Question 1

Is dry ice cleaning safe for boats and won't it cause water damage?

Accepted Answer

Dry ice cleaning is completely safe for all types of boats and marine vessels, and it's actually the safest method specifically because it uses zero water. Unlike pressure washing or steam cleaning that can force water into electronics, engines, wood cores, and interior spaces, dry ice cleaning is 100% dry. The solid CO2 pellets sublimate (turn directly from solid to gas) upon impact, leaving absolutely no moisture behind. This makes it ideal for cleaning sensitive areas like engine rooms, electrical panels, electronics, and interior spaces where water damage is a major concern. The process is safe for all marine materials including fiberglass, gelcoat, aluminum, stainless steel, teak, varnished wood, canvas, and upholstery. We've successfully cleaned everything from small fishing boats to mega yachts without any risk of water intrusion or damage. In fact, many boat owners choose dry ice cleaning specifically to avoid the water damage risks associated with traditional cleaning methods.

Question 2

Can you really clean teak decks without sanding and how does it compare?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dry ice cleaning can effectively restore teak decks without any sanding, and it's actually superior to sanding in many ways. Traditional teak maintenance involves sanding, which removes material from the deck surface with each cleaning—eventually leading to premature deck replacement when the wood becomes too thin. Dry ice cleaning removes oxidation, dirt, mold, and embedded grime without removing any wood material, significantly extending the life of your teak decks. The process gently lifts contaminants from the wood grain while preserving the natural oils and structure of the teak. For heavily oxidized teak, we can restore the natural color and appearance without the dust, mess, and material loss of sanding. Many yacht owners report that their teak looks better after dry ice cleaning than after traditional sanding and refinishing. The process is also much faster—we can clean a full teak deck in a fraction of the time it takes to sand, and there's no dust or debris to clean up afterward. For teak that's been properly maintained, dry ice cleaning can be used for regular maintenance without ever needing to sand again.

Question 3

What parts of a boat or yacht can you clean with dry ice?

Accepted Answer

We can clean virtually every part of a boat or yacht with dry ice. For engine rooms, we clean diesel engines, generators, fuel systems, exhaust systems, bilges, and all mechanical components—removing decades of oil, grease, and salt buildup. For hulls, we remove antifouling paint, barnacles, algae, and oxidation from fiberglass, aluminum, and steel. For decks, we restore teak, clean gelcoat, remove non-skid buildup, and clean stainless steel hardware. For interiors, we clean saloons, galleys, heads, and crew quarters—removing smoke damage, mold, and odors. We also clean canvas and upholstery, air conditioning systems, water makers, electronics bays (non-conductive process), anchor lockers, swim platforms, and more. The process is safe for all marine materials and can reach areas that are impossible to access with traditional cleaning methods. Whether you need a complete yacht restoration or just want to clean a specific system, we have the equipment and expertise to handle any marine cleaning requirement. We work on everything from small center consoles to 200+ foot mega yachts.

Question 4

How much value does professional detailing add for boat sales?

Accepted Answer

Professional dry ice detailing can add $50,000 to $200,000+ to a yacht's sale price, and often makes the difference between a boat selling quickly or sitting on the market for months. Buyers are willing to pay premium prices for vessels that look and smell like new, especially when the engine room and mechanical systems are spotless. A clean engine room signals to buyers that the boat has been well-maintained and cared for. We've worked with yacht brokers who specifically recommend dry ice cleaning before listing because it consistently results in higher offers and faster sales. For example, a 50-foot yacht with a grimy engine room might sell for $400K, but the same yacht with a factory-clean engine room can command $500K or more. The investment in professional detailing (typically $5K-$20K depending on vessel size) returns 5-10X in increased sale price. Beyond the financial return, dry ice cleaning also helps boats pass pre-purchase surveys more easily, as surveyors can actually inspect systems that were previously hidden under years of grime. Many yacht brokers now consider professional dry ice detailing to be essential preparation for any vessel over $200K.

Question 5

Do you have experience with different types of boats and marine materials?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have extensive experience with all types of boats and marine vessels, from small fishing boats to mega yachts, and we understand the unique characteristics of different marine materials. We've worked on fiberglass boats (both solid and cored construction), aluminum vessels, steel commercial boats, wooden classic yachts, and composite performance boats. We understand the differences between gelcoat, painted surfaces, and bare metal, and we adjust our cleaning parameters accordingly. For teak and other woods, we know how to clean without damaging the grain or removing material. For electronics and electrical systems, we use non-conductive cleaning that's safe for sensitive components. We're familiar with marine engines from all major manufacturers (Caterpillar, Cummins, Volvo Penta, Yanmar, etc.) and understand the importance of protecting seals, gaskets, and sensitive components. We've cleaned everything from outboard motors to large diesel engines, from day sailors to offshore fishing boats, from pontoon boats to luxury yachts. Our team understands marine systems, materials, and the unique challenges of the saltwater environment. We also coordinate with yacht captains, engineers, and maintenance crews to ensure all work meets marine industry standards.

Question 6

How does dry ice cleaning compare to pressure washing for boats?

Accepted Answer

Dry ice cleaning offers significant advantages over pressure washing for boats and yachts. Pressure washing forces water into areas where it shouldn't go—through deck fittings, into electronics, behind panels, into wood cores, and into engine components. This trapped water can cause mold growth, wood rot, corrosion, and electrical problems that may not appear until months later. Pressure washing also can't effectively remove oil and grease (water and oil don't mix), and it often requires harsh chemical degreasers that can damage seals, gaskets, and marine finishes. Dry ice cleaning is completely dry, so there's zero risk of water intrusion or damage. It's also much more effective at removing oil, grease, carbon deposits, and embedded grime because the thermal shock from the -109°F dry ice causes contaminants to contract and release from surfaces. The process is faster, cleaner, and safer for all boat systems. For engine rooms, dry ice cleaning can remove decades of buildup that pressure washing can't touch. For teak decks, it cleans without the water saturation that can lead to deck delamination. Most importantly, dry ice cleaning leaves your boat completely dry and ready to use immediately—no waiting for things to dry out, no risk of hidden moisture problems developing later.

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