

Success factors include understanding marine finishes, ability to work efficiently, excellent results, and building marina relationships for regular client base.

Many detailers offer monthly maintenance packages for recurring revenue.

The business is highly seasonal in northern climates with peak demand spring through fall.

Marketing focuses on marina networking, referrals from satisfied customers, and presence at boat shows.

With boat ownership remaining strong in 2025 and owners valuing their investments, mobile boat detailing offers accessible entry for entrepreneurs willing to provide quality service to the marine market.

Required Skills

  • Boat cleaning and detailing techniques
  • Marine finishes and materials knowledge
  • Polishing and buffing
  • Customer service for boat owners
  • Marina etiquette and relationships
  • Time management and scheduling

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Low startup costs (mobile business)
  • Strong profit margins
  • Premium pricing for marine services
  • Recurring monthly maintenance contracts
  • Growing boat ownership

Cons

  • Highly seasonal in many markets
  • Physical demands of detailing
  • Weather dependent
  • Water access requirements at some locations
  • Marine materials knowledge needed

How to Get Started

  1. Learn boat detailing and marine finishes
  2. Purchase vehicle and detailing equipment
  3. Build relationships with local marinas
  4. Market to boat owners at marinas and boat shows
  5. Provide excellent service to build referrals
  6. Develop monthly maintenance contracts
  7. Scale through additional detailers in season

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