Boat & Marine Detailing

Your Boat Faces Conditions Your Car Never Will

A boat operates in an environment that would destroy automotive paint in a single season. Water immersion, UV exposure without shade, mineral deposits from reservoir water, and the biological growth that comes with a wet hull create a set of maintenance challenges unique to marine vessels. Gel coat oxidizes. Vinyl dries and cracks. Metal hardware dulls. Non-skid decking stains. These are not cosmetic inconveniences — they are indicators of surface degradation that, left unaddressed, becomes permanent.

Boise Mobile Auto Detailing provides professional-grade marine detailing for boat owners across the Treasure Valley. Whether your vessel is stored at Lucky Peak, trailered at Lake Lowell, or kept at CJ Strike Reservoir, we bring our equipment to you and restore every surface to a protected, presentable condition.

Who It’s For

Marine detailing serves any boat owner who wants their vessel maintained properly. Whether you own a ski boat that sees heavy use at Lucky Peak every summer weekend, a pontoon that lives on the water at Lake Lowell, a fishing boat stored in your driveway, or a larger cruiser at CJ Strike, regular detailing protects your investment and keeps the vessel performing as it should.

This service is particularly valuable:

• Before the season. Remove winter storage dust, mildew, and surface oxidation before your first launch of the year.
• Mid-season. Address water line staining, sun damage, and general wear from active use.
• Before winter storage. Clean and protect all surfaces so your boat enters storage in the best possible condition, reducing the work needed when spring returns. Our boat winterization guide covers the complete process.
• Before sale. A detailed boat presents dramatically better than a neglected one. Gel coat gloss and clean vinyl are among the first things buyers evaluate.

What’s Included

Every marine detail is customized to the vessel type and condition, but the core process addresses the following areas:

Hull and Gel Coat

Gel coat is the outer surface layer on fiberglass hulls, and it is where the most visible damage occurs. We remove oxidation through machine compounding, restoring the original color depth and gloss. For hulls with heavy oxidation, we use marine-specific compounds designed for gel coat’s different hardness characteristics compared to automotive clear coat. Light scratches, scuff marks from docks and fenders, and water line staining are addressed during this stage.

After correction, we apply a marine-grade sealant or wax that provides UV protection and makes future cleaning significantly easier. The sealant also reduces water absorption into the gel coat surface, slowing the oxidation cycle.

Marine Vinyl

Boat seats, console covers, and other vinyl surfaces endure a combination of UV, moisture, sunscreen residue, and biological contamination that automotive vinyl rarely encounters. We clean marine vinyl with products formulated for the specific plasticizers used in marine-grade materials. After cleaning, we apply a UV-protectant conditioner that maintains flexibility and prevents the cracking and chalking that Idaho’s sun intensity accelerates.

For vinyl with existing mildew staining, we use targeted treatments that remove discoloration without damaging the material. Prevention starts with proper cleaning and protection, which is what this service provides.

Teak and Wood Surfaces

Teak decking, swim platforms, and trim are cleaned with marine-safe teak cleaners that lift dirt and graying without stripping the wood’s natural oils. After cleaning, teak is treated with a sealer or oil that restores the warm golden color and protects against moisture absorption and UV fading.

Non-Skid Decking

Non-skid surfaces accumulate ground-in dirt, algae, and staining that regular hosing does not remove. We use brushes and cleaners appropriate for the texture, restoring the surface to a clean, uniform appearance without compromising the non-skid properties.

Chrome, Stainless, and Hardware

All metal fixtures, cleats, rails, and hardware are polished to remove water spots, oxidation, and tarnish. Stainless steel is treated to resist future spotting.

Interior Cabin

For boats with enclosed cabins, we clean all interior surfaces, address mildew and moisture issues, clean upholstery and carpet, and ensure the cabin smells clean rather than musty. Proper ventilation recommendations are included as part of the service.

Trailer

If your boat is trailered, we clean the trailer frame, bunks, and rollers as part of the service. Removing salt, mud, and accumulated road grime from the trailer extends its service life and keeps it presentable alongside the detailed vessel.

Our Process

1. Assessment — We evaluate the vessel’s overall condition, noting oxidation severity, vinyl condition, and areas requiring special attention.

2. Rinse and Pre-Clean — Loose debris, bird droppings, and surface contamination are rinsed away.

3. Hull Correction — Oxidation removal and gel coat polishing using marine-specific compounds and pads.

4. Hull Protection — Marine sealant or wax applied to the corrected gel coat.

5. Vinyl and Upholstery — Cleaning, mildew treatment if needed, and UV-protectant conditioning.

6. Deck and Non-Skid — Scrubbing and cleaning all deck surfaces.

7. Metal and Hardware — Polishing chrome, stainless, and aluminum fixtures.

8. Teak Treatment — Cleaning and sealing any wood surfaces.

9. Glass and Windshield — Marine-safe glass cleaning.

10. Final Inspection — Complete walk-around to confirm every surface has been addressed.

Marine-Safe Products Only

Every product we use on marine vessels is formulated specifically for the marine environment. Automotive compounds, waxes, and cleaners are not interchangeable with marine products. Gel coat has different properties than automotive clear coat. Marine vinyl uses different plasticizers than automotive vinyl. We maintain a separate inventory of marine-specific products to ensure compatibility and effectiveness on every surface.

Serving Treasure Valley Boaters

We detail boats at your storage location, at marinas, in your driveway, or anywhere across the Treasure Valley where your vessel is accessible. Our mobile units carry the water, power, and equipment needed to perform the full service on-site. Call (208) 609-9465 to schedule your marine detail.