Motorboat Mechanics

Career summary

#No alternate titles CJ

Motorboat mechanics inspect boat motors for signs of mechanical, fuel, or electrical problems. They may use computerized testing equipment.

Motorboat mechanics make repairs after locating a problem. They may refer to service manuals for information. Some repairs and routine maintenance are simple. Other repairs require taking the engine apart using hand tools. They may repair or rework parts before putting them back in engines. Mechanics repair parts using:

• Lathes
• Drills
• Grinders

Mechanics reassemble the engine after repairing or replacing faulty parts.

Motorboat mechanics adjust the carburetor mixture and timing. They make adjustments to generators and test the cooling system. They examine propellers and propeller shafts. Mechanics set starter locks and align steering and throttle controls.

Outboard motors are remounted to the boat after all repairs and adjustments have been completed. Mechanics operate boats at various speeds to make sure they are running smoothly.

Mechanics write reports after finishing repairs. This report lists the work performed on the engine and its general condition.

Motorboat mechanics service and maintain portable outboard motors in the repair shop. They work on inboard motors at the dock or marina. Inboard motors are removed from the boat only when a major overhaul is required.

Related careers

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Appliance Installers and Repairers
• Automobile Mechanics
• Bus and Truck Mechanics
• Electric Motor Repairers
• Farm Equipment Mechanics
• Heavy Equipment Mechanics
• Locksmiths
• Motorcycle Mechanics
• Small Engine Mechanics
• Stationary Engineers
• Transportation Inspectors

Military careers

• Marine Engine Mechanics

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to motorboat mechanics.

• Start motor to listen for problems.
• Refer to service manual for details on servicing and making repairs.
• Test motor for mechanical, fuel, or electrical problems.
• Take motor apart to inspect it for defective parts. Use hand tools and gauges.
• Repair or rework parts. Use machine tools such as lathes, drills, and grinders.
• Replace parts such as gears, piston rings, and spark plugs.
• Adjust generator and replace faulty wiring.
• Reassemble engine.
• Idle motor to test cooling system. Use a thermometer.
• Set starter lock and align steering and throttle controls.
• Adjust carburetor mixture and timing while motor is running.
• Inspect and repair propeller and propeller shaft.
• Mount motor to boat and operate at various speeds to test it.
• Write test report to indicate the condition of the engine.

Common work activities

Motorboat mechanics perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Handle and move objects
• Get information needed to do the job
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Control machines and processes
• Analyze data or information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Process information
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Perform for or work with the public
• Document and record information

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, motorboat mechanics:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social interaction.
• Communicate primarily by telephone and face-to-face discussions.
• May work as part of a team.
• Are occasionally placed in conflict situations in which others may be rude or angry.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by assistants and other mechanics.

Physical work conditions

• Work indoors in repair shops. Sometimes work outdoors at boat docks.
• Wear protective or safety attire such as gloves.
• Are often exposed to hazardous equipment, situations, and conditions that may produce minor cuts and burns.
• Are exposed to loud and distracting noise levels and sounds on a daily basis.
• Often have to get into awkward positions to reach cramped work places.
• Sometimes must work in very bright or very dim lighting.
• May be exposed to very hot or cold temperatures.
• Are exposed to contaminants on a daily basis.
• May work physically near others.

Work performance

• Must be accurate and fully complete all work. Errors could damage engines.
• Make decisions that affect their employer's or personal reputation. Customers often refer businesses by word-of-mouth.
• Make decisions that affect customers on a daily basis. Mechanics often make decisions without talking to a supervisor, but may seek advice from time to time.
• Set some of their daily tasks and goals independently, but usually receive direction from someone else.
• Must meet strict weekly deadlines.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.

Hours/travel

• Usually work 40 hours a week. They often work fewer hours in the winter.
• May travel to docks and marinas.

Physical demands

Motorboat mechanics frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.

It is important for motorboat mechanics to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Determine the distance between objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for motorboat mechanics to be able to:

• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

Skills and abilities

Motorboat mechanics need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Work with things

• Repair machines or systems.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Boat Maintenance and Repair
• Small Engine Repair

Other programs of study to consider

• Automotive Technology
• Diesel Technology
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Motorcycle Repair

Training

To work as a motorboat mechanic, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some motorboat mechanics complete a formal training program. Boat maintenance and repair programs are available at some professional-technical schools and two-year colleges. Most programs offer a combination of class instruction and hands-on practice. Programs last from one to two years. Two-year programs usually grant an associate degree. Shorter programs grant a certificate.

On-the-job training

Many motorboat mechanics learn their skills on the job from an experienced mechanic. You begin by working as a helper. As a helper, you perform routine services and make minor repairs. As you get more experience, you work on more complex tasks. During training, you learn to:

• replace parts;
• service electrical systems; and
• overhaul engines.

On-the-job training generally lasts at least one year.

Employers may send mechanics to training courses provided by manufacturers. Some courses take up to two weeks to complete.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be marine engine mechanics. Training lasts nine to 24 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Fundamentals
• Diesel Maintenance and Repair
• Introduction to Mechanics
• Small Engine Mechanics and Repair

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required to become a trainee. If applicants have good reading, writing, and math skills, they may get work without a degree.

Employers also look for mechanical ability. A skill or hobby in auto repair can be helpful in getting a job as a trainee. Vocational training in auto mechanics or small engine repair is helpful.

Many learn their trade through informal on-the-job experience. Certification through the Equipment and Engine Training Council, which is affiliated with the Outdoor Power Equipment and Engine Service Association, may be helpful. See the Other Resources section in this description for contact information.

#Certification still offered through this organization, 3/25/08 lh. Added the EET Council here & to our database since now has own website and link from the OPEESA site, 3/12/09, cj. This info still accurate, 3/1/11, cj. Ok 2/13/12 lh. Ok 4/10/13 & 3/4/15 cj. 2/10/16 lh, 4/9/19 cj.

Tips

Employees who relate well to the public are preferred. Obtaining and studying manufacturers' technical manuals is helpful. Talk with local shop managers to assess job prospects in your area.

Costs to workers

Workers are usually required to furnish their own hand tools. The cost varies.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. In the northern areas of the country, people can use their motorboats only a few months of the year. However, in the southern areas, people can use their boats year round. Thus, mechanics who live in the South are likely to have more work during the year and earn higher wages. The mechanic's level of responsibility and skill also affect wages.

Benefits vary by employer. Motorboat mechanics who work full time often receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. However, smaller repair shops may not provide all these benefits. 

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Boat dealers
• Boat rental companies
• Boat repair shops

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be about average. New technology in motorboat engines will create new jobs for boat mechanics.

Most job openings are expected to be from mechanics transferring to other jobs or retiring. Job opportunities will be good for those who complete formal training in a postsecondary program.

Other resources

American Boat Builders and Repairers Association 
1 Washington Street
Newport, RI 02840
401.236.2466

Equipment & Engine Training Council 
344 Oak Grove Rd
Kings Mountain, NC 28086
888.406.1810
803.222.6149

National Marine Manufacturers Association 
231 South LaSalle Street, Suite 2050
Chicago, IL 60604
312.946.6200

Northwest Marine Trade Association 
1900 North Northlake Way, Suite 233
Seattle, WA 98103
206.634.0911

References

Career cluster

• Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians (49-3051.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Experimental Mechanic, Outboard Motors (623.261-010) 
• Motorboat Mechanic (623.281-038) 
• Outboard-motor Mechanic (623.281-042) 
• Outboard-motor Tester (623.261-014) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled