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Absent Mind Since 2-0-1-9

Oct 15, 20244 min read

A Dream Turned Upside Down


Cultivating an apprenticeship structure through a yacht detailing business was always the dream. From beautifying boats by hand to perfecting the finer details of mentorship, it’s what kept me going. But sometimes, reality hits hard—hard enough to knock you off course.

The pandemic didn’t just decimate the client roster—it sank the crew, the passion, and most of the marketing efforts that used to drive BoatersOS. When 2019 turned into 2020, everything shifted. I found myself deep in the weeds, not on deck steering the ship, but down in the engine room, trying to keep the boat from sinking entirely.

Surviving the 2023 Season

The 2023 season? That wasn’t growth. That was survival. Two part-time crew members. Fewer boats than I’ve ever had to work on. And it wasn’t just the lack of clients. It was the complete burnout that came from doing everything on my own—from repairs and restorations to rebuilding the business from the ground up.

I’ve been repurposing my energy into the work itself. Not managing, not growing. Just doing. Hands-on boat detailing and restoration became my entire focus, while marketing, administration, and everything else got left behind. Without a team, that was all I could manage.


What Happened to Marketing?

I realized the hard way that this whole time, I had been lacking in one critical area—marketing. Before, I could rely on word of mouth, a small but steady flow of returning customers, and some modest online presence. But when the pandemic hit, those methods dried up fast.

Then there’s the social media matrix—the endless glitches, algorithm changes, and the feeling that nothing you post actually reaches your audience. It was frustrating to the point where I considered scrapping it all. But in today’s world, you can’t just vanish online and expect people to find you.


Building a Presence: YouTube and X

To start reclaiming visibility, I’ve been doubling down on creating more content for YouTube. My channel, Spike On The Water, has become the platform where I share behind-the-scenes footage, DIY boat restoration tips, and detailed walk-throughs of my projects. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into restoring a boat from the ground up, or how to handle specific repairs, this is where I’m putting out real, hands-on content.



I’ve also started sharing more on X (formerly Twitter)—you can follow me @SpikeOnTheWater. It’s where I keep things conversational and real-time. Whether it’s answering quick questions from fellow boaters, posting updates on current projects, or sharing stories about the challenges (and victories) of running BoatersOS, I’m working on making sure there’s always a direct line of communication. like the CALL ME LINK on every page of the website.


A Shift Toward Direct, Personal Connections

That’s why I resolved to operate in person or directly through the new website I rebuilt—four times in 2023. Each rebuild was an attempt to stay current, to keep things fresh and functioning, but it was exhausting work. I spent more time behind a screen than I ever wanted to. The website? It’s still far from perfect, but it works. And it’s now one of the only reliable ways I connect with potential clients.

I had to get creative. Direct conversations with boaters, knocking on doors at marinas, building back those personal connections I was so used to before everything went digital. It’s not easy, but at least I know that the people I talk to are hearing my message directly.


Rebuilding More Than Boats

In a way, 2023 taught me how to rebuild more than just boats. It reminded me that while I love the hands-on work, there’s no future in staying “absent” from the business side of things. Marketing, networking, and admin tasks might not be as satisfying as repairing a cracked hull or buffing out a shine on a boat deck, but they’re just as necessary for keeping the business afloat.


As we look to the next season, the focus is shifting back to growth—slowly. The passion for boat beautification never left, but it’s time to bring that same energy to building the business back up. Whether that’s tweaking the website for the hundredth time or figuring out the right social media strategy, it’s part of the job now. And the dream isn’t gone—it’s just evolved. See some of our recent projects here


Final Call to Action for Fall and Winter 2024:

As the cooler months approach, it's the perfect time to give your boat the deep care it deserves. Book our deep sanitization steam detailing for interiors and top-to-bottom polishing for boats stored indoors, available anywhere in Ontario. Let us help you keep your vessel in pristine condition through the off-season.


If you've experienced, seen, or heard about the results we bring to boats, please share our website with fellow boaters who need that same level of care.


Want more hands-on restoration tips or a look at our latest projects?


Ready to get your boat in shape?






 
 
 

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