Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

skin cancer :(

Hey R am I bugging you yet? :D:D:D

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

You might have to move south for more steady work. Like any other business too, the guys who own the business make big money but not the worker bees.

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

The only problem I have in life (business life) is getting good tech's. I does not matter what I pay them - 20/hr, 30/ hr, flat rate, straight time, salary, benefits, bonuses whatever -- I can't keep them. This is the biggest problem facing the marine industry today.

Before I got into the marine business full time, which was about 10 years ago, I decided to go to a year long technical school to get some product specific knowledge (Mercury, Yamaha, etc.) This was incredibly valuable.

I suggest you find a good tech program that will give you basic certifications upon completion of their course and then go to a large, reputable dealer with a nice shop. Get your feet wet with the basic stuff before you plunge into this high performance stuff. You can't fix a #6 without knowing how to fix an Alpha. You know, crawl before you walk. You will also learn how the business works. Maybe you would like to be in parts or service writing. At least you can see what is going on.

Just be prepared to put your dues in. Don't get caught up in the whining of the guys who have worked at 20 places in 20 years and are *****ing about the job. Don't hesistate to call me if there is anything I can help you with.

Good luck.

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

The only thing i see about going to school is that once you get hired somewhere they are going to want it done their way. Half the time they want it done different than school taught you.

Experience gets everything started. I started sweeping the floors and before i knew it i was rerigging a 420 Baja with triple 850's, and working on all the latest 100+mph projects. I fell in love with the fabrication and rigging part. Now i have done everything myself. See my project below.

The statement about begging for an entry level position is correct. Get in somewhere and see how they do it. Every shop has its own characteristics and will have you learn them.

Now that i have worked in high performance boats for a short time i can say that i wouldnt want to make a living in the shop. I am trying to find my way into the business end of the boating industy since i will be graduating this year.

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

buyafountain, Where is your shop? :cool:

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

DUH!!! Myrtle Beach S.C. I bet!! :rolleyes:

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

Myrtle Beach (right on the NC/SC line)

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

Thanks for the info buyafountain. I have been giving a lot of thought to relocating. I am currently in the process of becoming a local county sheriff deputy. The way ive been looking at it lately is, if im gonna make 50k a year, I might as well make it somewhere warm. Boating season's here are just too short. Fiance is willing to relocate, but #1 job and leaving family(Mom, dad, sister, etc) is holding me back. But, to me life is short, and I want me and wife to have a happy life together. I thought about opening a small shop here, but that scares me too.

My dad wanted to open a business when he first got married. Mom said no, it was too risky. He regrets it to this day, after being a Chicago Policeman for 30 years. So he is all for it. Who would have thought life can be so confusing? LOL

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

That is what I started doing over the past summer. Knew a bunch of the Hi Perf boaters around here, most took them to one shop. Started hanging out there (2+ years ago), learned a bunch of book knowledge, then this summer our Baja needed some work done, worked a deal out, did the work with the help of a certified tech/f1 racer. Got a job there, first job was helping put new valve springs in a 42 Fountain with tripple 500 EFI's.

Best job I have ever had, more fun than any other job Ive had, it has now been 4.5 months and I actually get bummed out come the weekends!

And the perfect boat mechanic would have no legs.

I did a lot of question asking about this time last year, will try to dig up the threads.

Good Luck!!

Tommy

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

I say go for it. I love building engines and if you can make a living at it go ahead. I would jump at an opertunity in the marine business even if it meant less money. Doing something you love for a living is VERY RARE.

Roby