Boat polishing and maintenance in Saint-Tropez: the complete guide
Updated: Jul 27
In the Mediterranean, salt, sun and marine organisms constantly attack your boat's surfaces. Without regular maintenance, the hull loses its shine, teak turns grey, metals corrode and performance at sea drops. A well-maintained boat sails better, resells for more and stays a pleasure to look at while at anchor. Here is Octopussy's complete guide to boat maintenance in Saint-Tropez.
Polishing: restoring shine and protection to the hull
Polishing is the most visible and most requested cosmetic treatment in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. It involves mechanically buffing the gel coat surface to remove micro-scratches, limescale water marks, pollution residue and the effects of UV exposure. The result: the hull regains a like-new shine and extra protection against future wear.
At Octopussy, polishing is billed at €60 excl. VAT per hour, products included. It's one of the best value options on the local market. Duration varies with the boat's size and condition: expect 4 to 12 hours for a 40 to 55-foot boat. A full polish is recommended once or twice a year, ideally at the start and end of the season.
Sanding and teak treatment
Teak is the noble material of choice on luxury boats. But it's also one of the most demanding to maintain. Exposed to salt, sun and repeated foot traffic, it gradually greys and dries out. Without upkeep, it cracks and deteriorates irreversibly.
Teak sanding involves mechanically sanding the surface to remove the greyed layer and reveal the healthy wood underneath. After sanding, an oil or protective varnish treatment is applied to lock in the colour and protect the wood. At Octopussy, teak sanding is billed at €50 excl. VAT per hour. A full treatment is recommended once a year, at the start of the season.
Prospeed antifouling: protection below the waterline
Antifouling is the special paint applied below the waterline to prevent the hull from being colonised by algae, barnacles and other marine organisms. Without regular antifouling, the hull gets fouled, sailing speed drops and fuel consumption rises significantly.
Octopussy applies Prospeed antifouling, a high-performance reference for fast motorboats. This product is specifically designed for hulls exceeding 35 knots, which covers the majority of boats in the gulf's fleet. Rate: €65 excl. VAT per hour. Antifouling should be renewed once a year, during the annual haul-out.
Cleaning and washing: everyday upkeep
After every outing at sea, a quick fresh-water rinse removes salt and limits limescale build-up. For a full clean, Octopussy offers a service at €45 excl. VAT per hour, products not included. This service covers exterior cleaning (deck and hull, teak treatment, metal treatment, bilge and engine treatment, upholstery treatment) and interior cleaning (carpet vacuuming, dusting, windows, toilet and shower, tidying).
Summary of Octopussy rates
Hull polishing: €60 excl. VAT/hour, products included. Teak sanding: €50 excl. VAT/hour. Prospeed antifouling: €65 excl. VAT/hour. Cleaning and washing: €45 excl. VAT/hour, products not included. Mechanical repairs: €65 excl. VAT/hour. Fittings, anodes, accessory installation: on quote.
Contact and service
Octopussy services boats moored in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. For a quote or to schedule a service, contact us at 06 10 25 61 26 or via WhatsApp on the same number. Office: 9 Boulevard Louis Blanc, Espace des Lices, 83990 Saint-Tropez.