CareerZone Pennsylvania

Motorboat Mechanics

Description

Repairs and adjusts electrical and mechanical equipment of gasoline or diesel powered inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Education Requirements

Long-term training - Necessary skills are acquired through on-the-job training or formal education lasting more than 12 months.

Interests

Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology	Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mechanical	Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Skills

Operation and Control	Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Equipment Selection	Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation	Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Operation Monitoring	Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis	Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Equipment Maintenance	Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Troubleshooting	Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing	Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Tasks

• Adjust carburetor mixtures, electrical point settings, and timing while motors are running in water-filled test tanks.
• Adjust generators and replace faulty wiring, using hand tools and soldering irons.
• Disassemble and inspect motors to locate defective parts, using mechanic's hand tools and gauges.
• Idle motors and observe thermometers to determine the effectiveness of cooling systems.
• Inspect and repair or adjust propellers and propeller shafts.
• Repair engine mechanical equipment such as power-tilts, bilge pumps, or power take-offs.
• Repair or rework parts, using machine tools such as lathes, mills, drills, and grinders.
• Replace parts such as gears, magneto points, piston rings, and spark plugs, and reassemble engines.
• Set starter locks, and align and repair steering or throttle controls, using gauges, screwdrivers, and wrenches.
• Start motors, and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning such as smoke, excessive vibration, and misfiring.
• Document inspection and test results, and work performed or to be performed.
• Mount motors to boats and operate boats at various speeds on waterways to conduct operational tests.

Wages

In 2006, the Pennsylvania average annual wage was $27,910.00. The entry-level wage was $18,820.00 while an experienced worker made $32,460.00.

Outlook

During 2004, there were approximately 430 people employed in this field in Pennsylvania. It is projected that there will be 500 employed in 2014. This occupation will have about 7 openings due to growth and about 11 replacement openings for approximately 18 total annual openings. This occupation experienced significant growth.

Colleges and Training

Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.

• Marine Maintenance/Fitter and Ship Repair Technology/TechnicianA program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair outboard and inboard engines; test, maintain, and repair steering devices and electrical systems; repair metal, wood, and fiberglass hulls and vessel components; fabricate and maintain sails; and repair and balance propellers and drive shafts.

For additional college information and related training about this career path, please visit:

AES EducationPlanner, PA Dept of Labor, PA Career Link, college.gov, and College Navigator

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