Short answer: Harbor Marine details boats and applies ceramic coating for Atlanta owners, at Lanier slips, storage facilities where allowed, or our Buford shop. Polish, protection and interiors. Call (770) 967-8495.
Heat, sun and city storage
Atlanta summers are long and hot. A boat in an open storage lot or a Lanier slip takes a lot of sun, and gel coat turns chalky as it ages. Covered storage helps, but dust and pollen still collect, and a tight cover in humid weather can grow mildew. A good detail clears all of that and protects the finish.
What a detail covers
- Hull, deck and topside wash.
- Waterline stain removal.
- Oxidation removal and polish.
- Wax, sealant or ceramic coating.
- Vinyl and interior cleaning.
- Glass, metal and helm.
Ceramic coating
A ceramic coating forms a hard, slick layer over polished gel coat. It resists UV and stains, and makes washing quicker, which matters when lake days are scarce. Prep is key, and curing needs dry weather.
Where we detail
Boats in a Lanier slip can often be detailed at the dock. Storage facilities vary: some allow washing and outside service, many do not. If yours does not, we can detail the boat at the shop. Ask through mobile service in Atlanta for on-site options.
Wax, sealant or coating
Wax gives a quick shine but wears fast in Georgia sun. A sealant lasts longer, and a coating lasts the longest. For boats in open lots or slips, a sealant or coating usually makes more sense.
Interiors
Sunscreen, drinks and wet towels add up. We clean and condition vinyl, clean carpet and mats, and clear out lockers where mildew grows.
Before a sale
Selling the boat? A full detail helps it photograph well and look cared for when buyers come to see it.
What affects a detail
Pricing is set when you call for a quote. These are the things that change the size of the job:
- Boat size and layout.
- How much oxidation and staining there is.
- Wax, sealant or ceramic coating.
- Where the work happens.
Pollen and city grime
Spring pollen coats every boat in the metro area, and boats stored near busy roads collect a film of road grime. Rinse often in pollen season and plan the spring detail after the worst has passed. Covered storage cuts most of it.
Saving time on lake days
A protected finish rinses clean faster, which matters when lake days are scarce. A sealant or coating, plus a quick rinse after each trip, means less scrubbing and more time on the water.
Waterline stains
Boats kept in a Lanier slip get a brown or yellow waterline from minerals in the lake water. The longer it sits, the harder it is to remove. Regular cleaning keeps it light, and protection afterward slows it down.
Choosing what to protect first
If budget is tight, start with the parts of the boat the sun hits hardest: the deck, the top of the hull sides and the vinyl seats. Those fade first. The lower hull and waterline can follow at the next detail. A good cover is the cheapest protection of all, since a boat that is covered between trips needs far less polishing to look good.
Canvas and covers
Bimini tops and covers collect pollen, sap and mildew. They can be cleaned and treated so they shed water again. A cover that fits well and is vented keeps the boat cleaner in storage.
A simple upkeep routine
Between details, a short routine keeps an Atlanta boat looking good. Rinse with fresh water after each trip, including the cockpit and seats. Dry the vinyl so water spots and mildew do not form. Wipe the waterline every few weeks if the boat lives in a slip. Use soap made for boats, since household cleaners strip wax and dry out vinyl. Keep the cover on between trips. Done regularly, this stretches the time between full details and keeps the finish protected longer.
Related and nearby
A detail can reveal chips. Gel coat repair in Atlanta can fix them. Before storage, plan winterization in Atlanta.
North of the city, we also offer detailing in Alpharetta and in Suwanee, and our shop is in Buford. If your boat stays in the water, see detailing on Lake Lanier. All our work for city owners is on the Atlanta boat repair page, the main service page explains each step, and you can contact us anytime.