[Tim Downer]

Have posted this in the cleaning forum, but thought i would try you guys over  here too....


I Was chatting to one of my customers yesterday.......and as you do the subject of cleaning comes up in the conversation.
"Would you clean Yachts?" she asked........
If there is money to be made.....why not i replied.

Apparently, they are not small yachts or rowing boats......but big ones!! Her father-in-law is going to the marina next week to talk to his boat owner mates and see how mant would be interested in having their boats cleaned.......as they have said they were looking for another company to do this.

The boats will be brought out of the water to a dry dock for the interiors and exterior to be cleaned.

I am now going to do a search on the good old internet to do some research on this, but thought i would throw this out to you guys....

.....have any of you done this sort of work. What should i be looking out for or expect? Being a carpet cleaner would prove no problems for the carpets and upholstery.

What sort of cleaning chemicals would i need to look out for?

And how much would i be looking to charge for a medium to large yacht/motor boat to be cleaned?

Nothing may come of it, but i would like to be prepared incase anything comes of it.

Looking forward to your comments.

Right......now to google the internet.

Regards

Tim

[CATMAN]

People with big boats are the type that live in big houses.

They love flaunting it, but hate spending it.

I hope you prove me wrong.

Regards

CATMAN

[John Kelly]

Heres one we done recently with the Prowler. Cleaned the carpets and upholstery inside and pressure washed the exterior.
Thing is a lot of boat owners like to do the outside cleaning themselves as it is all part of the fun. However obviously a lot of people haven't got the time. Be aware that the interiors get very dirty with draught marking due to the engines sucking in air via the hatches etc. Some have vinyl others fabrics with a lot of imitation leather which can be a nightmare to get a result on.
You need to have products for the outside which won't damage the gel coat. Most general detergents are ok but with one big problem. You can't wash this stuff into the marina or they'll have your balls. So you are looking at hand cleaning the exterior, wiping off then rinsing with clean water. Hardest parts are bird muck and leaf stains.

[Ian Gourlay]

I donot know if he still does them but years ago Justin Ruggles did one with that waterless cleaning product for cars.

Cant remember if he posted details on The Cleaning Section of this Forum ,or another forum

More than likly another forum but as I cant read small print lost my password etc

[Jason Hedges]

Hi Tim,

Have been asked about cleaning boats in the past, contacted my insurance company and they said I'm not covered! Before even considering the job enquire wether your insurance covers you first.

Aparently planes, trains and boats require extensive cover. Not so much with pleasure cruisers which I have cleaned but commercial jobbies. Can understand because if you fuse out a plane or boat and it can't travel there could be a large compensation claim on your hands.

Charge would be upto you, whatever time and expenses are incurred.

Worth looking into if the jobs a large one........

All the best,
Jason.

[angela carlton]

There was an article in the Prochem newsletter / magazine, about a company in Spain who do this work

You could get the details from your local Prochem agent, or your host.

Angie

[Tim Downer]

Thanks Angie, have already dug that issue out, as i recieve the mag anyway.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and comments. I will wait and find out if anything comes of it next week - otherwise i will shelve it until another day.

Regards

Tim