Boat Maintenance and Repair
Overview
Boat maintenance and repair programs prepare people to fix and maintain boats and their mechanical systems. This program is sometimes called marine maintenance and repair.Boat maintenance and repair programs teach students about a variety of topics.
Boat maintenance and repair programs include topics such as:
- Outboard and inboard engines
- Drive train systems
- Electrical wiring
- Sail fabrication and maintenance
- Operating and piloting boats
- Wood and fiberglass hulls and vessel components
Schools
Several community colleges and technical schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in boat maintenance repair. A certificate program usually takes six months to one year of full-time study. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Auto Body Repair
- Automotive Technology
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Composite Technology
- Diesel Technology
- Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair
- Motorcycle Repair
- Small Engine Repair
- Welding Technology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Automobile Mechanics
- Bus and Truck Mechanics
- Mechanic and Repairer Helpers
- Motorcycle Mechanics
- Small Engine Mechanics
Program Admission
Proprietary schools, colleges, and universities all offer this program. If you want to study at a proprietary school, you can prepare for this program of study by completing your high school diploma or getting a GED. If you want to study at a college or university, you can prepare for this program by taking the following courses: four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Boat Repair and Refinishing
- Introduction to Mechanics
- Marine Mechanics and Repair
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
A program in this field typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Boat Design and Maintenance
- Boat Electrical Systems
- Boat Operations and Piloting
- Engine Maintenance and Overhaul
- Fiberglass and Wood Hull Construction and Maintenance
- Inboard Engines
- Outboard Engines
- Propeller Drive Train Systems
- Sails
Things to Know
Some schools combine boat repair with other repair programs, such as motorcycle repair or small engine repair.
Most programs require that students purchase their own tools, safety equipment, and work clothes.
If you plan to open your own business, classes in small business administration can be helpful.
As boat engine technology advances, you will need to keep your skills up to date. Expect to take classes throughout your career.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Seattle Central College
- Wood Construction--Marine Carpentry (Boatbuilding)
Kitsap Area
Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
- Contemporary Wooden Boatbuilding
- Marine Systems I & II
- Traditional Wooden Boatbuilding
Olympic College
- Industrial Trades Technician (Apprenticeship)
- Industrial Trades Technician--Helper
Tacoma Area
Bates Technical College (South Campus)
- Power Sports and Equipment Technician
- Power Sports and Equipment Technology
Clover Park Technical College (South Hill Campus)
- Advanced Composite Manufacturing
West Side Area
Skagit Valley College
- Composites Technology--Composite Repair Technician
Skagit Valley College (Anacortes Campus)
- Marine Maintenance Technology
- Marine Technician