autogeekonline car wax, car care and auto detailing forum Autogeek on TV
car wax, car care and auto detailing forumAutogeekonline autogeekonline car wax, car care and auto detailing forum HomeForumBlogAutogeek.net StoreDetailing Classes with Mike PhillipsGalleryDetailing How To's
 
Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Dislikes Dislikes:  0
Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. #1
    Regular Member kdubski's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Central, CT
    Posts
    195
    Post Thanks / Like

    College business taking on boats

    Hi guys,

    For the 2nd year in a row, I have boats to detail. I'm still in college so I can't charge what a good boat detailer would charge, but I also don't want to under price myself. I detailed a severely neglected 36' Sea Ray last summer that took me about 70 hours to complete and I charged $1,300. I had to buff the boat over 5 times(gel coat was hazy), paid an hourly helper, and materials (including a broken buffer) so I walked away with not much profit.

    I'd like to prevent this in the future. My first question is, what is the "go to" compound that can tackle tough jobs and still finish nicely? If anyone can recommend a process I'm open to that as well. In addition, what is a good rate to charge? I have 2 cigarette style boats to do in the coming weeks, which are both 26 footers, and would like to charge accordingly.
    It's never too late to learn a little.

  2. #2
    Super Member Bill1234's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    New York, NY
    Posts
    2,647
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: College business taking on boats

    Cars are alot easier to price as they are usually smaller and have alot less work in most instances. I would price by the hour as you are doing so much work and such as big area at once.
    Bill 1234
    2004 audi a6 quattro (traded).
    2015 Ford Escape 2.0l ecoboost 4WD

  3. #3
    Regular Member kdubski's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Central, CT
    Posts
    195
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: College business taking on boats

    Thanks for the response Bill. My only problem with charging hourly is that I don't know how long it'll take me! I've only done one boat so far so I cannot estimate a job based on time.
    It's never too late to learn a little.

  4. #4
    Super Member Trip's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Windsor Ontario Canada
    Posts
    310
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: College business taking on boats

    Call local places for a rough rate they charge. I used to do boats with a local guy in the summer as a summer job while in school. I was paid hourly but I believe it was in the 1000-1500 mark. And I'm in Canada so that would make the difference as well. Some big boats would be a full day adventure with 3 guys. Learned alot but this is just a hobby for me.

    Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Autogeekonline mobile app

  5. #5
    Super Member Bill1234's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    New York, NY
    Posts
    2,647
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: College business taking on boats

    Quote Originally Posted by kdubski View Post
    Thanks for the response Bill. My only problem with charging hourly is that I don't know how long it'll take me! I've only done one boat so far so I cannot estimate a job based on time.
    I can understand, I took some time to dial in how long it takes me for cars, on a crossover, with not doing paint correction but more interior and exterior it should take max 8 hours usually about 5.

    Im in CT too and my prices are more nyc area so they are similar in car terms
    Bill 1234
    2004 audi a6 quattro (traded).
    2015 Ford Escape 2.0l ecoboost 4WD

  6. #6
    Regular Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Posts
    110
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: College business taking on boats

    5 times around with the polisher is too much... unless it involves sanding.

    I have strictly went to marine 31 polished

    Invest in a good rotary (currently using Dewalt and love it)

    And a flex 3401.

    Move fast and efficient. It's all about doing the best you can in the shortest amount of time.



    Sent from my iPhone using Autogeekonline mobile app

  7. #7
    Mike Phillips
    Guest

    Re: College business taking on boats

    If recommend clicking the link below and reading the article,

    https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...-phillips.html

    It's okay to detail boats - just learn to take on profitable projects and let the person that didn't come to AGO for help take on the projects you turn away.


  8. #8
    Super Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Posts
    6,281
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: College business taking on boats

    I do this for a living and usually stay away from boats.I'm picky when it comes to boats if I can't do it by myself than I won't do it.Also they must be on a trailer on dryland.I recently did a boat about a month ago,I think it was a 25ft searay and it was bad.No compound solely was making a dent in this but I knew that from the start before giving out a price.I sanded the sides real quick with 1500 then used the 3m brown rubbing compound on a rotary and wool.Then I used fg400 with a da on a orange foam cutting pad then waxed it with collinite.Took 2 8hr days and the other 2 I cut out by 1 o'clock and made 1350.00.you will get your but kicked a few times before giving a price on a boat.I make money 2 ways by time and the actual dollar amount.

  9. #9
    Mike Phillips
    Guest

    Re: College business taking on boats

    I'd listen to Jeff - aka GSKR

    Hey Jeff, see you in a few hours. Glad you could clear your schedule to be on our TV show!


Similar Threads

  1. IDA April Webinar: What Now? Taking Your Business to the Next Level
    By Mike Phillips in forum How to make money detailing cars
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-17-2017, 02:12 PM
  2. Replies: 11
    Last Post: 05-13-2015, 06:28 AM
  3. I'm taking over my friend's detailing business!
    By HotWhipT/A in forum Off-Topic
    Replies: 46
    Last Post: 05-26-2012, 09:19 AM
  4. Pre-College detail?
    By Arnie36 in forum Auto Detailing 101
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 07-10-2010, 09:48 AM
  5. College Semester Almost Over...
    By turbos17 in forum Off-Topic
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 04-13-2007, 04:33 PM

Members who have read this thread: 0

There are no members to list at the moment.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

» March 2024

S M T W T F S
2526272829 1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 123456