How Much Does Boat Detailing Cost?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Whether you have a brand-new boat or a classic, you need to keep it in shape to keep it running. Boats, like cars, need regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns, look good, and stay afloat. And with the rise in boat sales in 2020, many new owners are out on the water. If you’re one of them, you might be wondering what boat detailing includes, how much it costs, and how you can find a good detailer.

What does boat detailing include?

Boat detailing involves cleaning, waxing, and polishing your vessel to keep it looking new and prevent problems. Regularly polishing metal surfaces is important to remove salt and prevent corrosion. Yep, rust is bad for boats. In fact, on the sitcom Friends, Rachel’s father declared rust “boat cancer.” If you find rust, a good boat detailer can help remove it and restore shine.

Boat detailing might also include barnacle removal and cleaning bilges. You must regularly clean the vinyl seats and boat covers and apply a waterproof protectant with strong UV blockers. It’s also important that the service includes washing the hull in addition to the top and interior. 

How can you find a good boat detailer?

Because boat detailing requires intricate work done mostly by hand, it’s important to find an experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable company. It’s also good to find one that won’t overcharge you. Websites such as Yelp and Angie’s List are usually good places to look. You can also look on boat enthusiast forums or even boating Facebook groups.

Beyond checking out other customers’ reviews, you can also get quotes from multiple companies to see how prices and services compare. Other things to consider include experience and specialty services. For example, if you need barnacles removed, ensure whoever removes them knows what they’re doing and not causing more damage to your boat.

How much will it cost?

Boat detailing prices are usually per foot, mobiletechRX explains. Depending upon the size and condition of your vessel, the price can range from $8 to $40 per foot. As with most things, the bigger the boat, the higher the cost. A basic cleaning package usually runs around $8 to $10 per foot, with a premium package costing around $16 to $20 per foot. Other services are usually more expensive.

For rust removal, it might cost anywhere between $25 per foot for a smaller vessel and $70 per foot for a larger boat. Barnacle removal can be as low as $1 to $5 per foot, but it is largely dependent upon how extensive the barnacles are. Cleaning a boat bilge is usually a set rate based on size and can range from $100 to $350. And if your boat is extra-dirty, expect to pay more than regular cleaning packages.

Regularly detailing your vessel is important to keep it looking good and preventing irreversible damage. Boats are expensive investments, and maintaining and detailing your boat can be expensive. But with regular maintenance, including detailing, boats can last many years and provide tons of fun and adventure. Just watch out for that “boat cancer” Dr. Green was talking about. 

RELATED: Are Pontoon Boats Safe In the Ocean?

The post How Much Does Boat Detailing Cost? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Creepy New Update Activates Cabin Camera to Monitor Drivers During Tesla ‘Autopilot’

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Tesla “Autopilot” continues to stay in the news. As the dust settles from the numerous crashes and dangerous situations regarding people’s overtrust and misuse of Tesla’s so-called “Autopilot,” Tesla announces a new Tesla update. It will utilize the cabin’s cameras to do eye-tracking to judge a driver’s focus and ability to monitor the car while in “Autopilot” mode. 

Tesla Model Y | Tesla

In the notes for the 2021.4.15.11 update, the camera mounted above the rearview mirror will “detect and alert driver inattentiveness while Autopilot is engaged.” 

The new Tesla update is needed, but why does it have to be so creepy?

According to Autoblog, this new Tesla update feels like a futuristic Elon Musk contraption. However, the truth is, this is more mainstream than it feels. Like the Tesla “Autopilot” mode, many other cars with similar driver assists use cabin cameras to detect drowsy or nonattentive drivers. 

The idea of a car using cameras to monitor the driver feels pretty creepy. However, the camera system only alerts the driver when the driver assists are activated. As many people have proven, the steering wheel torque sensor is easily fooled. That, along with the eye sensor, might help to make the “Autopilot” system more secure and, in turn, safer. 

Is the eye-tracking software working? 

screenshot of Tesla Autopilot using camera to watch drivers for added security for autopilot.
Tesla eye-tracking system | Greentheonly via YouTube

RELATED: China’s Military Just Banned Tesla: What’s Going On?

According to Autoblog, a Tesla hacker named Greentheonly has been checking in on Tesla’s progress in implementing the eye-tracking system alongside “Autopilot.” some of the information released by the hacker shows the camera and computer able to recognize how attentive a driver is. 

Some other videos and photos have been posted on social media recently of customers receiving deliveries of new Tesla Model X and Model S cars with the steering yoke in place of the steering wheel and other technological changes. 

Is Tesla “Autopilot” what these cameras were always said to be used for? 

In an article published last year on Engadget, the writer references when Elon Musk said that the cabin-facing camera was for monitoring future robotaxi service. However, a hacker found out the code suggested that these cameras could monitor human drivers for signs of distracted driving. 

The article goes on to reference words in the code like “dark” or “blinded.” It is unclear exactly what these words mean. It could be that it refers to a change in lighting conditions or some other sort of obfuscation. There is also conditional programming for when sunglasses obscure a driver’s eyes. 

Looking back at articles like this from over a year ago is interesting. At that time, Tesla was fairly adamant that Tesla wasn’t planning on using them to monitor or evaluate drivers. The ammount of Tesla crashes where misusing “Autopilot” were the cause, have many non-Tesla drivers unnerved. To make matter worse, we see contiuned reports of “driverless” Teslas maurading the streets.

Although, what feels invasive and a bit creepy might not seem quite as dangerous or creepy as seeing a Tesla Model S flying down the road at 75 mph with no one in the driver’s seat. 

The post Creepy New Update Activates Cabin Camera to Monitor Drivers During Tesla ‘Autopilot’ appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

This Range Rover Classic Restomod Has the Heart of a Tesla

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s getting easier and easier to perform EV conversions on classic vehicles, especially as more electric crate motors become available. But that’s not the only way to turn a classic car, or indeed, a classic SUV into an EV. ECD Automotive Design’s latest Range Rover Classic restomod goes electric with a different method.

ECD Automotive Design makes an electric Range Rover Classic with a Tesla’s help

ECD Automotive Design electric Range Rover Classic | ECD Automotive Design

Florida-based ECD Automotive Design already has a reputation for its Land Rover and Range Rover Classic restomod builds. But up until now, the company has only offered V8 engines in the latter, MotorTrend reports. That changes with its new electric Range Rover Classic.

The first SUV to benefit from this restomod process is a 1995 Range Rover. And normally, ECD would swap its original 4.2-liter V8 with a Chevrolet V8. However, in this case, the company gave the SUV the 450-hp electric motor from a Tesla Model S. And it’s mounted in the middle where the transmission used to be so it can drive both axles, Ars Technica explains.

The rear view and cargo area of the white ECD electric Range Rover Classic
ECD Automotive Design electric Range Rover Classic rear cargo area | ECD Automotive Design

That electric motor is powered by two battery packs mounted in the cargo area. Their total capacity is 100 kWh, which ECD claims gives the electric Range Rover Classic 220 miles of range. And thanks to that Tesla motor, this restomod EV goes 0-60 mph in a claimed 5.5 seconds.

The electric powertrain isn’t the only update on this Range Rover Classic restomod

RELATED: Forget Hot Rods, Yamaha Has an Electric Motor for Hypercars

Although the Tesla powertrain is a significant change, ECD does more than that to its Range Rover builds. It takes an estimated 2,200 hours for the shop to turn a standard Range Rover Classic into this Tesla-fied version, GQ notes. And that effort goes into both the exterior and interior of the SUV.

Inside, the electric ECD Range Rover Classic has Spinneybeck Puelito leather upholstery, new wood trim on the dash, and new gauges. It also has an Alpine audio system with a 9” center touchscreen, complete with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and navigation. And there’s a CD player mounted in the glovebox. Plus, rather than coil springs, the ECD Range Rover rides on the company’s air suspension.

The tan-leather-upholstered front seats and leather-and-wood-trimmed dash of the ECD electric Range Rover Classic
ECD Automotive Design electric Range Rover Classic front interior | ECD Automotive Design

RELATED: Can an Electric Vintage Vespa Compete With a New One?

Despite ECD’s upgrades, the electric Range Rover Classic is still an old SUV, Ars Technica notes. So, compared to a modern EV, there’s more wind noise. However, it’s noticeably quieter than it used to be. And thanks to the new air suspension, it rides comfortably, though it still leans a bit in the corners. ECD is also still calibrating the SUV’s new electric power steering, so there is some slack, Ars Technica reports, but that will likely be rectified soon.

How much will this restored SUV cost you?

RELATED: The Opel Manta GSe Is the New EV You Didn’t Know You Wanted

As of this writing, ECD Automotive Design has only made one Tesla-swapped Range Rover restomod. But the company does plan to make more, though getting one won’t be easy on your wallet.

A V8-powered ECD Range Rover starts at $169,995. But the electric version starts at $195,000 before options. Add in features like brush guards, roll cages, roof racks, and you’re looking at a $250K SUV, GQ reports.

For roughly the same price, you can get Jensen’s 700-hp supercharged Range Rover restomod. But then, now that EV conversions are growing in popularity, ICE might be too classic for some.

Follow more updates from MotorBiscuit on our Facebook page.

The post This Range Rover Classic Restomod Has the Heart of a Tesla appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

3 Good RV Travel Trailers for Under $20K

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Sticker shock is a real thing when RV shopping commences. Not everyone can afford a six-figure motorhome to take out a few weekends each year. For adventurous families that need a good RV on a budget, here are three travel trailers for under $20K.

Keystone Hideout | RV USA

The Keystone Hideout

According to RVing Planet, the Keystone Hideout is a good RV travel trailer for under $20K. It offers 55 floor plans and probably has something for most RV shoppers in its range of configurations. In fact, the Keystone Hideout is a good RV on a budget because it has such a range of features and floorplans.

Like the others listed here, the Keystone Hideout trailer has many customizable features and available upgrades. Not everyone is the type that wants to bring a TV along on the adventure. But for those that do, Camper Trailer Report notes that the Keystone Hideout has a 50-inch television. 

There’s an available six-point electric auto-leveling system. In addition, buyers of the Keystone Hideout travel trailer can also opt for the 5.5 kW LP generator. Not only that, but Crow Survival also notes this camper for its hidden laundry chute and homey interior. 

The Coachmen Freedom Express 

Coachmen freedom express RV travel trailer in a press photo in the forest
The Coachmen Freedom Express | Coachmen RV

According to Crow Survival, the Coachmen Freedom Express travel trailer is a great option for those that want something customizable. In fact, there are 26 different floor plans. Because it offers all these options, the Coachmen Freedom Express also comes in various lengths. 

The configurations each weigh differently. The shorter models (22 feet) are light enough for towing behind a minivan or midsize SUV. However, for families that opt for one of the longer models (36 feet) a tougher towing machine. 

“Durable is what describes the Coachmen Freedom express travel trailer best.”

RVing Planet

RVing Planet writes that the Coachmen Freedom Express sleeps 4 to 10, so this is a suitable budget RV travel trailer for a wide variety of adventurers. It also notes that the Freedom Express 292BHDS and the Freedom Express 28.7SE are good RV travel trailers for under $20K. Although features between the two aren’t wildly different, RVing Planet says it would recommend these RVs to anyone looking for a good RV on a budget. 

The Forest River Flagstaff Micro-Lite 

Forest River Flagstaff micro-lite trailer in a press photo against a white backdrop
Forest River Flagstaff Micro-Lite | Forest River Inc.

This is another RV travel trailer under $20K that proves you can find a good RV on a budget. The Forest River Flagstaff Micro-Lite travel trailer boasts lovely slate-colored wooden accents in the living area. Like the others listed here, the Forest River Flagstaff Micro-Lite offers a wide variety of floor plans. 

They all come inside an aluminum frame built for the roof, sidewalls, and floor of this trailer. Not only that but this Forest River model is already wired and ready for backup cameras and solar panels. Plus, for campers that love a good view, there are nice tinted bonded frameless windows.  

A good RV on a budget

Many RV models, travel trailers, and campers cost buckets of cash. However, it is actually possible to find a good RV on a budget. If you know what your family’s needs are, that can really help narrow things down so that you can find exactly what fits the bill. And you can find one that’s affordable.

The Keystone Hideout, Coachmen Freedom Express, and Forest River Flagstaff Micro-Lite trailers are all good options. Each one offers customization and homey amenities. Plus, these are all good RV travel trailers under $20K. 

RELATED: EarthCruiser Exclusive: Extreme Demand for the New EC Terranova Truck Camper

The post 3 Good RV Travel Trailers for Under $20K appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by