Boat motor mechanics fix and service motors for many kinds of boats. They examine motors and replace worn or broken parts. It is important to keep boat motors in good condition because a breakdown may leave a boater stranded for hours on the open water. When breakdowns occur, motor mechanics must be able to find the cause of the trouble and fix it quickly.
Many boat motor mechanics specialize in either outboard or inboard motors. Most small boats have outboard motors. These are run on gasoline and can be taken out of the boat easily. Inboard motors are inside boats and are not removed except for major repairs. Inboard motors are usually found on cabin cruisers and fishing boats. Some inboard motors use diesel fuel and are similar to truck motors.
In large shops boat motor mechanics work only on motors and other running parts of a boat. They replace ignition points, adjust valves, and clean carburetors. In small shops they often have other duties, such as painting and patching hulls. They may also replace lights and other parts of the boat.
Boat motor mechanics use hand tools, power tools, and hoists (machines that lift motors). They must buy their own hand tools, which can cost as much as $300 to $500, and the shop provides the power tools. Mechanics also use equipment that tests motors.
Most boat motor mechanics are employed in the shops of boat dealers and marinas. Others work for motor manufacturers, making final adjustments and repairs to the motors when they come off the assembly line. A small number of mechanics work for boat rental firms. Marinas operated by federal, state, and local governments also employ boat motor mechanics. Because of their knowledge of mechanics, some boat motor mechanics also fix motorcycles, snowmobiles, lawn mowers, and other machines with small motors.
Education and Training
A high school diploma is preferred but not required. You should have a good background in mechanics. High school courses in small engine repair, auto mechanics, and machine shop are very helpful. Courses in electricity, science, and math are also useful. You can gain experience by working during the summer as a trainee for a boat dealer.
Most boat motor mechanics learn their trade on the job. Trainees first do odd jobs around the shop. Some trainees clean the boats and motors. They learn routine jobs, such as changing spark plugs and ignition points. After a while, they learn how to find out why a boat motor has broken down. Beginners need 2 to 3 years on the job to become skilled gasoline boat motor mechanics. Another year or so is needed to become skilled in fixing diesel boat motors.
Some employers send their mechanics to a 1- or 2-week formal training course. In these courses, sponsored by the factories that make the motors, trainees learn the basics of fixing motors. Experienced boat motor mechanics upgrade their skills and learn about new kinds of boat motors.
Getting the Job
You should apply directly to boat dealers and marinas for a job as a boat motor mechanic trainee. You can also apply to boat motor manufacturers for a job. You might look for jobs in the want ads of your local newspaper or boating magazines in your public library. For jobs with government marinas, check your state employment service.
Employment Outlook
Experienced boat motor mechanics can advance to supervisory positions in their field. They often become shop supervisors or service managers. Those with enough money sometimes start their own businesses.
The employment outlook for boat motor mechanics is fair. The number of job opportunities is expected to increase slowly in this small field. There will be openings to replace boat motor mechanics who retire or leave their jobs for other reasons. The demand for motor boat mechanics will increase as the number of people over the age of 40 increases because this group is responsible for the largest segment of boat purchases.
Working Conditions
Most boat motor mechanics work near large bodies of water. Coastal areas in New York, California, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, and Louisiana have many shops that employ 1 to 3 mechanics. Few shops have more than 10 mechanics. Very small dealers and marinas send their motors out to be fixed. Most work that is available near small bodies of water is for mechanics who fix outboard motors. Near large bodies of water, both inboard and outboard motors are serviced and repaired. This work is not hazardous, but many mechanics get minor cuts and bruises. Shops are usually noisy when the engines are being run. Often mechanics have to work in cramped spaces. On the other hand, motor mechanics can enjoy working on a variety of boats.
In the spring and summer boat motor mechanics generally work more than 40 hours a week, including weekends. In the winter they usually work fewer than 40 hours a week and some boat motor mechanics lose their jobs. During the winter in northern states, boat motor mechanics may fix snowmobiles.
Earnings and Benefits
Experienced boat motor mechanics often earn salaries that average about $17,000 to $28,000 a year. Some employers pay their boat motor mechanics at an hourly rate, whereas other mechanics are paid a weekly salary. Still others are paid a minimum base salary and a commission. The commission is usually a percentage of the cost of labor. When mechanics work on a commission basis, their wages depend on how much work they are given and how quickly they complete it. The more work they do, the more money they make. A few boat motor mechanics are unionized, and their wages are set by union contract.
Many boat motor mechanics get holiday and vacation pay and other benefits, such as health and life insurance. Some also receive paid sick leave and are covered under retirement plans.
