SoFla Boat Detailing/washing

T

timinfla2

New Member
Sep 22, 2008
578
South Florida Folks:
I was looking around on Craigslist for somebody to polish/wax my boat quarterly and I found one that is quoting a pretty good price - $400 for my 330 from the waterline up, including all stainless, metal, plastic, etc.

If anybody uses an outfit that can beat that, let me know - if you'd like an intro to my buy because he beats your current price (best previous estimate was $600) I'd be happy to introduce you.

Regards,
Tim
 
timinfla2 said:
South Florida Folks:
I was looking around on Craigslist for somebody to polish/wax my boat quarterly and I found one that is quoting a pretty good price - $400 for my 330 from the waterline up, including all stainless, metal, plastic, etc.

If anybody uses an outfit that can beat that, let me know - if you'd like an intro to my buy because he beats your current price (best previous estimate was $600) I'd be happy to introduce you.

Regards,
Tim
Click to expand...

Please post on how the detail goes. I'm always looking for somebody that does a good job and does not cut corners. The price sounds good if the work is and I'm close to you. I've been doing my own because I have not found a good guy for the boat in FTL.

On a side note, I used a polymer sealant on my boat after I waxed it last weekend. I am very old school from years of detailing my own cars and I had some bad experiences with polymer products a few years ago. A guy that does show cars talked me in to using the sealant. It goes on after the wax and is very easy to use. I just washed the boat and everything slides off much easier. The detailer had used some on my car and it's seems to last forever. It's hard for me to let go of my old ways but I might have to. I can't remember the name of the product but so far so good.

Good luck with the detailer.
 
I've been through a bunch of different boat wash/wax/detailers over the years. Some cheap, some expensive, some decent, some horrible, some would show up when they say they would, but most wouldn't. I think you get my point. Anyway, my boat was just finished by a new team of two guys who did a job that is unbelievable. Looks better than it has ever looked. They're not cheap, but you get more than you pay for in quality, effort and results. I'm in Lighthouse Point and will probably be down the ICW some time late today or tomorrow. Let me know where you're at on the ICW and if I see you outside I'll blow the horn and you can see for yourself. I'll be in a 48 Sedan Bridge (aka "About Time") - just make sure you have your sunglasses on so the bright white hull doesn't blind you!! I might even toss you a beer. Since I don't want to sound like a promo ad for these guys, send me a pm or email mike@hansen64.com and I'll give you their name and number. My neighbors were even asking me about them since they had never seen two guys work so hard in their lives!! Anyway, as you can tell from my post, I finally found the right guys to do my boats and I'm unbelievably happy with the whole experience...for a change.
 
My 390 was a "chalk box" and I had quotes from several people before I stumbled upon Denise Thomas who runs D.T. Detailing///561-627-6152 or 561-719-5798 cell.

Her crew did a great job for me. The thing that impressed me the most though was her integrity. As they wer re-installing my Sunbrella top it was torn. Denise came to the boat, took the top with her and returned with same repaired. She has a industrial sewing machine and does a limited amount of canvas work so she did it herself.

They also do bottom paint and repairs. Give her a call..I don't know how far south she gos but her crews do good work.

Beware...there are a lot of "bums with buffers" out there. The quickest way to separate the good from the bad is to ask for an insurance certificate.:thumbsup:
 
I have had the same experiance as Hanson64 but without the happy ending. I just end up doing it all myself cause I can't find someone reasonable that will do a good job.
Hanson what did you pay if you don't mind if I ask. The one guy who I thought was going to do a good job wanted 4,200.00 so I passed.
Still looking.
Jack
 
Cher Rutullo 954-303-6810 (cell), been using her for 4 years now. Reliable and does most of the work herself. She works eastside of Lauderdale.

Prices fair, she'll do one shot deals, but prefers regular weekly bi weekly wash arrangements. That gets you her best long term deal.
 
Why don't you do it yourself ? :huh:

Too busy ? Lazy ? Not confident in your abilities? or........
Because you can afford to have someone else do it?
 
KayKook said:
Why don't you do it yourself ? :huh:

Too busy ? Lazy ? Not confident in your abilities? or........
Because you can afford to have someone else do it?
Click to expand...
Whoa there Cowboy. Take a look at the size of our Boats. It takes about 2 weeks of 10 hour days for me to do my Boat correctly. That's not even including the Isenglass or the stainless. I truly like to polish my Boat but beings it needs to be done about 3 times a year I don't always have the time.
Jack
 
I realize the size of your boat, and have waxed ones larger myself, and yes it does take a good amount of your time. But it is a labor of love, isn't it? I guess this cowpoke does not have as deep of pockets in his chaps as some do. :smt001
 
Great post Tim, you have the entire Lucaya group giving you advice. That boat better be spotless docking in the marina next week!!!

I also have a guy who's done a good job for me, call if you want his number.

Randy
 
KayKook said:
Why don't you do it yourself ? :huh:

Too busy ? Lazy ? Not confident in your abilities? or........
Because you can afford to have someone else do it?
Click to expand...


KayKook, There is this really cool book available used on Amazon or about 3 bucks, and I think you'd agree would be affordable by most folks. The title is "How to win friends and influence people". Many people who have risen up the economic ladder have found it invaluable to their enlightenment on how to get along when their playground rules have tapped out for them. You might give it a read.
 
Last edited:
Here's a summary of what was done to my boat last week - it took two guys a little over 4 days and the cost was $30/ft for a 48 bridge boat -- $1,440. Send a PM or email me if you want his number or have questions... The following is his description.....

In addition to everything listed in detail in his email below, he also sent this summary:
Complete detail. 5 stage process with all 3m products, REJEX for my finishing stage. Price also included stainless and a final detailed wash. Replaced all snap fasteners.Price $1440.00


Hello Mike,

Here is the list that you requested with the products that were used on your boat.


The first step was the compounding stage witch removed all the oxidation on the superstructure. I used 3M perfect-it 3.


The second step was the polishing stage this stage removed most of the swirl marks and gave the gelcoat its depth. I used 3M perfect-it 3000 swirl mark remover.


The third stage was the swirl eliminating stage this is like a glazing step the gives the finish that wet slick look. I used 3M perfect it 3000 Ultra Fina SE the (SE) stands for swirl eliminator.


The forth stage is a cleaner wax step that cleans the surface and preps me for the final stage.


The fifth stage is the REJEX wax witch acts as like a lacquer. The only is with this wax is that it need curing time (8-12) hours, I say 24 Hours! With that said water cannot be applied within that curing time, NO WASHING & AVOID RAIN!!!


Mike I just want to thank you again for everything, I'm looking forward to a long business relationship!


Best Regards,
Chadwick Peters


 
Last edited:
hansen64 said:
Here's a summary of what was done to my boat last week - it took two guys a little over 4 days and the cost was $30/ft for a 48 bridge boat -- $1,440. Send a PM or email me if you want his number or have questions... The following is his description.....

In addition to everything listed in detail in his email below, he also sent this summary:
Complete detail. 5 stage process with all 3m products, REJEX for my finishing stage. Price also included stainless and a final detailed wash. Replaced all snap fasteners.Price $1440.00


Hello Mike,

Here is the list that you requested with the products that were used on your boat.


The first step was the compounding stage witch removed all the oxidation on the superstructure. I used 3M perfect-it 3.


The second step was the polishing stage this stage removed most of the swirl marks and gave the gelcoat its depth. I used 3M perfect-it 3000 swirl mark remover.


The third stage was the swirl eliminating stage this is like a glazing step the gives the finish that wet slick look. I used 3M perfect it 3000 Ultra Fina SE the (SE) stands for swirl eliminator.


The forth stage is a cleaner wax step that cleans the surface and preps me for the final stage.


The fifth stage is the REJEX wax witch acts as like a lacquer. The only is with this wax is that it need curing time (8-12) hours, I say 24 Hours! With that said water cannot be applied within that curing time, NO WASHING & AVOID RAIN!!!


Mike I just want to thank you again for everything, I'm looking forward to a long business relationship!


Best Regards,
Chadwick Peters
Click to expand...
Man I wish that guy was up here. Sounds like you got a good job.
I'll let you know when I see you in Lucaya.
Jack
 
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