Need help pricing a wax for this boat...

bossplaya

bossplaya

New member
I was finishing up a truck detail and a guy from down the street stopped to ask me about waxing his boat. He only wants the boat waxed. No metal polish, no vinyl cleaning or anything else like that. I've only waxed one other boat, but didn't charge because it was my friend's boat.

I was thinking that I would need to wash the exterior and interior and then go over it with a PC using AIO and then a coat of EX-P or SG. Not sure how long it would take though. He said he used to get it waxed at someplace nearby for $125 but the place closed down.

I estimate that it should take 1 hour to wash it. Then another 2-3 hours for the AIO. Then maybe another 2 hours for EX-P or SG.

Anyone have suggestions?

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boat2.jpg



boat3.jpg
 
I would charge about $10-$12/per foot, for a complete wash, compound or surface cleaning and wax. If it just wax charge by the hour and you are looking at 3-5 hours depending on how fast you work.

You are looking at the pictures, this boat will need a through wash, a cleaner (a chemical cleaner), and wax to look good. Another option, you could Wash and use a strong Cleaner wax by pc or rotary.

Eric
 
:wait Whoa! That thing is huge. I suggest you definitely charge him more than $125. I forgot how much other people charge for each section. You should try FleetWax from Collinite or some other Collinite Waxes. Skip the AIO, way to much trouble. Just give it a harsh wash and a very durable wax. :cool
 
For boats, I charge in the $10-20/ft range which covers a bath using something like Ducky, a light polish, followed up with a good sealer/wax. As for the inside, it looks like it has a carpet kit that has been removed for storage. If they want it cleaned, add another $20-45 to the total ticket. If they want the vinyl treated and the brightwork done, add another $20-40 each. If all it needed was a wax, $125 would be apropos.
 
I have always been told that you should charge by the foot when doing a boat. I would have no idea how to charge though. I've always based my prices by the hour. Boats would take a long time and they have different kinds of crud on them than cars have.

That boat looks pretty clean. I think I would start at $250 or $300 as well. It would take all day.
 
Thanks for all the input! I'm really not too keen on doing this job so I may just throw out a price of $300 and see what he says.
 
I say do it for $125. I've done many boats. They are fiberglass which cleans up super easy with a general degreaser and a wash broom. Fiberglass is very durable too so you won't have to worry about scratching it.

If he just wants it waxed, and had it regularly waxed in the past like it sounds he has, a good wash and wax should take you 2 hours tops.

Boats do suck though because of the awkward angles, that one seems nice and flat on the sides though.
 
I did a 28' Bayliner a few months back. If he threw you out $125, chances are he doesn't want to pay more than that. At that point, I would give him a $125 job.......that doesn't include AIO AND EX-P. I would use a one step product, but that has some bite and good protection. I've been using Hi-Temps Paint Perfection Glaze for a couple months now. It has Light Cut as the base, but then has a polymer sealant in it also, so great protection. It really does polish too! Super easy with a PC and easier to wipe off with MF. To me, I would say, $150. Good luck with it!
 
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