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.

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

once you start doin it for a living, it wont be so much fun anymore.

just my .02

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

I dont think it could be any worse than pouring concrete in 100 degree weather, and shoveling 10 tons of stone fill a day. :rolleyes:

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

good point :D

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.

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

If you are a contortionist, with thin long arms and can stand on your head for hours your in.

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

Umm exuse me ....but so far everything I have done to the motors ...they get pulled ...piece of cake to work on out of the boat ...Course I'm paying for it ....

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

I used to love workin' on my cars, race cars.....Now after 22 years as an Auto Tech.... :( :hothead:


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!!! :p

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

At least you get a good tan and stay in shape!!!! :D

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.

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

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

I agree, if your unhappy with your current job get out while you still can. The longer you wait the harder it is to change careers and go back to an entry level position. The one thing i regret is not taking more chances, i have a decent career but I get bored doing the same monotonous stuff every day. At the very least give it a shot you can always go back to construction, last i looked there's always being something built.

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

Everyone has great insight! I've worked on cars, motorcycles, chainsaws whatever since I was about 10 or so. Thats what happens when your Dad is a gear head. I use to work on cars for a living but was then asked by a friend,"How would you like to learn the marine industry?" Here I sit 17 years later and have enjoyed everyday that I have and do go to work!! Some days when I go out for a test drive on the Bay in a 46' Cigarette with 1200's in it to tune in the carbs and do a check over, I think, IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!!!!

But if you do decide to work on boats for a living, find a good company that will pay decent money and send you to school every chance they get. It will only make you better for them and for yourself. Also, everyone is right. Start at the bottom, clean engine parts in a solvent tank for hours, sweep the floor, take out the trash. It will all pay off. Earn your way to the top. Its better that way. I KNOW!!

Pwrbt33
Offshore Performance
1-877-GOFAST1

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

I know !!! Travel to Santa Clarita California... meet this guy.....

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

He'll teach you that this is normal in supercharged engines.....

Re: How to become a marine tech?
 

Especially when they have exceeded their life span (4 hours)..... :D