new business

[HUFF]

what tools, and products would you suggest for a startup marine detailing business?

[ArmstrongDetailing]

I would recommend working for another marine detailing company for a while before starting one on your own.

It's too hard to give you advice on all the tools and products you should use without showing you how to use them.

You do need specialized products for cleaning non-skid decking and hull cleaner that can remove scum lines and rust stains. I use soft brushes for the hull and stiff brushes for the non-skid. 0000 Brass wool is a good item to have on hand for polishing the stainless steel. DON'T use steel wool because you will get rust specks all over the place.

If you want more advice than this, be specific as to what part of the boat you want advice on.

Hope this helps and welcome to the site.

Troy

[HUFF]

the main thins i was looking for is info on restoring the shine back to fiberglass. I have worked in a body shop for years wet sanding and buffing cars, along with the normal details. i just wasn't sure what products to use in the marine world since there is a lot of salt, to buff and wax these boats

[Beemerboy]

Originally Posted by HUFF

the main thins i was looking for is info on restoring the shine back to fiberglass. I have worked in a body shop for years wet sanding and buffing cars, along with the normal details. i just wasn't sure what products to use in the marine world since there is a lot of salt, to buff and wax these boats

I think what Troy was saying is that we see a lot of people come on here and ask similar questions like yours but have no experience...Still your question can be a number of things...what is the current condition of the boat that you are working on...is this just a one time thing or do you plan on additional marine jobs?

[HUFF]

i just am really interested in knowing what compounds i should use for poor condition boat, fair condition, and good condition, also what steps should be taken for the best results. I use the 3M perfect line on the cars i do, but i am sure that its not ideal for the marine world. Also what works well on the metal work on boats.

[Brenton]

I don't do many boats, but it partly depends on your community and clientele. Customers that do their boats every year have a different condition than those that wait to spend their $700 until it has been eight years. The biggest guy here uses Farecla G3 or G6 with wool buffing pads for the cut on gel coat boats and fibreglass.
Do a search here for boat detailing, some pics and products, see what you find. You'll have to go back a couple of years, but good luck.