| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| BoatCrazy |
Posted - Apr 29 2012 : 20:58:57
I know there is information on local detailing companies here on the site already, but not the info I am looking for.
Whats the going rate these days for detailing? I know it varies, but I am getting some crazy prices and then dirt cheap prices.
I know of Dean from waves and wheels are great, and so it Jose from Crystal Shine.
I recently spoke to Jose about cleaning up the searay. He came to the boat and showed me what he was going to do. He refused to clean the stratta glass, and says he doesnt clean that. What in the world am I missing?
More importantly, I am looking for someone to detail the heck out of my center console. 3years and 8 grand it took to rebuild the boat, so I want to finally get her really cleaned up. Crystal shine did it last year, but they use Garrys wax, which is good, but looking for something more professional grade.
Ive tried calling Dean, but hes impossible to get a hold of.
I also went to a few car washes who offer detailing. They say they do boats all the time. Ok great, sounds good right? For a 17' center console one place wants a minimum of 6 hours rb2rb2@gr5tgr5t 225 per hour. I nearly crapped myself.
Am I out of touch with prices?
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| 50 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Dani-Lu |
Posted - May 08 2012 : 22:06:45
quote:
Originally posted by Holy Grail
I'm thinking I might have Frank make the hard glass so I can fold it back and snap em on to the top canvas pieces?
Straping them back works on my center panel, because it is rectangle in shape. The left and right panels are an odd shape, so there was no way to fold them back, so on hot days i take them down and lay them flat with clean towels separating them from each other on the forward berth. The makralon does scratch, so you have to be careful with them. I too am pretty nutz with this stuff, but when it is taken care of, it looks great and visibility is better than glass! I got my 3 pieces of makralon for $1,200, which is not cheap, but it was worth it! |
| Holy Grail |
Posted - May 08 2012 : 20:00:05
I'm thinking I might have Frank make the hard glass so I can fold it back and snap em on to the top canvas pieces? |
| BoatCrazy |
Posted - May 08 2012 : 09:53:20
Thats why its easier to just not use the boat. :)
When I take mine completely down, I either lay it in the aft cabin or the v berth.
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| Robski97 |
Posted - May 08 2012 : 09:45:13
Matt,
I take it completely down. Then i have to argue with the wife about where to store it. Its all new glass so I tend to store it in the FWD salon. That doesnt sit well with HER !!! IF i roll it and leave it on the seat, someone ends up sitting on it . ( then the fight begins) IT was once stored ( NOT by ME ) on the dash. It becoame a creased mess that just never looked the same since.
So yea I got issues ....
Rob |
| BoatCrazy |
Posted - May 08 2012 : 09:28:12
Rob, when you roll your back drop, do you have it set up to come completely off or to fully roll to the hard top or radar arch?? If you leave it rolled up to the hard top, do you find its a struggle with the extra thickness of the towel to get the strap to fit?
On mine, I have sections that are able to fully roll up to the arch.
This is why I love my center console. No canvas to worry about. Just one little piece over my electronics, and one over the rear seat. Less then 20 seconds and both are off and on...
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| Robski97 |
Posted - May 08 2012 : 07:13:44
Brian,
In the heat they dont stick together ? Im alittle nutty ( no comments ) when i roll my back drop up I lay a towel or a sheet inbetween. If u can do the hard stuff its truly worth it
Rob |
| Holy Grail |
Posted - May 07 2012 : 19:27:21
Yes I do roll them Rob. Jeff, sounds like a really cool idea to have them set them up to fold up, not roll up. Have to look into that concept. I think rolling them up destroys them over the long term. |
| Dani-Lu |
Posted - May 07 2012 : 17:04:32
No Rob, it has been at leaat 15 minutes since you mentioned them. We all think you get $10 towards your next detail every time you type their name or get one of us to type thier name. In fact it must be killing you having me refer to them over and over again without mentioning their name. Ok, i will thow you a bone: i have used Waves & Wheels and they really do an amazing job!
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| Robski97 |
Posted - May 07 2012 : 09:46:31
Haha, Having passion towards a vendor is a great thing. Shows customer loyalty that can not be bought. Also gives other potential customers insight.
Do i really mention Dean from Waves and Wheels alot ?
Rob |
| walterv |
Posted - May 07 2012 : 09:41:46
Grail,
Strata requires a special cleaner and a special wax. Don't wash the glass with just any soap, see their website for instructions. |
| Dani-Lu |
Posted - May 06 2012 : 18:57:01
I got the makralon on my 3 front panels. It is clearer than my glass windshield. No conparison to strataglass. Apples and oranges from a clarity standpoint. I go out at night alot, and when the temps drop it is great to be able to see at night thru the makrolon and not freeze my !?rb2rb2@gr5tgr5t&rb2rb2@gr5tgr5t& off. My canvss guy set up my center panel to fold up to my radar arch, so i can easily open this panel. Even easier than rolling strataglass. His price on my 3 panels was half other quotes i got. If anyone is interested in talking to my canvas guy, feel free to PM me for his name and number. He does great vinyl seat work as well. He wil be doing mine as soon as i am willing to spend the green. Probably after this season. He even has the machine to sew the sea ray logo into the seat backs so they look factory made. Oh no, I sound like Rob with Waves and Wheels...... :). |
| Robski97 |
Posted - May 06 2012 : 18:53:17
Ahh but do you roll them?
Rob |
| Holy Grail |
Posted - May 06 2012 : 17:57:07
Well that was a healthy lesson. Guess I have no choice but to use the Strata cause it would not be for fixed panels. All four of them can be rolled up or down. |
| Robski97 |
Posted - May 06 2012 : 16:55:13
I guess anything can be rationalized .
Rob |
| CurrentSea |
Posted - May 05 2012 : 21:58:46
Its really only good on fixed panels. I added it to my front. Sides and back is strata. It is also over 3 times the cost of strata. So you can replace strata 3 times and not equal cost of mackrolon. |
| Robski97 |
Posted - May 05 2012 : 21:41:03
Yes that's the stuff ! The carity is incredible
Rob |
| CurrentSea |
Posted - May 05 2012 : 21:03:32
It's called mackrolon the hard stuff.
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| walterv |
Posted - May 05 2012 : 19:43:53
quote:
Originally posted by Robski97
Frank just did my glass with the hard stuff . I dont remember the name .
It's not EZ2Y, but just as good. He did the hard stuff in my 2004 34C 4 years ago as well as new strata. Strata is toast, and the hard stuff looks as good as the day he installed it. Strata SUCKS THE BIG ONE!!!!!
JUST MY 2C |
| Robski97 |
Posted - May 05 2012 : 18:25:05
Frank just did my glass with the hard stuff . I dont remember the name .
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| CurrentSea |
Posted - May 05 2012 : 15:59:04
Stratta is coated to be scratch resistant and offer better uv protection.
I am getting my enclosure replaced this year. |
| Holy Grail |
Posted - May 05 2012 : 15:32:57
Having Frank put on all new canvas for my boat. Wondering what the overall differences are between Stratta and Insinglass as you guys have me curious now. |
| Billylll |
Posted - May 05 2012 : 10:23:23
quote:
Originally posted by littlebookworm
I live with pain all the time, part of getting older and part of being my father's son. I'm one of seven and we all inheritted Dad's bad back and knees. I stay away from the heavy pain meds even though doctors have prescribed them to me. Washing and waxing the boat takes me four or five days, simply because I can't do it for more than two hours or so at a time. I do enjoy it. It's soothing and relaxing, even though it hurts. Right now, I've got our Chaparral cruiser waxed up to the rub rail. I'll finish the rest once she's in her slip at the marina. The weather this week's been rainy and chilly and the weather for the weekend is supposed to be more of the same. No boating for me before Monday, at the least. Stay healthy all; the alternative really sucks. Hy
Wow this topic hits home, I have a serious degenrative spine condition. Years ago at my peak I was prescribed up to (8) 80's a day. No more Oxy for me it was pure h*ll getting off the stuff, nuf said.
Bill |
| BoatCrazy |
Posted - May 04 2012 : 21:01:14
I still just cannot see him doing an outstanding job using garrys.
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| jnova1111 |
Posted - May 04 2012 : 15:21:19
I used Jose from Crystal Shine to detail my boat last year and this year. The boat is on a Hydrohoist. Both times he and his crew did an outstnding job on the hull and the vinyl. |
| dl2525 |
Posted - May 03 2012 : 14:01:12
I charge $18/foot for wash/compound/wax the entire boat (above/below rubrail, bow, stern, cockpit).
I have seen local rates anywhere from $20-$24 for most details. Some wash canvas, some clean windows, some clean bright work. Do you due dilligence and ask questions.
A typical 25'-27' cruiser will take me approximately 20 hours. |
| littlebookworm |
Posted - May 03 2012 : 13:54:57
I live with pain all the time, part of getting older and part of being my father's son. I'm one of seven and we all inheritted Dad's bad back and knees. I stay away from the heavy pain meds even though doctors have prescribed them to me. Washing and waxing the boat takes me four or five days, simply because I can't do it for more than two hours or so at a time. I do enjoy it. It's soothing and relaxing, even though it hurts. Right now, I've got our Chaparral cruiser waxed up to the rub rail. I'll finish the rest once she's in her slip at the marina. The weather this week's been rainy and chilly and the weather for the weekend is supposed to be more of the same. No boating for me before Monday, at the least. Stay healthy all; the alternative really sucks. Hy |
| Double D |
Posted - May 03 2012 : 13:09:47
EEEWWWW.......WORK ????  |
| Robski97 |
Posted - May 03 2012 : 11:37:46
Well if u guys actually used ur boats they would need to be washed every week. I could throw in some other bad taste stuff but as a Republican i need to get back to work !
: )
Rob |
| BoatCrazy |
Posted - May 03 2012 : 06:14:30
Thankfully, thats not the case for me. With the heart problems, the drs didnt want to give me too much pain medication. I stuck with tylenol most of the time. I did have a RX for vikes. Only took 12 over a months time. Im just about good to go now, except for my right arm. I have a ton of soft tissue damage, and torn muscles. I had formed hematomas in my arm, and the drs drained just over 24oz of blood out. I still have a pinched nerve in my arm, and the muscle damage is perminent. I lost about 50% use of my arm. Sometimes I forget, and I try and pick something up and I can pick it up, but it just falls out of my hand after a few seconds. Thats life though. Hopefully over time maybe some use in my arm will come back.
I am hoping that I will have enough strength to work the throttles this summer, if not Ill have to remound the gear box on my center console to the left side, and the same for whatever big boat I end up in..
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| Double D |
Posted - May 02 2012 : 20:11:29
Walter.....I agree 100%. I was on oxycodone ( oxycontin ) when I had my roto-cuff surgery. They are an opiate and can be addicting. I also didn't care for the way I felt on them. Once I was able to deal with the pain......I flushed the rest of the RX down the toilet. |
| walterv |
Posted - May 02 2012 : 18:51:53
Matt,
be careful of those pain killers, I was on Oxycotton (sp). I was warned to be careful, but was popping them like tic tacs, not that I was in pain, but the mellow effect of using them was soothing. There is no "high", just a mellowing. This IMHO is what makes this drug so dangerous. About 2 weeks ago I went to renew my prescription, They told me no problem but we can't give them to you till May 1st. The next 3 days I went cold turkey without this drug, I did not sleep for three days. Never again will I take a pain killer!!!!
While on this drug, my mind (only get it now) was so f-ed up,
Just a heads up Matt, not saying this is your case, just sharing the crap I went through. |
| BoatCrazy |
Posted - May 02 2012 : 17:26:29
Washing the boat and working on the boat are totally 110% therapeutic for me. Best stress killer there is. My issues in years past have been not having the time, and when I did my phone and radio would go off constantly. My issue this year is that I cant physically do the work, I have all the time in the world..
Funny how life changes in no time |
| walterv |
Posted - May 02 2012 : 09:15:15
Mark,
Lot's of boaters I know feel the same as you "bit therapeutic", wish I felt the same. I feel that way about fixing stuff :) |
| mintregila |
Posted - May 02 2012 : 08:52:00
I've never paid anyone to wash my boats on a regular basis. I had it done once by the guy to who does the others in my old marina and was not thrilled with the job or the price. I actually like washing it myself as I find it a bit theraputic. Having said that, this boat is a snap compared to the old one.
Other than spot waxing, I've never waxed the whole thing either (any of them). I'd rather pay Jose to do that.
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| BoatCrazy |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 20:47:46
Its funny, Ive thought about just towing the boat through a car wash. Only issue is the height when shes on the trailer.
Ive I spent 2 hours cleaning the boat I could do the same job jose does cleaning it.
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| walterv |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 19:51:22
Matt,
If I was you I would pull the boat through a car wash :)
I never had anyone clean my boat till I had a bigger boat, IMHO, 60.00 to wash a center console is crazy.
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| BoatCrazy |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 19:36:54
Walter, do you find weekly washes are worth it?
When I pull the center console out every month, I have Jose come and wash it. He charges me $60 bucks to wash a 17' center console. yeah, $60 bucks. Takes him and his guys 20 minutes
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| walterv |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 18:43:07
I bought a BMW from a guy that ran the detail shop at BMW in Bayside in 2000. He gave me the clay bars and a bunch of other stuff. This 525 was his pride and joy, and it was a 1994 which I purchased in 2000, the paint looked better than a brand new BMW. Clay bars do work on cars, not sure about boats. |
| walterv |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 18:38:30
quote:
Originally posted by Radiowaves
quote:
Originally posted by BoatCrazy
$2.00 per foot for a detail?????
I am not speaking about waxing. A weekly wash for my boat was about $64; larger boats with bridges would be more. For a wax detail, rub rail up for my boat was about $15.00 per foot, including my dock box and boat step.
I think I was paying W&W around $2.50 for a weekly washing. It was around $80+ if I recall weekly.
As Walter stated... CS would also be my choice. But I have to use my Marina's guy who is not too bad and in the same price range.
FYI,
Jose charged me $50.00 per week for my 34C Flybridge. I am guessing the price was way less than yours because of all the boats he does in the AYC. also, Deans high price may also have something to do with his travel time and the amount of boats he did in your marina.
I am expecting to pay $66.00 a week or less for Jose to clean my 45c weekly. |
| KiDa |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 14:59:25
quote:
Originally posted by walterv
I am a very demanding prick......Just My 2C
Not one comeback! 10 foot poles must be on backorder! 
We have NOTHING in my area like you folks have in yours. In this economy, it really surprises me more folks aren't getting into it at least part time.
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| JVM225 |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 13:17:26
quote:
Originally posted by CurrentSea
I have heard good things about using a clay bar on car.
I wonder how it would work on a boat?
Clay Bar is great on a car to remove contaminents (fine particles) from the surface that washing won't get. It is a step you do before compound or polish so that you have a smooth surface to begin with.
I suppose you could do it to a boat if you really wanted to, but the results on the Gel Coat would not be nearly as good as what you get with the clear coat finish on the car and IMO probaby not worth the effort.
With a clear coat it is critical to remove the particles before compound or polish because you don't want them to get trapped in the material or product you use on the surface and cause micro scratches in the clear as the machine rotates.
Important to remember that the clay bar itself can cause some micro marring on the surface, but that is easily corrected with the compound and/or polish you do afterward. |
| Capt. Bill1 |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 13:01:46
Only on a painted boat.
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| CurrentSea |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 12:50:23
I have heard good things about using a clay bar on car.
I wonder how it would work on a boat?
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| JVM225 |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 12:46:54
Detailing my cars has been a hobby of mine for more years than I care to remember. Boats are a little different, but not all that much so maybe I can give you a little insight. Maybe it will help you ask prospective detailers the right questions, or help you if you decide to do any of the work yourself.
1. You usually get what you pay for. I've seen low priced detailers that aren't worth the money you spent on them. They can do more harm than good. Watch out for Car Wash Detailing jobs. The products they use are usually good for a quick easy shine and loaded with fillers to hide swirls. It will look great for a short time, and then be back to where you started after a couple of good washings.
2. Never do anything more aggressive than you need. Think in terms of compound being coarse grit and polish being fine grit. Which does the finish need? Does it really need either? Every time you compound or polish you are removing a little bit of the finish. That's why I live with a less than desirable shine on the topsides of my boat. Getting real aggressive on Gel Coat exposed to direct sunlight like that for 25 seasons isn't a great idea.
3. Garry's is a favorite product with lots of boat guys. I often use it myself. It is a cleaner wax. The cleaner portion is solvent based. Open the can and give it a sniff and you'll see what I mean. If all the finish needs is a cleaning (light dirt stains) and a coat of wax then Garry's might be the product of choice. If you have lots of swirls then you might have to move up to a polish or even a compound to get real results. If you use compound you will have to follow up with a polish to get the max shine. Always finish with a quality wax or sealant.
4. While I love my Random Orbitals for my cars, they are a waste of time on the boat. Gel Coat needs the muscle of a good Rotary. I use a Makita 9227, but you can probably get away with a cheapo from Harbor Freight if all you need it for is an annual once over on the boat. No pro would use anything less than a good rotary on your boat. However, many people (myslef included) sometimes prefer to apply the last step product (pure wax or sealant) by hand. No real benefit to it, but I still like to do it that way.
5. Avoid using products designed for the boat (especially Garry's) on your car or plain old painted surfaces. These products are way too aggressive for those delicate finishes. By the same token I've found that prducts designed for automotive use are not aggressive enough for use on Gel Coat. That would be another reason I would stay away from a Car Wash Detailer.
6. Fine scratches might require wet sanding, followed by compound, then polish, and finished with wax or sealant.
IMHO: No detailer worth anything will be able to give you a good quote until they examine the boat. They should be able to point things out to you and explain exactly what they will do. Point out areas you want addressed when they come to give you an estimate and ask what they can to correct it.
The other thing you might want to consider is replacing the plastic windows. I cleaned and polished mine a few times with products specifically designed for that purpose in the years I've owned this boat and they came out real nice. Over this last winter I brought them to AMC and treated myself to new plastic windows. I only had two relatively small triangular shaped side windows to do, and I don'r remember the exact price, but it was very reasonable. Cheap enough that it didn't pay for me to waste the time and energy to clean and polish the old stuff yet one more time. |
| Robski97 |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 06:33:31
IS this the point in the thread where someone goes off about how we only allow a few select vendors to be mentioned ?
Just saying.... oh and u know where my vote goes for detailors. ( W & W 4va )
LOL..
Rob |
| BoatCrazy |
Posted - Apr 30 2012 : 22:24:46
You guys dont mind that you arent getting the best products used? Garrys is a good product dont get me wrong, but its certainly not what I would call a professional grade product...
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| Radiowaves |
Posted - Apr 30 2012 : 20:55:20
quote:
Originally posted by BoatCrazy
$2.00 per foot for a detail?????
I am not speaking about waxing. A weekly wash for my boat was about $64; larger boats with bridges would be more. For a wax detail, rub rail up for my boat was about $15.00 per foot, including my dock box and boat step.
I think I was paying W&W around $2.50 for a weekly washing. It was around $80+ if I recall weekly.
As Walter stated... CS would also be my choice. But I have to use my Marina's guy who is not too bad and in the same price range.
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| walterv |
Posted - Apr 30 2012 : 20:06:19
I am a very demanding prick when it comes to my boat, Jose has kept me happy, also, at a price that is "FAIR".
If you want a flake that when around does a good job at a cheaper price, call Victor, you want to pay crazy money for Waves and Wheels for a job that can be extraordinary to OK, then that is who you should call.
Me, I need consistency and reliability,this is why Jose is my choice. Like any detailer, there will be problems. I will say, Jose, has always stepped up to the plate and resolved any problems "Immediately", he answers his cell 24/7 and if not calls you back very quickly.
Jose has been the most reliable, responsive, available detailer I have ever dealt with.
Just My 2C |
| BoatCrazy |
Posted - Apr 30 2012 : 18:25:44
I redid my canvas 4 years ago. Had horse shoes put in on the front over the windshield, and I am almost regretting using stratta. AMC told me that it flexes real well and is a great material. Ive hated it ever since it was installed. super pain to clean, and I find its a lot harder to stretch when putting it up at the beginning of the season
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| CurrentSea |
Posted - Apr 30 2012 : 17:41:29
I can't say he ruined it for sure but it was odd that it looked good when I put it up and after he washed it it went to crap.
Found out today, I didn't have Stratta.
My idea is that if this stuff is not cleaned properly, it goes to crap.
So not worth putting alot of money into it but with that said I just ordered a new enclosure with Stratta and hard panels.
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