⸺ KEEPING THE BRAINERD LAKES FLEET LOOKING SHARP

Boat Detailing in Baxter, MN

Detailing Built for Life on the Water

Boat detailing keeps a vessel's gel coat looking sharp and ready for the next trip out on the lake. Hill's Auto & Tinting Solutions offers boat detailing at our Baxter, MN shop, specializing in center console and game boats, fishing boats, speedboats, pontoons, and ski or wake boats. Every boat is serviced in person at the shop, since boat detailing isn't currently offered as a mobile service.



Boats don't have paint the way cars do, they have a gel coat applied over fiberglass, so Hill's uses gel coat polishing rather than restoration language to describe bringing that finish back to life. A full season on the water, tied up at the dock, or sitting on a lift all take a toll on gel coat in different ways, and Hill's tailors each service to how the boat is actually used. Many boat owners also pair detailing with boat ceramic coating or boat protection film for a longer lasting finish season after season..

Our Boat Detailing Services

Interior & Cabin Cleaning

From a basic wipe down to a full shampoo and deep clean, cabin service is scaled to the boat's size and current condition. It's a good fit for anything from a quick refresh before a weekend on the water to a deeper clean at the start or end of the season.

STARTING AT $10 per foot

Turnaround: 1 to 2 days

  • THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES:
    • Vacuum and wipe down of cabin surfaces
    • Cushion and upholstery cleaning
    • Shampoo and deep clean available for heavier buildup

Exterior Detailing & Gel Coat Polishing

Exterior service ranges from a basic wash up to a full gel coat polish, matched to how much oxidation and staining the hull has built up. Pontoons and fishing boats that sit in the water all season tend to need more attention than boats stored on a lift or trailer.

STARTING AT $10 per foot

Turnaround: 1 to 2 days

  • THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES:
    • Wash and acid wash
    • One, two, or three stage gel coat polishing
    • Wet sanding or color sanding for severe oxidation
    • Waterspot removal
    • Marine sealant application

Boat Ceramic Coating

A ceramic coating application gives gel coat a lasting shine and makes it easier to keep clean between washes. It's a popular option for owners who want their boat to hold its shine all season without constant upkeep at the dock.

STARTING AT $75 to $125 per foot

  • THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES:
    • Single application of ceramic coating to gel coat

Boat Protection Film

Boat Protection Film shields the gel coat from scuffs, scratches, and everyday wear at the dock or on the water. It's especially useful on high contact areas like the bow and rub rails where docking and loading gear cause the most wear.

STARTING AT $25 per square foot

  • THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES:
    • Custom fit film application

Add-On Option

Trailer Washing

CONTACT US FOR PRICING

Trailer Washing keeps the trailer as clean as the boat itself, since a dirty trailer undoes the work of a fresh detail. Ask your technician to add it on when scheduling any boat detailing service.

Find Your Boat Detailing Service

Whether it's a pontoon that needs a seasonal wash or a fishing boat that needs a full gel coat polish, Hill's can match a service to your vessel. A quick description of the boat's size, hull type, and current condition helps estimate cost before it's even brought in. Owners who store their boat outside all season or spend a lot of time on the water often benefit from starting with the higher levels of service. Call, request a free quote, or reach out through our contact page to talk through what your boat needs before the next trip out.

The Benefits of Boat Detailing

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Protects Gel Coat From the Elements

Sun, water, and everyday dock life slowly wear down gel coat, and regular detailing helps it hold its shine and color for longer. Left unchecked, that wear leads to a chalky, faded look that's harder to correct the longer it sits.

Black-and-white silhouette of a small boat on water

Removes Oxidation and Staining

Gel coat polishing lifts the chalky, faded look that builds up on hulls left exposed to the sun, bringing back a smoother, glossier finish. Waterline staining in particular tends to build up quickly on boats that spend the season in the water.

Black-and-white side view of a small motorboat with a canopy

Keeps the Cabin Fresh for Every Trip

A clean cabin makes every day on the water more enjoyable, whether it's a quick evening cruise or a full weekend on the lake. Cushions and upholstery in particular hold onto moisture and odor if they're not cleaned regularly.

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Preserves Resale Value

A well maintained hull and cabin are some of the first things buyers notice, and they can make a real difference when it's time to sell. Oxidized gel coat is one of the most common reasons a buyer negotiates the price down.

Why Choose Hill's for Boat Detailing

Experienced With Every Hull Type

From pontoons to speedboats to fishing boats, Hill's has the experience to match the right process to each hull and gel coat type. That range of experience means fewer surprises once work actually begins.


Award-Winning Boat Detailing

Hill's was named Best Boat Detailing in the Brainerd Lakes area in both 2023 and 2024, recognition earned through consistent, detailed work on the water's toughest vessels.


Gel Coat Specialists

Technicians understand the difference between gel coat and automotive paint, using the right products and techniques for a marine specific finish. Treating gel coat like car paint is one of the most common mistakes in the industry.


Pairs With Ceramic Coating and Protection Film

Boat Ceramic Coating and Boat Protection Film can both be added onto a detailing visit for a longer lasting result, saving a trip back to the shop later in the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is boat detailing priced?

    Interior and exterior boat detailing are both priced per foot, starting at $10 per foot, with the final cost depending on the boat's size and current condition. A quick look at the boat, or even a few photos, helps narrow down an estimate ahead of time.

  • Do you offer mobile boat detailing?

    Boat detailing is currently available at Hill's Baxter shop only, not as a mobile service, so boats need to be brought in for service. Your technician can help coordinate drop off and pick up timing around your schedule.

  • What's the difference between boat ceramic coating and boat protection film?

    Ceramic coating adds a lasting shine and easier cleaning to the gel coat, while protection film is a physical barrier against scuffs and scratches on high contact areas like the bow and rub rails. Many owners choose to combine both for the most complete coverage.

  • Do you clean boat trailers too?

    Trailer washing is available as an add-on, so the trailer looks as clean as the boat it's hauling. It's an easy add-on to request when scheduling any other boat detailing service.