Need advice on cleaning party barge

N

NIBBLER

New member
Just got a call from a lady wanting to clean her party barge.Am suppose to go tomorrow and look at and give her a price.

Anybody here clean party barges.What do you charge.Haden't got a clue:redface:
Thanks.
Nibbler
 
NIBBLER said:
Just got a call from a lady wanting to clean her party barge.Am suppose to go tomorrow and look at and give her a price.

Anybody here clean party barges.What do you charge.Haden't got a clue:redface:
Thanks.
Nibbler
Click to expand...

Are you talking about a deck boat?

Whatever it is... take a good look around first and estimate how many hours it will take to clean it and then establish an hourly rate. Make sure you know her expectations of "how clean" she wants it.

Carpets shampoo'd or just vacuumed?
Clean and disinfect everything?
Wax the boat?

Allow plenty of time.... it's probably TRASHED!!!:scared::scared::scared:

(I usually charge $40 per hour for detailing, whether it's a Corvette, Motorhome, or Party Barge!!! So if you think it will be 5 hours.... 200 bucks.)
 
I have cleaned one before, not for money, just to use it. Didnt do a "detail" just cleaned it up. Takes a while, and is pain in the rump!! Good luck with that one.:)
 
You mean like a pontoon boat with a folding bimini top? Or something that holds like 50 people and has bathrooms, etc.

I agree with either charging by the hour or by the linear foot. Don't be shy on either - party barge owners charge upwards of $150 an hour to rent, so they understand what it takes to make money at an hourly rate.

If its huge, consider hiring some helpers to knock it out. Don't forget to calculate supplies that you will use in much greater amount than normal. If it has carpeting and they want it cleaned, rent a Rug Doctor machine and add that price into your quote.

Good luck, there is a lot of money to be made cleaning boats, if you like that kind of work.
 
If it's really trashed, waive your fee and tell her you'll clean it for an invitation to the next party instead!:cornut:
 
Well,I went after church sunday to look at it.its an 18 footer.She said she just mainly wants the seats and the steering colum cleaned and the carpet hosed off.It has been sitting up under a portable shed all winter with no cover on it.The seats are terribly dirty,and with mold.Whats a gud cleaner?I was thinking bout 303,or would a mixture of bleach and water be better?

Thanks guys for all your help.
:D
 
It sounds like it's in pretty bad shape... especially the seats. There are cleaners that are specifically formulated for mildew. One of those might be the best start.

Lysol makes a cleaner with mildew remover. However, be sure to do a test spot on the bottom of the seat to make sure it's not going to react with the fabric. Also, once the seats are clean, make sure to RINSE the Lysol cleaner thoroughly.

I have used the Lysol cleaner, but not on any vehicle surfaces... (bathrooms and kitchens) Again I stress... do a test spot and rinse completely.
 
If you have a boating supply store nearby, or perhaps a Bass Pro Shops, they have various marine interior cleaners available. If you are willing to mail order, go to CMA's website and check out their boat care products. I'd imagine something like Amazing Roll Off would be ideal for you.
 
Thanks guys.I got some amazing roll off coming.
Lets see.I got the barge friday morning and a mustang convertible friday afternon with the fabric top.Another first.Ought to be a interesting day.:scared:
 
I will start the barge at 6:30 friday morning.The mustang isnot till 4 or 4:30 friday afternoon.Plenty of time.She doesnot want anything done to the pontoons,so that is one less headache.The barge and car are only two miles apart.

Just got another call this afternoon about doing another barge.They are wanting to sell it.It hasnot been used since 2007.Hum.I wonder what kinda shape it is in:(
 
Well Boys and girls.Here is the update on the barge.Started at 7:30 this morning and finished at 10:30.Three hours.The seats were purty bad but by the time it was over they looked mucho bettero.He ask me if I could do just the bottom of the canohpy.It was worse than the seats.But it turned out a lot better.This was a 18 footer with only 6 seats.

Sorry but I forgot my camera,but not to frown,I am taking it with me in the morning to do a 22 footer,that hasnot been used in 2!!!!!!! years.The lady said it was baddddddddd.Also another guy is wantig me to give him a quote
on his 22 ft. barge next week.(That weiner wagon is looking better and better.:D
He didnot want me to do the poontoons on the barge this morning so that saved a hour or so.
The 22 footer is probably gonna be a bear.I will let ya'll know tomorrow or sunday how it goes.


Products that I used.
303 did fair on the seats as far as getting the mildew off.
Amazing rolloff did fair on getting the mildew off the seats,but did a much better job on the canopy.
Tilex did fair on the seats getting the mildew off,but kicked butt on cleaning
the canopy.
Nothing worked better on the mildew than clorox mixed with water.Its much harsher but it works.
Actually doing the barge wasnot a big pain like I was expecting.I may be singing a different tune after tha barge from hell tomorrow.

My son said he would help post the pictures up tomorrow for me.That will be better than me trying to figure it out.Stop
Hope ya'll had a lovely day.
LATER TATER.:D
 
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