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What Costs are Involved in Boat Cleaning Jobs?
According to statistics, there are almost 12 million recreational boats registered in the USA. While many boat owners enjoy performing all the maintenance for their vessel, many lack the time, inclination or ability to ensure their boat is clean. This creates a fantastic opportunity for boat cleaning jobs.
Starting a boat cleaning company is a great way to spend a lot of time by the water and develop a client base who appreciate your skills. This can provide a lucrative side gig or a long term career.
Starting a business completing boat cleaning jobs involves manageable start up costs.
You’ll need some basic tools including:
- Cleaning materials, including glass cleaner, detergent, wood polish, and wax
- Tools, such as brushes, a vacuum, a steam cleaner and mop
- A vehicle to transport your supplies
- A workboat and trailer
While a workboat and trailer may seem excessive for new businesses, but you’ll need a boat to access the hulls of vessels in the water. You’ll also need a trailer to take your workboat to different sites. You’re likely to work at different marinas in your area. So, towing your workboat will be more time and fuel efficient than trying to travel by boat.
If you don’t already have a boat, you could keep your initial expenses as low as possible by using your current vehicle and buying an older, used boat. The great thing is that your workboat doesn’t need to be attractive or fancy. Any small, old boat will do providing it doesn’t leak, is stable and has a motor. So, it may be possible to get started for approximately $10,000 if you already own a vehicle.
The day to day expenses for performing your boat cleaning jobs will include fuel for both your workboat and vehicle, and replacing your cleaning supplies. So, once you have set up your business, your operating expenses are minimal.
What Permits & Insurances Are Required?
Another important aspect of starting a boat cleaning business is obtaining the appropriate permits and insurances. Failure to acquire the necessary licenses and permits could result in a hefty fine or even result in your business being shut down.
Licensing Requirements:
Depending on your home state or the state where you perform your boat cleaning jobs, you may need to obtain certain licenses or permits to operate your business. You can learn about the specific requirements in your state on the Small Business Administration website. You can also check with your town, county or city clerk’s office to find out about any local licensing requirements.
Insurance:
Your business also needs appropriate insurance coverage to operate lawfully and safely. There are several types of insurance for businesses. These include:
- General Liability: This is a common type of coverage for small businesses. This insurance is available as a standalone policy, or you can bundle it with your other coverage. In simple terms, general liability insurance can help to cover any claims arising from your normal business operations. For example, it can provide protection if someone gets hurt after slipping due to water in the area where you’re working. It can also provide protection if there is any property damage from your work. So, if you damage the hull or drop a tool and cause damage to the deck, general liability can cover any claims.
- Workers Comp: If you have employees, most states require that business owners carry Workers’ compensation coverage. This provides protection should your employee suffer an injury on the job.
- Commercial Property Insurance: The supplies and equipment for your boat cleaning jobs is an investment, so it is crucial that they are protected. Commercial property insurance will cover any structural damage to your building along with any supplies and equipment that you store there. This includes damage from fire, theft or natural disasters.
- Commercial Auto Insurance: Any truck or car you use for the primary purpose of business should carry commercial auto insurance. While it may be tempting to continue using your standard auto insurance, you may have difficulties making a claim in the event of an accident or theft. Ensure that you choose a policy that will not only cover any accident related costs, but also protect any business supplies and equipment you’re carrying.
As your business expands, be sure to keep your insurances and permits up to date. This will ensure that your business remains compliant and protected.
Boat Cleaning Terminology
If you want to run a boat cleaning business, you need to understand the common terminology, This will help you to avoid customer complaints and issues. For example, if someone hires you to wash their boat, they may expect more than washing the exterior. So, you need to be clear about your terms, so customers will know exactly what services you include and what they can expect.
The basic terminology includes:
- Washing: This typically includes the boat’s structure, fly bridge, helm area and non skid.
- Detailing: Washing or cleaning the glass, cleaning and brightening any vinyl, polishing chrome rails, canvas cleaning and cleaning out hatches.
- Waxing: Waxing and buffing by hand or using a power buffer. If needed, you may need to use a rubbing compound.
- Interior cleaning: This involves cleaning and tidying the cabin and other areas inside the boat.
When you first meet a new client, be clear about the terminology you use and what is and is not included in each service. Some clients will have a very clear idea of what they want, so you need to be clear about the quality of your work and what will be on the final bill.
Where to Find Customers?
Your ideal customer is someone who owns a boat that they are particular about. While there may be many boats in your local marina, some boat owners treat their boats like work vessels, so they are not bothered if they don’t look sparkling clean.
You need boat owners who are willing to pay for your services and boat cleaning jobs. If they have a larger boat, they are also more likely to be able to afford cleaning services. Additionally, a larger boat will take longer to clean and they may like the time, energy and inclination to do the job themselves.
Contact Boat Owners
So, the most effective ways to reach this type of client is through marinas and yacht clubs. Even something as simple as posting flyers in these areas can provide a few customers, who will then be a source of additional work through referrals.
You can use sites such as Boatsetter to AirBnB Experiencesmake contact with people hiring out their boats to see if they need boat cleaning services between visitors.
You can also market your services online, post ads and use other marketing strategies. However, if you want to reach your ideal customer, you are likely to rely heavily on referrals.
The Importance of Referrals
For this reason, it is important to keep any customers coming back to your services. You can set your business apart from other service providers by offering high quality services at reasonable prices. Don’t be tempted to underbid too low compared to other businesses.
You don’t want to get a “bargain basement” reputation. Instead concentrate on providing the best possible service. Your customers are more likely to schedule further cleaning appointments and even refer boat owners they know.
How Much You Can Earn Cleaning Boats?
As with any service provider, you’ll make your money by charging for each of your boat cleaning jobs. Most businesses of this type don’t bill by the hour. Rather, they offer packages for cleaning at set fees.
The rates will vary according to the state and size of boat, along with the services requested. This can range from $8 to $40 per foot. So, you may charge $240 to $1,200 to clean a 30 foot boat.
This is likely to translate to an average annual salary of $50,000 or more.
Are Boat Cleaning Jobs a Good Option?
If you enjoy working with your hands and being outdoors, boat cleaning jobs could be a great business for you. Although cleaning boats is a manual job, it can be lucrative. You will need to be prepared to work at docks and marinas where there is little protection against the elements.
Another benefit of boat cleaning jobs is that you can start this business around full time work. You may start cleaning boats on weekends and in the evenings when you’re not at your full time job. As your business grows you can transition to working full time on your boat cleaning business.
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