Expense to pro buff job

[Cooler]

I am having an estimate done from a person to do the buff/wax job on my Mariner. Her quote will be done Friday. What do you all think would be a reasonable expense? She does a 2 or 3 step process, compounding/wax, and I have seen some boats she did. They look really nice, but they are a different brand. I usually have a pro job done every other year, and do off years myself with a one step cleaner/wax. Any input? What do you pay on the 32 -33 foot range? Thanks for the input!
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[Tireless]

We have a guy in our area who does a 2 step compound then wax using really good products. He is very fussy. The end result is better than most I have seen. For a boat like yours he would charge $800 for below the rails and about $1000 for above. That would be Canadian. IMO a 2 step, compound then wax is the way to go. He uses the 3M Imperial Compound and then finishes it off with the 3M Ultra Performance Paste Wax. I use these products and do my own boat with a great result. Having said that, there are a lot of good products out there and most boaters will push the product they use. I have tried a lot of products and this works for me.

[Midnightsun]

I have had mine done a couple of times, prices vary considerably but usually the more you pay the better the final product. The first one set me back $3500 which I thought was rather steep however the finished results were spectacular. I have also had the boat done entirely with a one step which was $1000. Looked pretty darn good also.

Bottom line is prices vary greatly from region to region and also from contractor to contractor.

[mjk1040]

I think Tireless has a good handle on the pricing. U'll get what u pay for, and be sure to check out their prior work!

[vineyardgray]

I had the hull done in springtime and it only looks ok now. In fairness my hull had a lot of dings and oopsies. And mostly still does.

I did above the rail myself and let me tell you it was no picnic. I bought a Shurehold dual action system that I would recommend. Used a few different products because I was trying to go gentle on the gelcoat. By now it looks like I didn't even do it in some places.
I am thinking that sanding is required or some really aggressive like Aquabuff 1000. That is what's going to be tried next year,

[denpooch]

I have a 36 foot Mariner and over the summer some guy gave me an estimate to do the 'hull only' for $500.00 Two step process, compound and wax.
If topside is about the same cost, I would guess a good ballpark is about $1,000.00 for the total job.
Are you doing it now or awaiting spring time?

[RGrew176]

I'm thinking at least $800 to $1000. If it really looks good and you can keep on top of it after the cost is not that bad IMO. I try to get mine done every 3rd year. I am due for a topsides next year. Had the hull sides done last year.

[Sadey]

Had my 356 done last year. 3 step process cost $2500. Skipper Buds said they way under quoted me. Wax buffed off mid season was $1000. By the way that was top of aft-deck/radar arch to water line in both cases.

[Marty]

Tireless, can you send me the details of the guy you are referring to? I dock at Bayport and would like to get my boat done in the spring. Cheers!

[Cooler]

Denpooch - I will be doing it within the next few weeks. Did it myself last year, using a one step Mequiar's product ( #50 ), and it did not lose any luster from sitting over winter. It is inside, heated, so no sun or moisture. I did see her results on 3 different boats, all Cruisers Yachts, and those hulls looked like a mirror. Carver applies a thicker layer of gel coat, so I would imagine it will be similar.
Vineyardgray - I agree, doing the topsides is a PITA. Strange bending angles to get to different areas. My body does not like that type of "excersize" at all! More to come, when it's done! er