Frequently Asked Questions

Professional mobile boat detailing and yacht management services in Central FL.

How do you charge and what are your rates?

Effective communication and mutual understandings are necessary to all relationships in our lives. They promote trust and confidence going forward and satisfaction at the end of the day.  We try to avoid advertising “teaser” or “one size fits all” prices as much as possible. We do show basic pricing on the Pricing Page, however it is just that, “basic”. The prices listed on our website are for those that “have to have a price” or they won’t call. Every boat is different and it would be unfair to us and unfair to you especially if it will mean paying for services you don’t need. We prefer to first inspect your boat, furnish you with an assessment of her condition, a description of the methods and procedures which should be undertaken and the prices.

What is the difference between a wax and sealant?

A sealant is a product that mimics a wax’s characteristics, but provide a much higher durability than wax. They resist heat, UV rays, environmental contaminants & harsh detergents much better than wax. Our waxes and sealants are all polymers meaning they are made from synthetic materials rather than organic ingredients. A wax typically lasts 2-3 months and a sealant lasts 4-6 months.

What is the "Wax List"?

Our Recurring Wax List Program is the best way to ensure your boat is being taken care of. When you get on our Recurring Wax List:

  • We schedule detailing services for your boat on a set schedule.
  • The Wax List fills up fast and customers on this list are serviced on a 1st priority basis.
  • We will schedule your boat to be detailed every month, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months, or every year, depending on your boat’s needs (this includes, washing, compounding, polishing and waxing needs).
  • Prices are determined after first detail job.
  • Call us today and ask about out wax list: (865) 315-5176 or (904) 624-4439

Will a Florida Boat Detailing owner perform the services?

Yes along with a great crew when needed.

    How often should my boat be waxed?

    Florida Boat Detailing LLC recommends waxing the entire boat 4 times per year. Click here for info on our Recurring Wax List. Dullness and shine loss will be more on topside as it receives most of the daily Florida sun. Therefore, we recommend waxing your topside more often than your hull.

    The darker the color, the more often it should be waxed.

      What are the benefits of being on an ongoing detailing maintenance program?

      The benefits are many. You will receive our services on a discounted basis as opposed to having us perform them one time. It affords Florida Boat Detailing LLC the opportunity to learn and appreciate your boat’s unique requirements going forward, her nuances…her soul. A relationship with us is really a both a partnership and a friendship. We like nothing better than an involved owner who asks questions and shares ideas from product selection to finding the most efficient and cost effective options. We are boat owners, divers and fishermen too!

      Click here for info on our Recurring Wax List.

        What does a typical detail and wax involve?

        Detailing involves the application of several procedures to maintain and protect the unique and various components and surfaces of any boat. A typical exterior detail and wax will include:

        • Initial wash using surface appropriate soap, brushes and hand cloths
        • Deck Scrubbing
        • Chamois and hand towel dry
        • LOTS of buffing
        • One coat of cleaner wax or pure wax
        • Compartment detailing
        • Canvas cleaning and protectant
        • Vinyl cleaning and protectant
        • Metal and polishing and insulator wax
        • Cockpit waxing
        • Rub rails, rubber seals cleaned and dressed
        • Carpets lifted, cleaned and mildew treated
        • Hard glass de-etching followed by a hydrophobic repellant to improve clarity and water sheeting
        • Isinglass and plastic windows are delicately hand cleaned and Plexus protectant applied (optical clarity)
        • Other owner requested services
        • Footprints wiped, final inspection

        Do you have a place I can take my boat to get it detailed?

        Yes we do.

        Do you wax the hull in the water?

        We prefer to wax boats on dry land where we can reach the hull on a steady scaffold or ladder and in slips with lower docks (or floating docks) offering access to both sides of the boat without having to turn it, or on your trailer.

        If the boat is in the water, we may ask the owner to turn the boat around so that we can detail the other side from a dock.

        Can you wax my hull if my dock is high?

        We may need you to move your boat to a lower dock to permit greater access to the hull. Sometimes we can time the tide; a high tide lifts all boats while a low tide may permit us to stand in the water. Waxing from the rub rail up can still be done regardless of where your boat sits in the water in relation to your dock.

        Do you use a work raft?

        Yes, but for hand waxing only when working on higher docks. Our electric buffers weigh between 8 and 10 pounds and require two hand operation.  Trying to wield a buffer and with the appropriate pressure against the hull while maintaining balance and body position on a small floating work raft is difficult and dangerous. Electrical cords can often go into the water. And we certainly prefer flat calm waters.

        How long will it take? What about the weather?

        First it will depend on when we can get you on our schedule. The actual length of time to do the entire job from start to finish depends on condition, components needed, and the weather. Jobs done in 90+ degree heat in full sun will take longer. Should it even lightly rain then trying to buff off the wax will result in a hazy surface requiring a repeat. Moreover, most compounds and waxes are difficult to apply and remove in very hot weather and could affect job quality. Assuming dry weather, temps in the 70s or 80s and a 21 foot boat, a full job will take an entire day and mabe 2.

        We special mix our compounds to adjust for the humidity and the heat.

        What do I need to do?

        If your boat is at a marina or boatyard you will merely need to call to advise them we are coming and to place your boat on blocks or supports (shaded area if possible) with access to a hose bib and an electrical outlet. If you live in a gated community then you will need to call the guard or management company and place us on your vendor list. When your boat is on dry land for servicing is ideal to do hull compounding and gelcoat restoration.

        Click here for info on our Recurring Wax List.

        How is wax applied? What kinds?

        We apply wax (without grit) by hand. If your boat is new we will also buff off by hand, although most wax jobs are buffed using an electric buffer. Many waxes contain silicones which are easier to apply and buff. But silicones attract dirt. So we prefer pure waxes without silicones. We use different rubbing compounds, polishes and glazes depending on the degree of oxidation or dullness. We do not wax non-skid surfaces because of safety concerns and dirt attraction. For metal and hardware we use an insulator wax.

        The exact products we use is a trade secret because. (We special mix our products as needed for each detail job.)

        Click here for info on our Recurring Wax List.

        How should I inexpensively prepare my boat for sale?

        Call us to wax just the topside, polish the hardware and detailing the engine compartment. Potential buyers spend most of their time looking at these areas. After we detail your boat, we will advertise it for sale here on our website for free.

        You may want to keep it after we detail it!

        Do you wash the boat before you wax it?

        Yes, we wash every boat before we wax it. If it is getting a full compound and wax job, we only wash it if it is extremely dirty or has mold/mildew spots.

        What are one-step, two-step and three-step jobs?

        One-step – Just a wax on all newer boats or a cleaner wax on a very lightly oxidized boat.

        Two-step – For boats with light oxidation, we do a light compound, then wax.

        Three-step – For boats with moderate to heavy oxidation, we do a thicker compound with numerous passes, then a lighter compound with numerouds passes, then wax.

        How we accomplish these steps specifically is a trade secret.

        Do you use SHARKHIDE® on boats?

        Yes, Florida Boat Detailing LLC will use SHARKHIDE® on your boat if we believe it will benefit the boat. As a matter of fact, we recommend SHARKHIDE® to many of our customers.

        Is Poly Glow right for my boat?

        Poly Glow is a product that can keep your hull glossy for a long time if maintained properly. Weather its right for your boat depends on the level of oxidation that has occurred. We will have to see your boat in person to determine if Poly Glow is right for you and your boat.

        My boat has no gloss left. Can you make it look new again?

        The most resourceful methods of bringing back shine and sheen, if not gloss, can be anywhere from aggressive wet sanding and lesser aggressive machine compounding to using a one step restorer wax or polish with grit. However, if a pass of the hand along the gelcoat produces white chalk on the fingers or a rinse down results in cloudy or milky water then your gelcoat will require aggressive intervention. Continued waxing over oxidation merely seals in the oxidation while the gelcoat itself will continue to degrade. The goal is to remove just the oxidized layer of gelcoat to achieve the most flawless substrate as possible so future wax applications will last longer and the most aesthetically pleasing appearance is achieved. We also have a few products that we apply professionally that can make your glossy shine last much longer than just a regular polish and wax.

        Click here for info on our Recurring Wax List.

        How do you select your products?

        In a word, “experience”. The factors which go into product selection involve understanding the composition of the various components and surfaces requiring cleaning and protection and then selecting the least aggressive most efficient chemicals and applicators. For instance we dont use a scotch pad, bronze wool, etc. when a microfiber cloth and a little more rubbing will clean without leaving visible scratches to hardware, gelcoat and vinyl or remove the anodizing on aluminum. Also, we do not use a deck brush on isinglass or apply inappropriate cleaners or protectants which will degrade it. We prefer to use biodegradable, and marine-grade products as much as possible.

        We do not list the exact products that we use because we special mix our products for each job, and that is a trade secret!

        Do you provide a contract with your detailing services?

        We want to take our boat on a trip. Can you get to us before we leave?

        Our best advice is to let us know as soon as possible. We will make every attempt to accomdate you and your needs. Pray for dry weather as rain can cause delays in getting your boat done on time! If you need a gurantee, we urge you to be on our recurring wash or wax list as your boat will be scheduled months in advance.

        What other services do you offer?

        We do everything involving cleaning, detailing and protection for boats. However, we do have other companies that we recommend for: cars, RVs, docks, patios, pressure wash, painting, sealing, or protect just about any surface for our customers.

        We only recommend high quality companies to our customers.

        Click here for info on our Recurring Wax List.

        Can I buy a gift certificate for Boat Detailing for a boat owner that I know?

        Yes you can. Contact us now

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