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Marine Detailing

A Professional detail is the best way to protect and restore your boat's surfaces so they are protected from costly damage caused by the harsh UV rays from the sun.

What is a Detail?

A Boat Detail provides many benefits and can make your boat look better than new. But with this comes with many steps. The first is a pre-detail inspection. During this inspection, we determine the process and steps to correct and prepare all surfaces for restoration. Next, we perform a thorough deep clean of the entire boat, inside and out, removing any dirt and debris.

Following this deep clean is the most critical step: the restoration process. During this phase, all gel-coated surfaces are corrected to eliminate imperfections to the best of our ability. After restoring the gel-coated surfaces, we apply one of our protection options to protect and shield the newly restored areas from the elements. You can learn more about these protection options and more about our detailed process below.

Does your boat need Restoration

Many boats suffer from oxidation, a common issue caused by prolonged sun exposure. Oxidation makes the gelcoat become chalky, dull, and porous, which not only diminishes your boat's appearance but also weakens the gelcoat, increasing the risk of cracks and costly stress cracking over time.

Even boats fresh from the factory often need restoration, not due to oxidation but because of swirl marks left by buffers during production. These swirls compromise the way wax and other forms of UV protection bond to the gel coat, reducing the effectiveness and longevity of wax and ceramic applications. This means more frequent waxing and higher maintenance costs in the long run. Restoring your boat's gelcoat eliminates these imperfections, protects your investment, and ensures your boat stays in top condition for many years to come.

our Detailing process

Before every detail, we take the time to ensure the best results for your boat. This begins with a thorough pre-detail inspection and test spots to determine the most effective restoration approach. Once the process is planned, we perform a full deep wash to remove dirt, debris, and contaminants, ensuring a clean surface for the restoration and detailing process to follow.

Step 1: Buffing/Compounding

In this step, we use a heavy-cutting compound and a rotary tool to remove and eliminate any light oxidation or imperfections in the gelcoat. This process restores the gelcoat's original shine. To achieve these results, we use Starke Yacht Care Level-R, a heavy-cutting compound with diminishing abrasives, designed to effectively bring back that shine.

Side Note: If a boat has severe oxidation, an additional sanding step is required before compounding. This extra sanding step elevates the detail to an oxidation removal service, which comes at a higher price

Step 2: Polishing

Polishing is where we refine your boat's gelcoat to a flawless shine. After the initial buffing step removes imperfections, it often leaves behind swirl marks and holograms similar to ones on a car. Polishing eliminates these, enhancing the boat's gloss and preparing the surface for protection. We use specialized tools like a rotary and a random orbital to ensure your gelcoat is perfected and ready for protection. A properly polished surface not only looks incredible but also helps your protection bond better and last longer.

The Final Step: Protection

Protection is the final and most important step in the restoration/ detailing process. Without it, oxidation will come back, causing your boat's gelcoat to fade and deteriorate, which means it will lose its gloss. If the surface isn’t properly restored and still has swirls or imperfections, the protection won’t bond properly which will affect the protection and longevity of the protection. This is what sets us apart from other Detailers in our area, most don't go through these restoration steps because they want to be quick and cheap. Unlike the others, we strive to deliver the best quality results with our coatings. We make sure that your boat won't be left unprotected. We offer high-quality protection options, including premium sealants and ceramic coatings, to keep your boat looking its best. It’s also essential to maintain the protection correctly because improper washing or using harsh cleaners can strip it away and leave your boat exposed. Taking care of your protection is crucial and ensures your boat stays protected and looks great for longer.

(Discover More About Our Protection Options Below)

This is important!

protection options

Polymer Sealant

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Pros of Polymer Sealants

  • Flexible Use: Can be applied to various surfaces.

  • Great Gloss: Produces a high-gloss finish that enhances your boat's appearance.

  • UV Protection: Shields against harmful UV rays to prevent fading and oxidation.

Cons of Polymer Sealants

  • Limited Durability: Typically lasts 3–6 months, requiring reapplication.

  • Easily Stripped: Can be removed by improper washing or harsh chemicals.

  • Less Resilient: Doesn’t offer the same level of protection or longevity as ceramic coatings.

Ceramic Coatings

Pros of Ceramic Coatings

  • Long-Lasting Protection – Can last 12-18 months with proper maintenance.

  • Hydrophobic Properties – Repels water, preventing water spots and stains.

  • UV & Oxidation Resistance – Protects against fading, oxidation, and sun damage.

  • Easier Maintenance – This makes cleaning your boat quicker and more efficient.

  • Chemical Resistance – Withstands exposure to harsh marine conditions and chemicals.

Cons of Ceramic Coatings

  • Higher Cost – More expensive than sealants due to advanced technology and professional application.

  • Professional Application Required – Must be applied correctly for maximum durability.

  • Routine Maintenance Needed – Still requires proper care to prevent damage or premature wear.

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