Mobile Boat Detailing
Professional Boat Detailing In Charleston
Why Total Boat Repair Is the Top Choice for Mobile Boat Detailing in Charleston
At Total Boat Repair, we specialize in mobile boat detailing services across Charleston, SC, bringing expert-level care directly to your dock, marina, or storage yard. With over 100 five-star reviews and a reputation for reliability, precision, and professional service, we’re trusted by boat owners throughout Charleston, Hilton Head, and Savannah to keep their vessels looking showroom-ready.
From salt-stained hulls and oxidized gelcoat to moldy cushions and water-spotted glass, we restore your boat’s shine, protect your investment, and help you enjoy more time on the water. We wash and detail nearly all vessels, so no matter whether you own a center console, sport yacht, catamaran or a cabin cruiser our mobile detailing service means you don’t have to lift a finger and we come to you.
Mobile Boat Repair
Areas We Service
Our Mobile Boat Detailing Team Serves The Following Locations:
Charleston SC
Mount Pleasant
Daniel Island
Isle of Palms
Sullivan's Island
Kiawah
Seabrook Island
Johns Island
James Island
West Ashley
Awendaw
Hanahan
Folly Beach
Summerville
Wadmalaw Island
Pawley's Island
Our Most Popular Boat Detailing Services
- Full Exterior Wash & Wax
Salt, sun, and grime don’t stand a chance. We clean and wax your hull, deck, and topside to restore shine and provide UV protection. - Oxidation Removal & Gelcoat Polishing
We buff out faded, chalky gelcoat and restore a high-gloss finish to your hull and topsides. - Interior Deep Cleaning
We sanitize and scrub all surfaces — cushions, compartments, glass, floors — to remove mildew, dirt, and odors. - Wet Sanding
For badly oxidized boat hulls we offer wet sanding to remove the oxidated gelcoat layer to reveal the true color and shine. - Gelcoat Correction
We remove deep scratches, dock rash, fender rash and other imperfections in your gelcoat surface. - Non-Skid Deck Cleaning
We deep-clean textured deck areas with non-slip safe products that lift grime without damage. - Teak Cleaning & Brightening
We remove gray weathering and bring teak back to its natural golden hue.
Our Mobile Detailing Work
FAQs for Mobile Boat Detailing
Do I need to be there during the service?
Not at all. As long as we have access to the boat, we just need a power source (110 v) and a water outlet, we’ll handle the rest. We’ll text or call with any updates.
Is your detailing service mobile?
Yes — 100%. We bring everything to you. We service all major Charleston marinas, boatyards, drystacks and private docks.
What types of boats do you detail?
Center consoles, catamarans, yachts, bay boats, skiffs, cruisers, trawlers, wake boats, and more.
How often should I get my boat detailed in Charleston?
We recommend detailing every 9-12 months, depending on usage and exposure. Charleston’s saltwater, sun, and humidity can accelerate wear.
Why don’t you offer ceramic coatings for boats?
Ceramic coatings work well for cars stored in garages or under full cover — but boats are a different story. In harsh marine environments like Charleston, with intense sun, salt, and heat, ceramic coatings require frequent maintenance and often don’t last as advertised.
In fact, many ceramic coatings begin to break down once the surface temperature of the hull reaches around 97°F. Dark-colored boats absorb even more heat, especially in direct sunlight, causing the coating to “burn off” much faster. This means you’re left with disappointing results just weeks or months later — and a much lighter wallet.
While other companies may still push ceramic coatings to make a quick buck, we choose to do things differently. Instead of charging you for a short-lived solution, we apply a high-quality SiO₂ sealant with every detail — at no extra cost. It provides reliable protection that lasts 6–9 months and performs better in real-world Lowcountry conditions.
That’s just one of the reasons Total Boat Repair is Charleston’s most trusted boat detailing service. Our customers consistently experience better long-term results at a lower cost, and that’s why they keep coming back year after year.
What’s included in a detail?
A typical detail consist of the following: A complete wash and rinse of the boat inside and out. The boat’s decks and surfaces are cleaned as well as all of the vinyl seating. Any stubborn rust stains, mildew, and grime is treated and cleaned. All compartments and hatches are cleared and cleaned. The topcap and boat hull down to the waterline are compounded, polished and then sealed with an Si02 sealant. All stainless is wiped down and treated with a metal polish and all glass or plexiglass as well as the electronics at your helm are carefully cleaned and protected. We also provide a protectant on of your vinyl boat upholstery.
Can you get the brown water stains off the bottom of my boat?
Yes. If we can reach it, we can remove it.
When is the best time to get my boat detailed?
Most boaters in Charleston SC tend to get their boats detailed in the spring. While this is a good time, it’s also a very busy time. Pro Tip: we recommend getting your boat detailed in the fall to winter for the upcoming season. This way you beat the spring rush and also do not have to worry about the timing of your sealant wearing off due to limited daytime sunlight (UV) exposure and moderate temperatures.
Is it cheaper if I get my boat detailed more than once in a year?
Most often yes. The reason being is that your first detail, especially if the boat hasn’t been well maintained will be more costly. It’s the bandaid you need to pull off. The second follow up detail 6 months later or so will be less labor on our end because we already did the heavy lifting removing the oxidation and UV damage to the gelcoat so your second detail will be less costly. Most of our customers who purchase such detail plans experience up to a 50% price reduction on their second detail.
Do you have weekly, monthly or annual detail plans available?
Yes. We tailor fit the needs of your boat to match your desired outcome whether that is weekly or monthly washdowns to bi-annual polish and sealant applications. Just call us and we are happy to evaluate your boat and get an understanding of your specific needs and wants.
I’m in a rush and have an event on our boat that I need cleaned, how soon can you detail our boat?
We understand the urgency of such matters and frequently we are able to move things around to accommodate our boat detail customers. Just call and we will see what we can do to accommodate you.
Once my boat is detailed, what do I need to do to keep it shining?
We recommend you use a boat wash with wax in it to clean your boat. Likewise you only want to use soft bristled brushes on your boat hull and smooth gelcoat surfaces to prevent etching on the surface. For you decks, you can use a medium to hard bristled brush. DO NOT use a degreaser such as Dawn to wash your boat as it will break down the sealant used to protect your boat.
What’s the cost of a detail?
The cost of a detail will depend upon the level of UV and oxidation damage to your boat’s hull that we have to correct. Other factors such as size, freeboard (surface area) and complexity factor in as well. Just text or email us some pictures for a ballpark estimate to get an idea, we’re happy to get you started so if you want to shop around you can.
Mobile Boat Detailing Charleston
How To Get Started With Your Boat Detail
- Free Estimate & Assessment
We review your boat’s condition via photos or an on-site inspection, then send a detailed estimate outlining recommended services.
2. Estimate Approval
We can text or email you the estimate. Once approved by you, we can schedule and lock in a date. The sooner the approval, the sooner the service.
3. Mobile Service
Whether your boat is in downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island or beyond, we bring the service to you. We just need power (110v outlet) and a water supply.
4. Detailing with Precision & Marine-Safe Products
Our detailers use only premium-grade, marine-safe compounds, polishes, and protectants designed to resist UV, salt, and mildew damage bringing your boat detail to completion.