Polish and wax cost

[Bowlerhat]

I have a 2018 29 foot Quicksilver 855 Weekend (think Merry Fisher/Antares equivalent). I usually lightly cut back, polish and wax the top sides and exposed hull areas (I have a hull wrap) but this year won‘t have the time. Can anyone give me a reasonable cost I should be paying, please? Clearly you get what you pay for, and if anyone has a good review of someone in Plymouth that would help too. The boat is in a dry stack so is in pretty good shape and I don’t need antifouling. Thank you.

 

[Fire99]

Clearly you get what you pay for

In boaty land I wouldn't go too far with that. There are many 'have a go heroes' who charge a fortune but do a cr*p job. Go for someone well recommended is my 50 penneth worth.

 

[DavidJ]

In Spain, a couple of years back, for a 37 ft sports I paid €700 which includes lift out and back which say is €300 so €400 for all the areas you suggest.
AND they do a far better job than me.
Let’s guess for a 29 ft sports in GBP ………£250-£300

 

[Fire99]

In Spain, a couple of years back, for a 37 ft sports I paid €700 which includes lift out and back which say is €300 so €400 for all the areas you suggest.
AND they do a far better job than me.
Let’s guess for a 29 ft sports in GBP ………£250-£300

That's a flippin' good price to include lift out and back in again. Where my boat is, for a 47ft boat it's over 900 quid just to lift out, power wash and plop back in again.

 

[DavidJ]

That's a flippin' good price to include lift out and back in again. Where my boat is, for a 47ft boat it's over 900 quid just to lift out, power wash and plop back in again.

Things have gone up significantly. I don’t think I‘ll get that price this year. That was with discretionary VAT not included.

 

[Tranona]

£250-300.

 

[Fire99]

Things have gone up significantly. I don’t think I‘ll get that price this year. That was with discretionary VAT not included.

I'm just going to quietly cry into my coffee now. Then maybe have a whip-round to pay for my next lift-out.

 

[henryf]

This is one of those services where there is a massive difference in terms of what people do. It ranges from a quick once over with a coarse compound that leaves swirl marks everywhere in the sunshine to a series of carefully applied compounds which leaves an amazing finish.

Just to complicate matters you can temporarily fill the first of those with a polish which will mask some of the damage for a while.

Many people wouldn't be able to differentiate between each of the different jobs but when you know what you're looking at its obvious and a poor job deteriorates quickly.

Ignore everyone telling what they paid miles away and years ago, you need a recommendation for someone local to you. Plymouth should be easy as there's a healthy marine service industry there. It will also depend on the current condition of your boat.

On a final note have a look at ceramic coating. I swear by it and it makes the boat really easy to keep clean but it does need really good preparation before you apply it.

 

[Poecheng]

On a final note have a look at ceramic coating. I swear by it and it makes the boat really easy to keep clean but it does need really good preparation before you apply it.

Accurate !

 

[Bowlerhat]

This is one of those services where there is a massive difference in terms of what people do. It ranges from a quick once over with a coarse compound that leaves swirl marks everywhere in the sunshine to a series of carefully applied compounds which leaves an amazing finish.

Just to complicate matters you can temporarily fill the first of those with a polish which will mask some of the damage for a while.

Many people wouldn't be able to differentiate between each of the different jobs but when you know what you're looking at its obvious and a poor job deteriorates quickly.

Ignore everyone telling what they paid miles away and years ago, you need a recommendation for someone local to you. Plymouth should be easy as there's a healthy marine service industry there. It will also depend on the current condition of your boat.

On a final note have a look at ceramic coating. I swear by it and it makes the boat really easy to keep clean but it does need really good preparation before you apply it.

Thank you. My car is ceramic coated and I’m delighted with it. I’ll take a look for the boat. It‘s in good condition, but I recognise the need for careful prep. This is half the problem, if you’re not there to see it done (which I won’t be). This is where recommendations are important. I have plenty for mechanical services etc, but not for boat ‘valet’ work.

 

[rbcoomer]

Zenith Marine cover Plymouth, won't be cheapest but very good results.

 

[oldgit]

Chum has got his boat out at the moment.
Being nosey and popping round to see folks when their boat is out the water, there is only ever one local company van in the car park.
Might be worth popping into boatyards or marinas in your area see who is getting the business.

 

[paradave]

Good tip oldgit. There’s always a van at my yard (too far from OP) and believe they prepped mine after purchase. Incredible job and it looked like new. I’ll probably get them to do it again next year.

 

[stranded]

Zenith Marine cover Plymouth, won't be cheapest but very good results.

+1 for Zenith quality. Think they’re charging £72+VAT per metre for this spring, topsides only (sailing boat).

 

[Bowlerhat]

+1 for Zenith quality. Think they’re charging £72+VAT per metre for this spring, topsides only (sailing boat).

I’m going to phone around and also visit the yard to see who’s about. There are Plymouth companies advertising top side cut and polish for half the Zenith cost, but of course it could be half as good a job. I’ll report back!