A new boat detailing business will be coming to Westfield at the former Bestway Container Service building. P-J photo by Gregory Bacon

WESTFIELD — A new boat repair and detailing shop is coming to the village.

The Westfield Planning Board recently approved a special use permit for a boat service center business to include wrapping, storage, winterizing and specialized repairs. The business will operate out of the former Bestway Container Service building at 37 East Pearl St.

Applicant Blake Maras told the board they will offer detailing, washing, and sanding. Shrink wrapping will be offered as well. He also noted they would be using biodegradable products.

During an interview with The Post-Journal/OBSERVER Maras said they will be doing mechanical repairs as well.

He said he hopes to open by the end of March or early April.

“I’ve been working at marinas and been obsessed with boats all of my life,” Maras said.

He noticed there’s a need for this service. “Marinas are so busy moving boats around that they don’t necessarily have time to focus on the greater details like restoring tail coats, wet sanding, buffing and all that stuff,” Maras said.

Maras noted how North East Marina recently closed and the Dunkirk marina has been dealing with ownership issues.

“There’s kind of a high demand. No matter how many marinas are out there, there’s so many boats that they’re all overwhelmed, so that’s where I’m coming in to focus on,” he said.

Unlike marinas, Westfield Boatworks will be a dry dock operation. “I’m not worried about fueling or anything like that. I can focus on other services that are often needed. There’s a huge demand for them,” Maras said.

The name of the business will be Westfield Boatworks.

At this point, Maras plans on working by himself and his wife. He said in the future he may try to offer internships for high school students.