All careers

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

What you’d do

  • Start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or 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.
  • Repair engine mechanical equipment, such as power tilts, bilge pumps, or power take-offs.
  • Perform routine engine maintenance on motorboats, such as changing oil and filters.
  • Replace parts, such as gears, magneto points, piston rings, or spark plugs, and reassemble engines.
  • Idle motors and observe thermometers to determine the effectiveness of cooling systems.
  • Inspect and repair or adjust propellers or propeller shafts.

Skills that matter

  • Repairing
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Troubleshooting
  • Operation and Control
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking

How to get there

Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

Also called

  • Marine Mechanic
  • Marine Technician
  • Mechanic
  • Service Technician
  • Boat Mechanic
  • Boat Motor Mechanic
See all careers
  • Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

    Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

    Repair, maintain, or install electric motors, wiring, or switches.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Motorcycle Mechanics

    Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

    Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related…

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Engine and Other Machine Assemblers

    Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction…

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one