Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico offer world-class boating — and one of the most corrosive environments a vessel will ever face. Salt water, constant UV exposure, and biological growth from Florida's warm waters make professional marine detailing not just a cosmetic choice, but an essential part of protecting a major asset.
Detailed Mobile Car Clean provides professional boat and marine detailing services at marinas, boat storage yards, and private docks throughout Bradenton, Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Cortez, Palmetto, and surrounding areas. We come to your vessel — no trailering required.
What Saltwater Does to Your Boat's Finish
Salt water is corrosive in ways that freshwater boaters rarely encounter. For vessels in the Bradenton-Sarasota area, operating in Tampa Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway means constant exposure to salt, biological growth, and intense UV radiation.
- Oxidation on fiberglass: Florida's UV index is among the highest in the US year-round. Unprotected fiberglass gel coat oxidizes within 1–2 seasons, turning from glossy to chalky and dull. Once oxidized, it requires compounding and polishing to restore — not just a wash.
- Waterline staining: The waterline accumulates mineral deposits, algae, and scum that bond to the hull and are impossible to remove with a standard wash.
- Teak and vinyl degradation: Teak decking and vinyl upholstery are particularly vulnerable to UV degradation and mold growth in Florida's humidity. Without conditioning and UV protection, vinyl cracks and teak grays and splinters.
- Stainless steel pitting: Even marine-grade stainless steel will begin to show rust staining and surface pitting within a few seasons without cleaning and polish.
A marina washdown removes loose salt and surface debris — it does nothing for oxidation, embedded staining, vinyl conditioning, or paint protection. Professional detailing restores the surface, protects it, and significantly extends the time between major restoration jobs. A full restoration on a badly oxidized 30-foot boat can run $2,000–$5,000. Regular detailing prevents ever reaching that point.
Marine Detailing Services
Exterior Wash & Rinse
- Full hull wash with marine soap
- Salt spray rinse above and below rub rail
- Deck wash and rinse
- Stainless steel cleaning
- Window and glass cleaning
Fiberglass Polish & Restore
- Light oxidation removal
- Compound and polish sequence
- Gel coat restoration
- Gloss recovery to like-new finish
- Wax or sealant protection
Ceramic Coating for Boats
- Marine-grade ceramic coating on hull
- 2–3 year protection in Florida's salt environment
- Dramatically reduces algae and scum adhesion
- Makes post-trip washes 50–70% faster
- Glass and window coating available
- Ideal for fiberglass, painted aluminum, and gelcoat
Interior & Cockpit Detail
- Vinyl upholstery cleaning & conditioning
- UV protectant on all vinyl surfaces
- Carpet and bilge area cleaning
- Console and instrument panel wipe-down
- Teak cleaning and oiling
- Odor treatment
Vessels We Detail
We work with most types of recreational and light commercial watercraft common to Florida's Gulf Coast waters:
- Center console and bay boats (16–32 ft)
- Bowriders and deck boats
- Cabin cruisers and express cruisers (24–45 ft)
- Sport fishing boats
- Pontoon and tritoon boats
- Sailboats (hull and deck, interior)
- Personal watercraft (Jet Ski, WaveRunner, Sea-Doo)
- Small trawlers and liveaboards
For large yachts over 45 feet, contact us directly for a custom quote. We partner with marinas and can coordinate extended-service arrangements for larger vessels.
Pricing for Boat Detailing in the Bradenton & Sarasota Area
Boat detailing is priced by vessel length and service level. Pricing below is a general guide — a final quote is provided once we know the vessel's length, surface type, and current condition.
| Vessel Length | Wash & Basic Clean | Full Detail (Ext + Int) | Ceramic Coating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 20 ft | $100 – $175 | $250 – $400 | $600 – $1,000 |
| 20 – 28 ft | $175 – $275 | $400 – $650 | $1,000 – $1,600 |
| 28 – 36 ft | $275 – $400 | $650 – $1,000 | $1,600 – $2,400 |
| 36 – 45 ft | $400 – $600 | $950 – $1,500 | $2,200 – $3,500+ |
| Personal watercraft | $60 – $100 | $120 – $200 | $350 – $600 |
Call or WhatsApp (941) 779-8411 with your vessel's length and current condition for an accurate quote. We can usually schedule within 3–5 business days.
We regularly work at Marina Jack, Bradenton Yacht Club, Twin Dolphin Marina, Harbour Isle Marina, and dry-stack storage facilities throughout the Bradenton-Sarasota area. If you're stored at a facility we haven't worked with before, we'll coordinate access directly with the yard manager.
Book a Boat Detail at Your Marina or Dock
We serve marinas, boat yards, and private docks across Bradenton, Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, and surrounding Gulf Coast areas.
Call (941) 779-8411Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need the boat to be on a trailer or can you detail it in the water?
We prefer to work on vessels on a trailer, in dry-stack storage, or on a lift — this gives us full access to the hull below the waterline. We can also detail boats in slips, but underwater hull cleaning and below-waterline polishing require the vessel to be hauled. For in-slip work, we focus on topsides, deck, and interior.
Can you remove heavy oxidation from gel coat?
Yes. Moderate to heavy oxidation requires a multi-stage compounding and polishing process before any protective coating can be applied. We assess the degree of oxidation during the quote process and will recommend the appropriate approach. Heavily oxidized vessels can often be restored to 80–90% of their original gloss.
How often should I have my boat detailed in Florida?
For boats used regularly in saltwater, a full exterior wash every 2–4 weeks and a professional detail with wax or sealant every 3–4 months is ideal. Vessels with ceramic coating can extend the professional detail interval to 6–8 months while maintaining the coating with a ceramic maintenance spray between visits.
Can you clean teak decking?
Yes. Teak cleaning, brightening, and oiling is available as a service add-on. Teak in Florida's saltwater environment should be cleaned and oiled every 3–6 months to prevent graying, cracking, and darkening from mold and salt exposure.