It is common to get two detailing quotes for the same boat or RV and find one is double the other. Usually the difference is not the soap. It is whether the detailer plans to actually remove oxidation or just wipe on a wax, how many polishing steps they include, and what protection goes on at the end. This guide explains how to compare quotes fairly.
Make Sure They Work on Boats and RVs
Gelcoat, marine vinyl, canvas, clear vinyl windows, RV decals and rubber roofs all need different products and techniques from a car. Ask what boats and RVs the detailer works on regularly and how they handle the specific surfaces on yours.
Ask What Happens to the Oxidation
Wax only: If the hull or sidewalls are chalky, wax on top will look better for a few weeks and then fade. The oxidized layer is still there.
Compound and polish: Real oxidation removal means machine compounding to remove the damaged layer, then polishing for gloss. Ask whether the quote includes this and how many steps.
Protection: Ask what goes on at the end: wax, sealant or ceramic coating, and roughly how long each is expected to last on a boat or RV stored the way yours is.
Get the Scope in Writing
A good quote lists what is included: hull sides, topsides, deck, non-skid, vinyl, canvas, metal, interior, roof, wheels. If it just says "full detail," you have no way of knowing what you are paying for or comparing it with another quote.
Ask About Ceramic Coating Prep
Any detailer can sell a ceramic coating. The result depends on the prep underneath: wash, decontamination, correction and a panel wipe before the coating goes on. If a coating quote doesn't mention correction on a chalky hull, ask why.
Check Access and Logistics
Ask whether they need water and power on site, whether they can work at your marina or storage facility, and what they need from you. A mobile detailer who brings their own water and power can work almost anywhere the property allows.
Look at Real Work
Ask for photos of recent jobs, ideally of boats or RVs like yours. Independent reviews and a working social media account with recent posts are more useful than testimonials on a company's own website.
Red Flags
No photos or questions before quoting: An accurate quote needs to know the size, type and condition.
Ceramic coating with no correction: Coating over oxidation locks the oxidation in.
One price for every boat: A 20-foot runabout and a 40-foot cruiser are very different jobs.
The Bottom Line
The best detailer for your boat or RV is the one whose quote explains what they will do to fix the finish, what they will put on to protect it, and how long that should last. Send a few photos and compare the answers.