I went to Merc school but it was in the early 70's. I know at that time a private citizen couldnt just "go". you had to be sponsored by a Merc dealer. Dont know now.

I've been having the same thoughts too,
mainly because alot of people have been
telling me to.
Every year I keep working on working
on more and more boats, hell, I even
rebuilt a freinds egg beater last year:D

I have the luxury of using the shop ( after hours)
where I'm the service manager at ( forklift dealership)
so that makes it really easy.

My biggest fear is that, when I'm out at the
lake, that's my time, I don't want to get in the
situation of having people coming up, and asking
to have their stuff fixed right here and now all the time.
( I've already done this enough for my freinds)
Then, I'll end up dreading going to the lake.

So, I would suggest on doing the stuff on the side
where you can be selective, thats what I'm going to
keep doing.

Got to go,
got to get 3 boats fixed before
the weekend :D
(and none of them are mine !)
jt

Thanks guys for all your input. I am really ready to try this idea out and the wife is onboard also. I think that I will skip the training idea for the moment and get the word out at my marina where they have no repair facility. I will focus on the basics, engine repair/tuneups, gimble area repairs, and us a local guy for drive repairs until I learn on my own. Currently, the local marine repair places are scheduled 3 weeks out, and most of the work is your common bellow replacement, shift cable, steering, things like that.

Still not sure about operating under a small business or cash only operation. Don't want to get busted by Uncle Sam. Any ideas here???

I think your nuts! Why change something you love into something you hate? Bust you a$$ for a few years and retire and play with your own stuff!!! You hate anything you do for a living. CrazyHorse is the best all around Mechanic I've ever met and he wont do it for a living. Think about the liablity, you work on my boat and I got out and throw a rod through the hull sink the dang thing who am I coming after? Keep your hobby and your sanity!