Motorboats break down just like any other vehicle. The boat mechanic industry has around 20,000 jobs. Those seeking a job as a motorboat mechanic sometimes learn on their own. But there are also schools that can provide training in marine mechanics.
Like most repair and maintenance jobs, the first key to becoming a boat mechanic is to have a passion for repairing and maintaining engines. Many high school students also take as many related classes as possible to help prepare for a mechanic’s career. Although most classes in small engine repair deal with car engines, the technology is similar enough to provide good general training for a career as a boat mechanic.
Nowadays, there are also some specialty schools that specifically teach boat and marine mechanics. Graduating from one of these schools may greatly increase the chances of getting employed. While technology classes in college could be helpful for getting training in boat mechanics, the more common path for training would be to attend a technical school.
Examples of schools that teach marine mechanics and technology include the Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI), WyoTech, and ATI. MMI is located in Orlando, Florida, and it is a part of the Universal Technical Institute. WyoTech teaches boat mechanics through its Marine Specialist Program. That program is located at its Daytona (FL) campus, which is in Ormond Beach, Florida. ATI has a specialized program for maritime welding in Virginia Beach. While this is not exactly a boat-mechanic job, it does provide opportunities for work in a variety of welding jobs. For example, graduates may find employment in ship yards.
Once you complete your marine technology training, there are around 17,000 jobs for motorboat mechanics, according to a May 2010 study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average median salary at that time was a respectable $35,600. The major employers are boat dealers that run service departments. The recreation industry also hires some boat mechanics, and manufacturers have a few hundred jobs for these specialized repair and maintenance personnel. Repair shops and transportation companies also hire a few hundred marine mechanics.
For more information on how to attend a technical school for boat-mechanic training, use the contact information below. There are undoubtedly other schools that teaching boat and ship technology, as well. This is just a sample of the technical training schools available for boat mechanics.
WyoTech
470 Destination Daytona Lane
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
386-255-0295
UTI Marine Mechanics Institute
2202 Taft Vineland Road
Orlando, FL 32837
877-201-3152
ATI
5700 Southern Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
800-468-1093
Resources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Jobs and Salary Information for Motorboat Mechanics