It’s a marine mechanic’s job to make sure all types of watercrafts like motor boats, pontoon boats, and jet-skis are working their best.
Marine Mechanic Job Description
A day in your life, should you decide on a marine mechanic program, would look a little something like this:
- Work on boats and other water vehicles
- Discuss with the customer the work that is needing to be done
- Perform all the typical routine maintenance
- Drive the boats to test their engines
- Check for malfunctioning parts by testing and observing the craft
- Anything broken, defective, or altogether wonky, you’ll repair or replace
- Keep a well-detailed report of any work to give to the customer
Marine Mechanic Education & Career Path
Just because you love boats, doesn’t automatically qualify you as a marine mechanic. There’s a learning process you’ll need to go through to be a qualified and certified boat mechanic. You may come across an employer or two who will provide you with on-the-job training, but most employers are looking to hire technically trained marine mechanics.
- Get your high school diploma or GED.
- Know the basics of reading, writing, and math
- Go to a trade school with a program specializing in motorboat maintenance and repair
- Programs can last up to two years, it just depends on if you’re choosing a certificate or associate’s degree
- Some boat manufacturers and unions do offer apprenticeships, which is another option to learn the trade
- Complete your education and then get a job
- To open up advancement opportunities, you may want to consider certifications
- The American Boat and Yacht Council offers a certification specific to marine mechanics
- Keep up your certification by renewing it every five years starting two years after your initial certification
- If you complete a minimum of three certifications through the American Boat and Yacht Council, then you can become a master marine mechanic
Motorboat Mechanics Salary & Employment Information
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2023, the median salary for motorboat mechanics was $49,990, or $24.04 per hour. However, where you work, what state you’re in, and how much experience you have will be the determining factors around what your exact salary will look like.
The top 5 States with the highest employment levels for marine mechanics are currently:
- Florida
- Texas
- California
- New York
- Michigan
The industries with the highest levels of employment for marine mechanics are:
- Other Motor Vehicle Dealers
- Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance
- Other Amusement and Recreation Industries
- Ship and Boat Building
- Support Activities for Water Transportation
Your busy season will be during the warmer months, and possibly a couple months leading up to then, as boat owners try to get their crafts ready for launch. During that peak season, you’ll probably be working major overtime.
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