I Eric,
The few guys I've talked to that have detailed boats in the water don't have anything good to say about the experience.
First - You're likely going to be in a small, rocky dinghy. Not stable at all.
Second - Anytime you push against the boat you're detailing, by hand or with some type of buffer, you will in essence PUSH yourself (in the small boat) away from the boat you're trying to detail.
Third - Unless you're working by hand or with air buffers, the idea of working with an electric tool while you're "in" the water is in my opinion, incredibly risky to you, anyone around you and of coruse the tool.
The above is just off the top of my head. Beside that, buffing out boats on dry land is hard work. It doesn't get easier trying to do it in the water. I commend you for entertaining the idea and commend you even more for starting this thread and seeking out more information.
My friend Jeff Bell aka GSKR took on a client that wanted their boat detailed "in the water" and had a HORRIBLE experience.
Beside all of the above, most boat owners don't understand the work required to do the job right and don't appreciate ($ pay $ ) a fair price to a qualified detailer.
Unless they are willing to pay big bucks, I'd click the link below, read the article an put the advice in it into practice.
The learned skill of turning detailing work down by Mike Phillips
