How to become a marine tech?
#1
How to become a marine tech?
I am 24 years old. I am looking to get out of my construction career. It makes me miserable. I have been giving a lot of thought about going back to school. I have some experience on automobiles. I worked for 2 years as an apprentice through General Motors, at a pontiac gmc dealer. I attended classes for this program. I have also worked on cars since I was 14 years old. My question is, is there a lack of marine techs in the industry? I would love to work on performance boats and rig them. So why not make a career out of something I enjoy so much. Any input on this would be appreciated.
#5
Registered
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Stafford Va.
Posts: 2,806
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: How to become a marine tech?
Well I turn a wrench for a living, I started on motorcycles as a kid then went to cars at 14 or so then pro at 18, ASE master tech at 24 then went back to bikes at 25 full time. I did bike's on the side all along because I raced, I was better at it than the people that worked at the bike shops so I had so much side work it was hard to do and I liked it better, so I went full time.
I do all of the work on my boat, this year it's a 98 Nor-Tech 5000 V I had to pull the center motor and take the front off the port motor. I laid on top of the generator for 6 hours,it suck's working on boat's Justtonight pt 6 new tires on my truck and aligned it, that sucked.
I like fixing stuff and I train new people all the time and the main thing that holds them back is being able to buy tools. I got luck I didn't have to many bills when I started and was able to buy tools, if you are going to get into this Field to be able to get it done fast enough to make $$$ you will have to buy 30-50 K in tools the first 2 years. I don't owe a penny now but have over 200k in tools and still have to buy stuff from time to time.
I do all of the work on my boat, this year it's a 98 Nor-Tech 5000 V I had to pull the center motor and take the front off the port motor. I laid on top of the generator for 6 hours,it suck's working on boat's Justtonight pt 6 new tires on my truck and aligned it, that sucked.
I like fixing stuff and I train new people all the time and the main thing that holds them back is being able to buy tools. I got luck I didn't have to many bills when I started and was able to buy tools, if you are going to get into this Field to be able to get it done fast enough to make $$$ you will have to buy 30-50 K in tools the first 2 years. I don't owe a penny now but have over 200k in tools and still have to buy stuff from time to time.
#8
AT Cult Member #3
VIP Member
Re: How to become a marine tech?
Originally Posted by BRUCE SEROFF
once you start doin it for a living, it wont be so much fun anymore.
just my .02
just my .02
I'd love to work on boats all day...if it were my boat ONLY!! Turning a hobby into a job has it's bad points!!!
#9
AT Cult Member #3
VIP Member
Re: How to become a marine tech?
Originally Posted by MILD THUNDER
I dont think it could be any worse than pouring concrete in 100 degree weather, and shoveling 10 tons of stone fill a day.
#10
Diamond Member #001
Charter Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Coastal North Carolina
Posts: 4,808
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
4 Posts
Re: How to become a marine tech?
On the constructive side - check out Universal Technical Institute's Marine program. They're a first-rate operation. After that, go to T'n'T Custom Marine and beg them for a starting-level position. You'll learn everything the right way.
__________________
Retired! Boating full-time now.
Retired! Boating full-time now.