Do you own a boat or know someone who does? If you do, you know how expensive it is to have it dry-docked to clean the hull. It is a major hassle, too - facilities may not be available when it is convenient and you are out of action for the whole time. But, as always, where there is a problem that needs a solution, there is an opportunity to profit.

If you like to snorkel or scuba dive, this is an ideal way to combine something you like doing and making a profit at the same time. Start an 'in the water' hull cleaning business. The demand is there, you just have to have the equipment and get the word out.

If you have snorkelling and/or diving equipment, you already have the biggest expense of your business taken care of. All you need to buy are the right brushes and scrapers. These will be available at your local marine supply shop or online. It would be a good idea, if you can afford it right away, to have two complete sets so you are never caught having to pass on work because you are waiting on new brushes or scrapers.

Once you have the equipment you need, you want to get word out to boat owners. This can be done with very little expense. Posting flyers in locations frequented by boat owners of all types of boats is a good way to advertise. This will allow you to limit the size of boat you want to work on. As you will likely be starting out cleaning hulls by yourself, you don't want to take on boats that are too large. You can upgrade to larger boats when you can profitably take on more people in your business.

While you can have flyers professionally designed and printed, it will save you some expense to design your own on a computer and print them yourself. If you don't have a printer, you can have them printed for a reasonable cost at your local print shop.

You will want the flyers to be eye-catching but not too 'busy' looking. A good eye-catching graphic that is relevant to in the water hull cleaning will help the flyer stand out. Be sure to include good contact information and a clear, concise description of the services you are offering. Also include a basic pricing guide. You can charge by the hour or flat fees based on boat sizes.

To determine fair pricing, find out what the going hourly rates are for various underwater services in your area or ask around to see what the market will bear on flat fees for boat sizes. Chances are that it will mean a good profit if it will save your customers time and the hassle and expense of dry-docking.

So, if you are now standing on the pier, looking out over the boats resting in their slips and see dollar signs, this may be the business for you. Before long, you may find you can afford that big cabin cruiser you've had your eye on, just remember to keep the hull clean when you get it!