Let’s face it, maintaining a boat takes a lot of time! Are you thinking about turning basic underwater and topside maintenance chores over to a contractor? The following tips can help you find a professional maintenance service that will protect your boat and the boating environment.

Pick a Pro:

First, ask your marina manager or harbor master for a list of service providers who are allowed to work in the marina. (Some marinas may not be able to provide business referrals.)

Second, hire a professional. Ask to see the service's current business license & liability insurance. Also ask for a copy of their or their trade association's Best Management Practices (BMPs) or standard procedures.

Get three local references from a prospective maintenance service or other boaters who know their work. Ask if they were satisfied and try to see the completed work.

Obtain and verify the service's business address and telephone number. You may need to contact them in case of incomplete work, an illegal discharge or improper waste disposal.

Explain Your Expectations:

Be direct. Let the contractor know what you need and how it should be performed.

Ask the service company that you hire to follow marina requirements and use best management practices (BMPs) to avoid damaging boats or releasing pollutants into marina waters.

For guidelines on practices to protect your boat and the environment, download our fact sheet “Selecting Underwater and Topside Maintenance Services for Your Boat” or "La selección de servicios de mantenimiento para el casco y la parte superior de su bote (2007)" from our website at Boating and Marina Pollution Prevention, or Publications or Publicaciones.