Bay Boat & Pontoon Specialist
Starke-certified mobile detailing for family boats in protected waters. Pontoons, deck boats, and bay cruisers need protection from UV and algae - I come to your dock or lift with professional equipment.
Bethany Beach is where families come for relaxed bay cruising. Pontoons on Assawoman Bay, deck boats at anchor with kids swimming, slow evenings watching the sunset over Indian River Bay. These boats live a different life than the offshore fishing fleet running out of Ocean City. But "protected waters" doesn't mean "no maintenance" - UV damage, algae growth, and mildew are constant threats to boats that spend more time docked than running.
I'm a Starke Yacht Care certified detailer who understands that not every boat needs the aggressive treatment an offshore boat requires. Family boats need protection from sun damage and organic buildup, plus interiors that stay clean and mildew-free for weekend guests. I tailor my approach to how you actually use your boat.
Complete wash with algae and waterline stain removal. Designed for boats in shallow, protected waters.
$900 - $1,300 (20-30ft)
Restore sun-faded gel coat to original shine. Perfect for boats that spend more time docked than running.
$1,300 - $1,900 (20-30ft)
12-24 months of UV protection plus easy algae release - the ideal coating for bay boats and pontoons.
$2,800 - $4,200 (20-30ft)
Scheduled monthly service keeps your boat protected year-round. Same detailer, consistent results.
$325 - $500/mo (20-30ft)
All pricing based on inspection. See the full pricing guide
Mobile detailing at community docks, backyard lifts, and driveways
What types of boats do you detail in Bethany Beach?
Bethany Beach is known for family boating on calm waters, so I detail a lot of pontoons, deck boats, bay boats, and smaller fishing craft. These boats stay mostly in protected waters - Assawoman Bay, Indian River Bay, and the inland bays. They face different challenges than offshore boats: more algae, more sun damage from idle time, but less salt corrosion.
Do pontoons and bay boats really need ceramic coating?
Absolutely. Pontoons and bay boats often sit more than they run, which means extended UV exposure. That sun damage oxidizes gel coat and fades vinyl just as fast as salt does. Ceramic coating protects against UV, makes algae slide off easier (huge for shallow bay boats), and keeps your boat looking good without constant waxing.
How much does boat detailing cost in Bethany Beach?
My boat detailing packages for a 25' boat: Clean & Protect (wash and hand detail) is $1,100, Polish & Seal (swirls and dull finish) is $1,600, and Standard Thor ceramic coating is $3,500. Protected-water boats often need less heavy correction than offshore boats, so many Bethany Beach customers start with lighter packages. I provide free assessments to recommend the right option.
What's the biggest threat to boats in calm bay waters?
UV damage and algae buildup. Boats in protected waters don't get the salt pounding that offshore boats face, but they often sit at the dock longer between uses. That idle time means more sun exposure, more algae growth at the waterline, and more mildew in the interior. Ceramic coating addresses all three issues.
How often should a bay boat be detailed?
For pontoons and bay boats in protected waters, I recommend quarterly maintenance washes during boating season plus annual ceramic coating. That schedule keeps algae under control, maintains the coating's protection, and catches any issues before they become expensive problems. It's less aggressive than what offshore boats need.
Do you service boats at residential docks in Bethany Beach?
Yes, that's actually where most of my Bethany Beach work happens. Many families here keep boats on backyard lifts or community docks rather than marinas. I'm fully mobile and set up at your location - no need to trailer anywhere. South Bethany, Sea Colony, and the neighborhoods along the bay are all in my regular service area.
I'll come to your dock or driveway, assess your boat's condition, and give you an honest recommendation - no pressure, no upselling.
Schedule Free Assessment (302) 853-2853 jacob@catalystmarineservices.com