Detailers

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BoatCrazy

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I know there is information on local detailing companies here on the site already, but not the info I am looking for.

Whats the going rate these days for detailing? I know it varies, but I am getting some crazy prices and then dirt cheap prices.

I know of Dean from waves and wheels are great, and so it Jose from Crystal Shine.

I recently spoke to Jose about cleaning up the searay. He came to the boat and showed me what he was going to do. He refused to clean the stratta glass, and says he doesnt clean that. What in the world am I missing?

More importantly, I am looking for someone to detail the heck out of my center console. 3years and 8 grand it took to rebuild the boat, so I want to finally get her really cleaned up. Crystal shine did it last year, but they use Garrys wax, which is good, but looking for something more professional grade.

Ive tried calling Dean, but hes impossible to get a hold of.

I also went to a few car washes who offer detailing. They say they do boats all the time. Ok great, sounds good right? For a 17' center console one place wants a minimum of 6 hours rb2@gr5t 225 per hour. I nearly crapped myself.

Am I out of touch with prices?
 
He doesn't clean it because he messes it up when he does.
He ruined mine
 
How bad did he ruin it? Whats the point in being a detailer, if you cant successfully clean stratta glass??
 
I had used Crystal Shine (Jose and Crew) for years with no problem. He was very reliable, maybe because I was in charge of the Docks at the LIYC from 2003-2009 LOL. About the issue with Stratta Glass, I had it installed around 2006 and it was the best viewing plastic I had seen, but one year later it started to look like it had a light fog. I always told Jose to only use water and I would use the special Stratta cleaner, so I am mostly sure it was not their cleaning.

I contacted the owner of Stratta and he was very accommodating with replacement and I had AMC do the warranty work. What he told me was NJ-NY seem to have a similar problem with the rain causing the fogging problem. The same thing began on my new set, so last year I changed it out for a heavier version of Isinglass for the sides and added zipper U shape fold down for the front with the remaining strata. I think the problem is the Jose may have not used the correct cleaner on some boats or it was an environmental issue like mine, but still got the complaint. Maybe at this point he is a bit gun shy or should I call it “Plastic Shy” Most likely his crew does not know the difference as it is hard unless you know it is on the boat.

As for pricing for my 320 I was paying about $2.00 a foot for a pretty decent job, but not as good as Waves and Wheels, but for the difference in price I did the touchups. I used Waves and Wheels for a couple of years and was very satisfied, when they got to my boat.
 
I think he left a 0 out of his per sq ft price. $20.00 should be more in line for NY / NJ.
 
Thats what I was thinking. For washings, I know $2 per foot is about right...
 
I can't say he ruined it for sure but it was odd that it looked good when I put it up and after he washed it it went to crap.
Found out today, I didn't have Stratta.
My idea is that if this stuff is not cleaned properly, it goes to crap.
So not worth putting alot of money into it but with that said I just ordered a new enclosure with Stratta and hard panels.
 
I redid my canvas 4 years ago. Had horse shoes put in on the front over the windshield, and I am almost regretting using stratta. AMC told me that it flexes real well and is a great material. Ive hated it ever since it was installed. super pain to clean, and I find its a lot harder to stretch when putting it up at the beginning of the season
 
I am a very demanding prick when it comes to my boat, Jose has kept me happy, also, at a price that is "FAIR".

If you want a flake that when around does a good job at a cheaper price, call Victor, you want to pay crazy money for Waves and Wheels for a job that can be extraordinary to OK, then that is who you should call.
Me, I need consistency and reliability,this is why Jose is my choice. Like any detailer, there will be problems. I will say, Jose, has always stepped up to the plate and resolved any problems "Immediately", he answers his cell 24/7 and if not calls you back very quickly.

Jose has been the most reliable, responsive, available detailer I have ever dealt with.

Just My 2C
 
quote:
Originally posted by BoatCrazy

$2.00 per foot for a detail?????

Click to expand...


I am not speaking about waxing. A weekly wash for my boat was about $64; larger boats with bridges would be more. For a wax detail, rub rail up for my boat was about $15.00 per foot, including my dock box and boat step.

I think I was paying W&W around $2.50 for a weekly washing. It was around $80+ if I recall weekly.

As Walter stated... CS would also be my choice. But I have to use my Marina's guy who is not too bad and in the same price range.
 
You guys dont mind that you arent getting the best products used? Garrys is a good product dont get me wrong, but its certainly not what I would call a professional grade product...
 
IS this the point in the thread where someone goes off about how we only allow a few select vendors to be mentioned ?

Just saying.... oh and u know where my vote goes for detailors. ( W & W 4va )

LOL..

Rob
 
Detailing my cars has been a hobby of mine for more years than I care to remember. Boats are a little different, but not all that much so maybe I can give you a little insight. Maybe it will help you ask prospective detailers the right questions, or help you if you decide to do any of the work yourself.
1. You usually get what you pay for. I've seen low priced detailers that aren't worth the money you spent on them. They can do more harm than good. Watch out for Car Wash Detailing jobs. The products they use are usually good for a quick easy shine and loaded with fillers to hide swirls. It will look great for a short time, and then be back to where you started after a couple of good washings.
2. Never do anything more aggressive than you need. Think in terms of compound being coarse grit and polish being fine grit. Which does the finish need? Does it really need either? Every time you compound or polish you are removing a little bit of the finish. That's why I live with a less than desirable shine on the topsides of my boat. Getting real aggressive on Gel Coat exposed to direct sunlight like that for 25 seasons isn't a great idea.
3. Garry's is a favorite product with lots of boat guys. I often use it myself. It is a cleaner wax. The cleaner portion is solvent based. Open the can and give it a sniff and you'll see what I mean. If all the finish needs is a cleaning (light dirt stains) and a coat of wax then Garry's might be the product of choice. If you have lots of swirls then you might have to move up to a polish or even a compound to get real results. If you use compound you will have to follow up with a polish to get the max shine. Always finish with a quality wax or sealant.
4. While I love my Random Orbitals for my cars, they are a waste of time on the boat. Gel Coat needs the muscle of a good Rotary. I use a Makita 9227, but you can probably get away with a cheapo from Harbor Freight if all you need it for is an annual once over on the boat. No pro would use anything less than a good rotary on your boat. However, many people (myslef included) sometimes prefer to apply the last step product (pure wax or sealant) by hand. No real benefit to it, but I still like to do it that way.
5. Avoid using products designed for the boat (especially Garry's) on your car or plain old painted surfaces. These products are way too aggressive for those delicate finishes. By the same token I've found that prducts designed for automotive use are not aggressive enough for use on Gel Coat. That would be another reason I would stay away from a Car Wash Detailer.
6. Fine scratches might require wet sanding, followed by compound, then polish, and finished with wax or sealant.

IMHO: No detailer worth anything will be able to give you a good quote until they examine the boat. They should be able to point things out to you and explain exactly what they will do. Point out areas you want addressed when they come to give you an estimate and ask what they can to correct it.

The other thing you might want to consider is replacing the plastic windows. I cleaned and polished mine a few times with products specifically designed for that purpose in the years I've owned this boat and they came out real nice. Over this last winter I brought them to AMC and treated myself to new plastic windows. I only had two relatively small triangular shaped side windows to do, and I don'r remember the exact price, but it was very reasonable. Cheap enough that it didn't pay for me to waste the time and energy to clean and polish the old stuff yet one more time.
 
I have heard good things about using a clay bar on car.
I wonder how it would work on a boat?
 
quote:
Originally posted by CurrentSea

I have heard good things about using a clay bar on car.
I wonder how it would work on a boat?

Click to expand...


Clay Bar is great on a car to remove contaminents (fine particles) from the surface that washing won't get. It is a step you do before compound or polish so that you have a smooth surface to begin with.
I suppose you could do it to a boat if you really wanted to, but the results on the Gel Coat would not be nearly as good as what you get with the clear coat finish on the car and IMO probaby not worth the effort.
With a clear coat it is critical to remove the particles before compound or polish because you don't want them to get trapped in the material or product you use on the surface and cause micro scratches in the clear as the machine rotates.
Important to remember that the clay bar itself can cause some micro marring on the surface, but that is easily corrected with the compound and/or polish you do afterward.
 
quote:
Originally posted by walterv

I am a very demanding prick......Just My 2C

Click to expand...


Not one comeback! 10 foot poles must be on backorder! :D

We have NOTHING in my area like you folks have in yours. In this economy, it really surprises me more folks aren't getting into it at least part time.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Radiowaves

quote:
Originally posted by BoatCrazy

$2.00 per foot for a detail?????

Click to expand...


I am not speaking about waxing. A weekly wash for my boat was about $64; larger boats with bridges would be more. For a wax detail, rub rail up for my boat was about $15.00 per foot, including my dock box and boat step.

I think I was paying W&W around $2.50 for a weekly washing. It was around $80+ if I recall weekly.

As Walter stated... CS would also be my choice. But I have to use my Marina's guy who is not too bad and in the same price range.

Click to expand...


FYI,
Jose charged me $50.00 per week for my 34C Flybridge. I am guessing the price was way less than yours because of all the boats he does in the AYC. also, Deans high price may also have something to do with his travel time and the amount of boats he did in your marina.

I am expecting to pay $66.00 a week or less for Jose to clean my 45c weekly.
 
I bought a BMW from a guy that ran the detail shop at BMW in Bayside in 2000. He gave me the clay bars and a bunch of other stuff. This 525 was his pride and joy, and it was a 1994 which I purchased in 2000, the paint looked better than a brand new BMW. Clay bars do work on cars, not sure about boats.
 
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