How to write a marine service quote the client will accept
Quick answer
A good marine quote records the boat’s details (length, engine, port), describes the work clearly, itemises labour, parts, call-out and haul-out, states lead time and validity, explains how surprises are handled and sets out payment terms. Sending it quickly and in writing is what raises acceptance most.
Steps
- Ask for boat details: length, model, engine and hours, port and berth, photos or video of the problem.
- Describe the work in plain language: what you will do, what is excluded and the expected result.
- Itemise labour (hours × rate), parts and materials, call-out and haul-out or crane.
- State lead time, start date and quote validity.
- Explain how you handle surprises: notice and approval before continuing.
- Specify payment terms and warranty.
- Send it within 24 hours and offer to answer questions.
Before quoting: ask
A blind quote ends in an argument. Always ask for:
- Boat length, model and year.
- Engine make, model and hours.
- Port, pontoon and whether the boat is afloat or ashore.
- Photos or video of the problem or area (teak, gelcoat, switchboard).
- When they need it done.
On Caranva Boats all this arrives with the request and you can ask for photos in the chat.
Quote structure
| Item | What to include |
|---|---|
| Description | What you will do, with which materials, and what is excluded |
| Labour | Estimated hours × rate, or fixed price |
| Parts and materials | Reference, quantity and price |
| Call-out | Per visit or included |
| Haul-out / crane / diver | If applicable, who books and pays |
| Lead time | Start date and duration |
| Surprises | How they are notified and approved |
| Payment and warranty | Terms, deposit if any, warranty on parts and work |
| Validity | Usually 15–30 days |
Fixed price or hourly
- Fixed for defined jobs (antifouling, impeller change, polishing): clients prefer it.
- Hourly with a cap for diagnostics and electrical faults, stating the rate and a maximum before checking back.
Surprises: the clause that prevents disputes
"If I find hidden damage when opening up, I stop, send you photos and an additional quote before continuing." That sentence protects you and reassures the client.
How to present it
- Fast: under 24 h.
- Short and readable on a phone.
- With a clear recommendation when there are options ("I recommend option B because…").
- Offer a 5-minute call for questions.
On Caranva Boats
The chat’s quote builder lets you itemise, send several options and have the client pay with protected payment: money is held and released to you when the client confirms (or 72 h after you mark it finished if there is no dispute). More in how Caranva works for professionals and how to get great reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Should I charge for travel to the marina?
Yes, but say so upfront. Include it in the fixed price or list it as a fixed call-out item. Clients don’t mind paying it; they mind discovering it at the end.
How long should a quote be valid?
15 to 30 days is usual. If parts prices are volatile, say so and review on acceptance.
Related guides
How to get clients as a marine professional in Spain (mechanic, electrician, cleaner, skipper…)
Where the owners looking for someone like you actually are, how to stand out and how to turn a first job into clients for years.
How to get great reviews and avoid disputes as a marine professional
Reviews bring more work than any advert. How to ask for them, how to deserve them and how to avoid the most common conflicts.
How Caranva Boats works for professionals: requests, quotes, payments and commission
From sign-up to payout: what happens when an owner sends you a request, how you quote, when you get paid and what commission applies.