Detailing
Deep cleaning, polishing, and protective wax or ceramic coatings that restore your boat's shine and shield it from the Florida elements.
At Riptide Dive Services, we provide professional detailing, including waxing and ceramic coatings, to keep your boat looking its best. Our detailing packages consist of deep cleaning, polishing, compounding, and applying protective coatings such as wax and ceramic to your boat’s surfaces. These coatings provide long-lasting protection, enhancing shine, preventing UV damage, and reducing environmental wear. We service Pinellas, Manatee, Hillsborough, and Sarasota counties.
Why detailing is important
Regular detailing is crucial for a vessel in Florida. Sun, strong winds, humidity, and other natural forces quickly deteriorate your boat’s gelcoat, causing extreme oxidation and a chalky appearance on gelcoat, metal, and plastic surfaces. A proper detail restores the finish and protects it going forward.
- Long-lasting shine: restores and maintains your boat’s appearance.
- UV protection: shields surfaces from sun damage, cracking, and fading.
- Durability: wax and ceramic coatings provide a strong protective layer against salt and other debris.
- Easy maintenance: smooth, coated surfaces resist dirt, salt, and grime, making future cleaning easier.
Wax or ceramic, and how often
Wax coatings generally last three to six months, while ceramic coatings last one to three years. The exact lifespan depends on how often the vessel is washed and maintained. We recommend waxing every three to four months and applying ceramic coatings annually, depending on usage and exposure to sun and saltwater. Pairing detailing with a topside wash plan keeps the protection at its best for longer.
Why choose Riptide for detailing
We are an owner-operated service with real attention to detail and expert application of wax and ceramic coatings. We know the materials and the best maintenance practices for Florida conditions, and we are committed to protecting your investment and keeping your boat looking pristine.
More From Riptide
Explore our other services
We keep every part of your boat and waterfront in top condition, above and below the water.
Hull Cleaning Diver-operated hull cleaning that removes barnacles, algae, and marine growth to restore your vessel's efficiency, speed, and handling. Learn more → 
Zinc Anode Replacement In-water inspection and replacement of sacrificial anodes to protect your propellers, shafts, and underwater metals from galvanic corrosion. Learn more → 
Dock / Piling Cleaning Removal of barnacles, algae, and marine growth from docks and pilings to protect your waterfront structures and keep them safe and looking their best. Learn more → 
Seawall Cleaning Cleaning that removes algae, barnacles, and marine growth from your seawall to protect its strength, extend its life, and restore your waterfront. Learn more → 
Lift Cleaning Cleaning that clears marine growth from your lift's bunks, beams, cables, and motor area so it keeps running safely and avoids costly repairs. Learn more → 
Topside Wash Plans Recurring washes for your boat's above-water surfaces that protect your wax and ceramic coatings and keep decks, rails, and cabins looking new. Learn more → 
Yacht Management Complete oversight of your vessel, from regular check-ins and systems monitoring to hull cleaning, electrical, maintenance coordination, detailing, and logistics, handled by one trusted team. Learn more → 
Teak Restoration Cleaning, restoration, and ongoing care for teak decks, trim, and brightwork so the wood keeps its color and stays protected from sun and salt. Learn more → 
AC Strainer Service Cleaning and maintenance of your air conditioning raw water strainer so the system keeps flowing, cooling, and running the way it should. Learn more → Ready to protect your investment?
Schedule your service or get a quote from the owner-operated dive team Tampa Bay trusts.