Boat Mechanic Pay By State
As of 2019, the BLS showed that boat mechanics in Hawaii earned the highest average salary by state, $58,690 per year. Those working in Connecticut earned an average of $55,760 per year, while those in third-ranked Arizona averaged $52,460 per year.
Other states with an average marine mechanic salary of $40,000 or more per year included Massachusetts, Louisiana, California, Utah and Arizona. Boat mechanics working in Idaho reported the lowest average pay by state, $31,680 per year.
How Much Will A Boat Mechanic Cost Me
Labor fees for marine technician service can vary by region and season, but the basic charge will be similar to the rate charged for labor at an automobile dealership, between $70 and $120 per hour. Rates may be lower in the winter or off-season when the shop is not very busy, and some facilities will have a fixed charge for a standard annual engine service or for winterization. More specialized service can cost more the service of a factory-certified marine diesel engine technician may cost more than $175 per hour.
There is also the option of a mobile marine technician, who will come to your boat for basic engine or drive service, electronic service, and other tasks that can be completed outside the shop. The labor rate will be similar or a little less than a shop charges, and the mobile shop may charge a mileage fee, but you didnt have to move your boat.
What Is A Marine Technician
A marine technician, or marine mechanic, is someone who services and repairs motors on boats and other aquatic equipment.
You could consider them a boat doctor, they are the people who make sure all of the intricate parts of sea machines are running smoothly.
Some of the boats that you may work on as a marine technician are fishing boats, yachts, cruise ships, and shipping boats.
In this field you can expect to work in all types of situations, whether it be electrical, refrigeration systems, propellers, navigational equipment, and so much more.
If you love to be outdoors, in the water, and surrounded by machines, then this career may be perfect for you.
Also Check: Who Owns Freedom Boat Club
Who Is A Boat Mechanic
A boat mechanic is a technician who maintains and repairs inboard and outboard boat engines.
Boat mechanics also maintains and repairs motorboats, engines, propellers, pumps, and other parts of aquatic vehicles. He generally diagnoses problems, lubricates parts, makes mechanical adjustments, and replaces worn or damaged parts.
A boat mechanic can also be called a motorboat mechanic, boat mechanic, marine mechanic, or small motor mechanic. We will be using these terms interchangeably in this post.
What Is A Marine Mechanic
A marine mechanic repairs the electrical and mechanical equipment on boats, ships, and other water vessels. Marine mechanics typically work at docks, marinas, or seaports, and can work on a variety of different types of watercraft, including small boats and large, ocean freighters. You can learn the skills to become a marine mechanic by earning your marine mechanic degree from a recognized marine mechanic school.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mildew Off Boat Seats
The Top 10 Highest Paying Careers For Mechanics
Mechanics are people who have a good mechanical aptitude, can solve problems effectively and dont mind getting their hands dirty. The jobs listed on this list of the top 10 highest paying careers for mechanics include opportunities to work on everything from big construction equipment to motorcycles and motorboats.
Enroll In An Apprentice Program
Boat manufacturing companies, labor unions, and community colleges-affiliated associations offer apprenticeship programs that allow you to learn on the job. Becoming an apprentice helps you start working directly with boats and marine equipment and obtain the desired troubleshooting skills.
Some technical schools work in affiliation with marine companies and offer apprenticeships as a part of your formal education program.
You May Like: How To Keep Boat Seats From Mildewing
Captain And Crew Needed To Transport Passenger Vessel
Sarah Williams 05-Jan-2017
Captain and Crew required to transport a retired passenger vessel from Toronto area to Saint John, N.BAttached is a link to the vessel were looking to get to us. http://www.scrutonmarine.com/pv2001.htmPlease email Sarah with any questions you may have, or to offer a quote.
Receive New Jobs For This Search By Email
This is a Full Time job
- Busy and fast pace environment
- Positive energy and growth
This is a Full Time job
- Industry leader in luxury recreational vehicle manufacturing & service
- Great culture & team environment
- We promote work life balance
This is a Full Time job
This is a Full Time job
This is a Full Time job
This is a Full Time job
This is a Full Time job
- Busy and fast pace environment
- Positive energy and growth
This is a Casual/Vacation job
location: DarwinDarwinclassification: EngineeringEngineering
This is a Full Time job
- $5,000 sign on Bonus
- Hourly rate + OT + tool allowance + Annual Bonus + Benefits
- Cairns, QLD
This is a Casual/Vacation job
This is a Full Time job
This is a Full Time job
This is a Full Time job
- $5,000 Sign on Bonus!!
- Hourly rate + OT + tool allowance + annual bonus + benefits
- Based from our East Arm, Darwin branch
This is a Full Time job
This is a Full Time job
This is a Full Time job
This is a Full Time job
This is a Full Time job
You May Like: Arkansas Boat Registration Numbers
Licenses Certifications And Registrations
Many motorboat and motorcycle manufacturers offer certification specific to their own models, and certification from the Equipment & Engine Training Council is the recognized industry credential for outdoor power equipment mechanics. Although not required, certification can demonstrate a mechanics competence and usually brings higher pay.
Motorcycle mechanics usually need a drivers license with a motorcycle endorsement.
Experienced Boat Captain Naplesfl
Melissa Wilinski 28-Feb-2021
Looking to hire a boat captain to run our tiki boats in the Naples area and also our 20 passenger vessel . We do daily cruises, so would need someone on a regular basis..A great personality is an absolute mustwe entertain our customers while we drive the boats. Must have a clean record and we will add to our drug consortium.
You May Like: How Much Does Freedom Boat Club Cost Per Month
What Is The Salary And Job Outlook Of Boat Mechanics
According to BLS, around 22,940 people work as boat mechanics in 2019. They also project an employment increase of 6% between 2018 and 2028 for motorboat mechanics and service technicians.
The median salary of boat/marine mechanics is $43,440 yearly and a $20.89 median hourly pay.
Florida and California had the highest number of employment for motorboat mechanics and service technicians. Their annual median salaries are $47,690 and $46,450 respectively.
Beneteau Oceanis 55 Series
I had a lot of trouble finding data on sailboats, but Beneteau had a model that has run for the last 10 years. It is a large 55 sailboat and is considered a sailing yacht.
This sailboat sells for $550,000.00 new.
- 3 YearThree years into ownership of this sailing yacht, youve lost $50,000.00 in value. This is a loss of $16,667.00 per year but only a loss of 9% of its value.
- 5 YearsAt five years, this boat is selling for $465,000.00. This is $85,000.00 less than its original value, and the owner will have lost $17,000.00 per year. 85% of the value is still left in this sailboat.
- 10 YearsAfter 10 years, this sailboat still sells for $400,000.00, but it has lost $150,000.00 in value. This puts it at a $15,000.00 loss per year. It is now worth 73% of what the original owner paid for it.
At first, I found these numbers surprising.
With expensive cars, you usually notice a staggering amount of depreciation within the first few years.
However, these boats seem to keep their value better than the smaller and less expensive models.
A sailing yacht seems to have a steady depreciation rate so that you could buy a new one, and you wont have any large variations in losses throughout the first ten years.
These boats have high price tags, so my advice would be to use a broker or spend some time learning how to negotiate.
Get good at shopping and negotiating, and you could end up saving tens of thousands of dollars on your boat purchase.
Don’t Miss: How To Install Boat Hatch Actuator
How Do I Become A Marine Mechanic
In order to become a marine mechanic, you must earn a two-year associates marine mechanic degree from a recognized marine mechanic school. Before applying for admission to marine mechanic school, you should focus your high school education or career experience on auto mechanics, small engine repair, math, and science. Many marine mechanics learn skills on the job, in addition to the classes they take at marine mechanic school. The marine mechanics industry is becoming more complex as technology advances. Attending marine mechanic school will help you learn how to service boats that feature new and evolving technologies, such as the computerized systems that are often found on large vessels, oil tankers, yachts, and personal boats. Your marine mechanic degree may include a work placement or internship component in addition to your in-class marine mechanic courses.
How To Become A Marine Engineering Technician
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
You could do a foundation degree in marine engineering or marine technology.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 , or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
More Information
Don’t Miss: How To Clean Mildew From Vinyl Boat Seats
Bayliner Marine Corp Vr6 Series
This cuddy cabin is approximately 22 feet long and weighs between 3,000 and 3,800, depending on the year. It sleeps two people and can hold up to 8 passengers. The engine is a 135 horsepower engine.
This boat was selling new for $30,670.00 in 2018.
- 3 YearsA 3-year-old model can be purchased for $26,800.00. This is a loss of $3,870 or $1,290 a year. It still has 87% of its value left, which is significantly higher than what we saw with the cabin cruiser.
- 5 YearsAt five years, this boat is worth about $23,050.00. This is a dollar loss of $7,620.00 and a monthly loss of $1,524.00. The value left at this point is still 75%.
- 10 YearsA ten-year-old model could be found at $19,395.00. This is a total dollar loss of $11,275.00 and a loss per year of $1,128.00. This gives it a remaining value of 63%.
This boat type seemed to retain its value much better than the previous boats we looked into.
A 4% loss to depreciation each year over 10 years isnt that bad, considering these boats have fairly large motors attached.
A cuddy cabin holds its value so well that you might consider buying a new one and selling it every three years. In this case, youll lose 13% to depreciation, but youll have a brand new boat every three years.
If you fall in love with the boat, dont feel obligated to sell it at the three-year mark.
You can sell it at the five and ten-year mark, and you wont be any worse off than if you had done the same thing with a different type of boat.
What Are Top 5 Best Paying Related Boat Mechanic Jobs In The Us
We found at least five jobs related to the Boat Mechanic job category that pay more per year than a typical Boat Mechanic salary. Top examples of these roles include: Boat Engineer, Boat Engineering, and River Boat Engineer.
Importantly, all of these jobs are paid between $17,095 and $27,020 more than the average Boat Mechanic salary of $42,140. If youre qualified, getting hired for one of these related Boat Mechanic jobs may help you make more money than that of the average Boat Mechanic position.
| Job Title |
|---|
Also Check: How To Clean Mildew Off Vinyl Seats
Boat Upholstery Repair Cost
Boat upholstery is more about the material that covers the seats on a boat, and if you just recently purchased a utilized boat that has older seats, or if the upholstery is worn out due to the weather condition, you might be thinking about getting the seats reupholstered to create a more recent look. Reholstering, usually, will be more affordable than purchasing brand-new seats.
Budget For Engine Replacements
If you plan on keeping your boat for a while, you should plan on having to repair or replace your engine at some point. Smaller outboard engines tend to need replacement more often, but they are cheaper to replace. Large diesel motors can last a really long time, but you may want to learn how to work on them so that you can maintain them yourself.
You May Like: Who Owns Freedom Boat Club
Change And Check The Oil
Other than checking anodes, Petzold said the most important thing to do is change the fluids per the maintenance schedule, and use the recommended gear oil, or oils. Volvo uses only one oil, while Cummins uses three different ones in Zeus drives. While the maintenance schedule varies somewhat among pod builders, its essentially the same. Change the fluids annually, or every 250 hours of operation. Its better to do it at haulout, when the oil can be drained by gravity, rather than sucking it out with a pump. Draining removes almost all of the dirty oil, while a pump often leaves too much behind. Some pods require draining.
Most pods require service after a short break-in period at 25 hours or so. That means a haulout to remove the break-in lube and replace it with the normal lubricant. Make sure to do this, and if buying a used boat, make certain the first owner did it, too. Running the boat for too long on break-in oil can shorten the life of the pods innards. Ask to see the service records for the boats first year.
Sophisticated diagnostics go with every engine now.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Boat Mechanic
If you want to become a boat mechanic you should complete some post-secondary education at a trade school, technical school or community college.
Associates degree, diploma or certificate programs in marine maintenance, maritime technology or watercraft repair programs are available at several schools.
These programs typically take around 2 years to complete and equip you with the technical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to find entry-level employment in the field.
To get ready for this profession you should also study marine welding repair, so choosing a program that combines boat repair and maintenance with welding classes may help you better prepare for a career in this field.
Some programs also offer internship opportunities to students, enabling them to gain some work experience before graduation.
Holding a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or a related field can give you better job prospects and will require around 4 years of training beyond high school.
Recommended Reading: Where To Buy Boat Lettering
Lowe Industries Ss 250
This pontoon boat is about 25 feet in length, and it can hold up to 15 passengers. It weighs less than 2,200 pounds.
This boat sells for around $29,000.00 new.
- 3 YearsA three old version of this sells for $20,740.00, which is an $8,260 loss. This is a loss of $2,753.00. It has lost about 10% of its value each year to put it at a remaining value of 71%.
- 5 YearsAt five years, the boat is worth $17,550.00. This puts it at a total dollar loss of $11,450.00. This is a loss of $2,290 per year. The remaining value is already down to 60%.
- 10 YearsTen-year-old versions of this boat are selling for only $14,950.00. The dollar loss on this is $14,050 or a loss of $1,405.00 per year. The remaining value is 51%.
This boat takes a big hit in value over the course of its ten years. Unfortunately, the boat also isnt cheap, so you do lose a fair amount of money.
If I were to buy a pontoon boat, Id probably stick to the used market rather than buy a new one.
Pontoon boats lose a lot of their value over the first five years. You might want to consider buying these boats when theyre five years old. You could sell it five years later, and youll have only lost 9% due to depreciation.
These boats arent meant for rough waters, so a five-year-old boat is usually in decent condition. Also, because these boats are social and recreational in nature, boaters tend to clean and take care of them more than they would a fishing boat.
Years Of Experience And Salary
A boat mechanic salary may differ depending on skill, experience and location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for motorboat mechanics and service technicians was $41,350 in 2017. Those in the lowest income bracket made an average of $30,650 and those in the highest made $50,680.
You May Like: Do You Need Boat Insurance In Nebraska
Boat Mechanic Job Description
Boat Mechanic Specialists are responsible for the preventive maintenance and repair of motorized boats.
An experienced Boat Mechanic is able to troubleshoot and repair inboard or outboard engines using the skills they learned with either on the job experience or by attending a training program.
Job Duties include:
- Perform maintenance or repair work on various types of engines such as gasoline, outboard motors and marine engines
- Performs tests on engines and other equipment to determine whether they need repairs or fine-tuning
- Use a variety of tools in order to repair and provide maintenance work
- Buys necessary supplies and parts and make equipment suggestions
