Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

How often should I wash my yacht in South Florida?

Most owners choose weekly or biweekly during peak season. Marinas with heavy traffic may need more frequent care. Factors include:

• Sun exposure and UV intensity
• Proximity to salt spray
• Marina traffic and exhaust
• How often you use your boat
• Whether you have ceramic coating

Do you carry marine liability insurance?

Yes, up to $3M. We provide certificates to marinas and property managers on request. We're also:

• Fully licensed in all three counties
• Background checked team members
• Marina compliant at all facilities
• Workers compensation covered

How far in advance should I schedule?

• New clients: We aim for same-week service
• Monthly programs: Set schedule, no booking needed
• One-time services: 3-5 days advance booking
• Emergency/storm prep: 24-hour response

What forms of payment do you accept?

• Cash or check (preferred)
• ACH bank transfer
• Credit cards (+3% processing fee)
• Monthly auto-pay available (5% discount)
• Commercial NET 15 terms available

Service-Specific Questions

What is the benefit of ceramic coating over wax?

Ceramic coatings offer several advantages:

• Duration: 18-36 months vs 3-4 months for wax
• Protection: Superior UV and chemical resistance
• Maintenance: 50% faster washing, self-cleaning properties
• Appearance: Deeper gloss and color enhancement
• Value: Lower cost per month when amortized

Will gelcoat correction remove all oxidation?

We remove oxidation within the limits of the surface:

• Light oxidation: 90-95% improvement
• Medium oxidation: 80-90% improvement
• Heavy oxidation: 70-85% improvement
• Test section: Always shown before full correction
• Realistic expectations: Some deep damage may remain

How can I tell how oxidized my boat is?

Try these three simple tests:

• Visual reflection test: Stand 3-5 feet away in direct sunlight. Sharp, clear reflections mean light oxidation. Hazy or dull reflections indicate moderate. No reflection at all means heavy.
• Hand wipe test: Rub the surface firmly with clean, dry fingers 3-4 times. No residue means light, light chalk means moderate, heavy white chalk means heavy oxidation.
• Gloss meter (if available): 70-85 GU = light, 55-70 GU = moderate, below 55 GU = heavy.

If 2 out of 3 tests point to the same level, that's your oxidation grade. Not sure? We assess every vessel for free during our dockside estimate.

How do you protect teak during polishing?

Our teak protection process:

• Tape and mask all teak before machine work
• Use drop cloths on large teak areas
• Clean teak separately with gentle methods
• Inspect for overspray after polishing
• Touch up any affected areas immediately

Scheduling and Logistics

How quickly can you schedule service?

Response times by service type:

• Estimates: 2 hours during business hours
• New clients: Same week service typical
• Monthly clients: Pre-scheduled, no wait
• Emergency: 24-hour storm response
• Peak season: Book 5-7 days ahead

Do you work in all weather?

We monitor conditions closely:

• Light rain: Service continues (boats get wet anyway)
• Heavy rain: Rescheduled for safety
• High winds: Postponed if over 20 knots
• Lightning: Immediate suspension
• Cold weather: Service continues above 50°F

What if I need to reschedule?

Flexible rescheduling policy:

• 24-hour notice: No charge to reschedule
• Same-day cancellation: Case by case basis
• Monthly programs: Unlimited rescheduling
• Weather cancellations: Auto-rescheduled
• Emergency situations: Always accommodated

Environmental and Safety

What products do you use?

All products are:

• Marine-specific formulations
• Biodegradable where possible
• EPA approved
• Marina compliant
• Brand names only (3M, Meguiars, etc.)

How do you handle environmental regulations?

Full compliance includes:

• Containing all runoff as required
• Using eco-safe products
• Following manatee zone rules
• Respecting no-discharge zones
• Proper disposal of all waste

Pricing and Billing

Why are prices shown as ranges?

Every yacht is different:

• Size (length, beam, draft)
• Current condition
• Service complexity
• Marina location
• Frequency of service

We provide exact quotes after assessment.

Do you offer any discounts?

Available discounts:

• Monthly programs: 5-10% off single service rates
• Multi-service bundles: 10-15% package savings
• Referral program: Earn service credits
• Annual contracts: Locked rates
• Auto-pay: Additional 5% off

When is payment due?

Payment terms:

• Residential: Due upon completion
• Monthly programs: Billed monthly
• Commercial: NET 15 available
• Large projects: 50% deposit may apply