Boat service quote comparison
One diver quotes per foot of length overall, another per foot of waterline, a third a flat price with zincs extra. Enter them here to see what each costs for your boat, side by side, and what to ask before you choose.
Side by side
| Item | Provider A | Provider B | Provider CLowest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total for your boat | $85.00 | $82.50 | $75.00 |
| Per foot of LOA | $2.50/ft | $2.43/ft | $2.21/ft |
| Priced | Per foot, length overall (LOA) | Per foot, waterline | Flat price per visit |
| Zincs (anodes) checked and replaced | Not stated | Included | Included |
| Haul-out, blocking and launch (if the job needs it) | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Disposal and environmental fees | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Travel or trip charge | Not stated | Not stated | Included |
| Written warranty on the work | Not stated | Not stated | Included |
| Not-to-exceed amount | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Insurance certificate provided | Included | Not stated | Included |
| Harbor-approved or permitted where required | Included | Not stated | Included |
| Photos of completed work | Included | Not stated | Included |
| Schedule or start date | Included | Included | Included |
Questions to ask each provider
Provider A
- Are zincs included? If not, what do you charge per anode, for parts and for labor, and will you show me the old ones?
- Does the job need a haul-out? If so, is the yard's haul, block and launch included, or billed by the yard separately?
- Are disposal, hazardous-waste or environmental fees extra? How much?
- Is there a travel, trip or minimum charge to come to my marina?
- What warranty do you give on labor and parts, for how long, and is it in writing?
- Will you put a not-to-exceed amount in writing, and ask me before doing anything beyond it?
Provider B
- Does the job need a haul-out? If so, is the yard's haul, block and launch included, or billed by the yard separately?
- Are disposal, hazardous-waste or environmental fees extra? How much?
- Is there a travel, trip or minimum charge to come to my marina?
- What warranty do you give on labor and parts, for how long, and is it in writing?
- Will you put a not-to-exceed amount in writing, and ask me before doing anything beyond it?
- Can you send a current certificate of insurance? Does my marina need to be named on it?
- Are you on my marina's approved vendor list, and do you hold any harbor permit or ID my harbor requires (for example a hull-cleaning permit)?
- Will you send photos (or video) of the finished work, including zincs and running gear?
- You price by waterline: what waterline length will you use for my boat? (I've used 30 ft.)
Provider C
- Does the job need a haul-out? If so, is the yard's haul, block and launch included, or billed by the yard separately?
- Are disposal, hazardous-waste or environmental fees extra? How much?
- Will you put a not-to-exceed amount in writing, and ask me before doing anything beyond it?
- What exactly does the flat price cover, and does it change if the hull is heavily fouled?
How this works
Total for your boat = price × length overall (per-foot LOA quotes), price × waterline length (per-foot waterline quotes), price × estimated hours (hourly), or the price itself (flat). Per foot of LOA = total ÷ length overall, so every quote is on the same footing. Money is worked out in whole cents.
The worked example is a 34 ft boat with a 30 ft waterline and three illustrative quotes (not published prices): $2.50/ft LOA = $85.00; $2.75/ft waterline = $82.50, which is $2.43 per foot of LOA; and a flat $75.00, which is $2.21/ft. The cheapest per-foot rate isn't the cheapest job, and the cheapest job may leave out zincs.
The checklist is ours: the items that most often turn a low quote into a higher bill or a dispute. An unticked box means the quote doesn't say, not that the provider won't do it, so each one becomes a question. Marine technicians specialize, so ask about the specialty and any certification, and check reviews and referrals.[1] Some harbors require a permit for in-water hull cleaning, for example San Diego Bay[2] and Marina del Rey.[3]
Related guide: Hiring a marine contractor in California. Before asking for quotes, write up the job with the service request brief.
Sources
- American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC). Choosing a marine service technician.
- Port of San Diego. Ordinance 3025, amending Unified Port District Code §4.14 (in-water hull cleaning) (October 12, 2021).
- LA County Department of Beaches & Harbors. Hull Cleaning (BMP certification, LA County Code §19.12.700).