What Do Motorboat Mechanics Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Motorboat Mechanics repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines. They also start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or misfiring.

Other tasks include:

• 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.

We asked Motorboat Mechanics how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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48% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 29% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Motorboat Mechanics document inspection and test results and work performed or to be performed. They start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or misfiring.

A typical day for a Motorboat Mechanic and Service Technician will also include:

• 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.
• 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.
• Adjust carburetor mixtures, electrical point settings, or timing while motors are running in water-filled test tanks.

We asked some Motorboat Mechanics a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	60% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	34% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	86% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	46% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	17% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	66% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Motorboat Mechanics also repair engine mechanical equipment, such as power tilts, bilge pumps, or power take-offs. They may also inspect and repair or adjust propellers or propeller shafts.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Motorboat Mechanics Repair or rework parts, using machine tools such as lathes, mills, drills, or grinders. They might also Mount motors to boats and operate boats at various speeds on waterways to conduct operational tests.

In addition, they Set starter locks and align and repair steering or throttle controls, using gauges, screwdrivers, or wrenches.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Adjust carburetor mixtures, electrical point settings, or timing while motors are running in water-filled test tanks.

To some Motorboat Mechanics, it is also their responsibility to Start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or misfiring.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Motorboat Mechanic and Service Technician, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/installation-maintenance-and-repair/small-engine-mechanics.htm

http://www.am-tech.org/

http://www.eetc.org/