How To Become A Boat Mechanic

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So you love boating, and try to get out on the water as often as you possibly can. You're also very technical, and love to tinker with, and fix things. Perhaps a career as a boat mechanic is the best way to combine your passions. But where do you start? And what is the best way to get from where you are now to where you want to be? We did some research and came up with some information that can help you on your path to becoming a trained boat mechanic.

If you're still in high school, the best thing you could do is gain some technical experience. If your school has a shop or mechanical program, you should absolutely look to join and get a head-start on your education. Physics classes can also be helpful as understanding the scientific background for modern technology will make you a more competent tech, and set you apart from your competitors. If your school doesn't have any relevant programs, you will have to improvise a bit. If there is a boat repair facility anywhere near you, do anything you possibly can to get an after-school job there, even if it means cleaning boats or answering phones. Look at local marinas, where you may be able to get an entry level position. The key is to get yourself closer to the industry, by any means possible. This will expose you to boat technology, give you a feel for the lifestyle, and help you make connections that you can use to move forward in your career.

After graduating from high school, you will have to make a choice as to whether you'll go into the industry as an apprentice, or continue on a more formal education course. The apprentice route has it's drawbacks. The difficulty of finding a trained boat mechanic to take you under their wing can be hard to overcome, as boat mechanics aren't an incredibly common profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) there are 19,650 people employed as 'Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians.' The mean hourly wage is $17.99 and the mean annual wage is $37,430. The median hourly wage is $17.30 and the median annual wage is $36,090. Of course, these numbers take into account the entirety of the U.S., and are not necessarily an exact indicator of what one should expect to earn. Nevertheless, if you can find someone reliable to train you and offer you employment, this can be a great option as opposed to having to pay for more formal training.

If you decide to go to school to become a boat mechanic, you have some options to consider. Similar to becoming a motorcycle mechanic, there are two schools in the country that are considered the most popular choices; MMI (Marine Mechanics Institute) which is a division of UTI, or Wyotech, in Wyoming. MMI offers a 51 week Marine Technician Training program which includes factory training from Mercury, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha and Volvo. Wyotech also offers a marine training program which is 36 weeks long, and trains you in marine transmission systems, inboard and outboard motors, and diesel engines, power generation, and marine electronics. The costs of the programs will vary, but each school has financial aid available. Other programs exist throughout the country, including Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

It's important to remember that going into debt to finance your training does carry the drawbacks of paying back student loans, as well as burdening yourself with debt for a relatively niche position, but those who are passionate about becoming a boat mechanic will find the risk to be worth it. Joining the Navy or the Coast Guard may be another option to exposure to the marine lifestyle, learn technical skills, and possibly have the cost of the education covered by the military. In any case, boat mechanics are an integral part of boating culture, which has been a valuable part of the American lifestyle on oceans, lakes, and rivers for hundreds of years, and won't be going away any time soon.

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