Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Installation, Maintenance & Repair
• O*NET-SOC code: 49-3051
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Adjust carburetor mixtures, electrical point settings, or timing while motors are running in water-filled test tanks.
• Set starter locks and align and repair steering or throttle controls, using gauges, screwdrivers, or wrenches.
• Disassemble and inspect motors to locate defective parts, using mechanic's hand tools and gauges.
• Adjust generators and replace faulty wiring, using hand tools and soldering irons.

Tools and technology

Facebook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Adjustable gap spark testers, Allen wrench sets, Automatic center punches, Ball peen hammers, Battery load testers, Battery terminal cleaners, Bearing retainer wrenches

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
• Motorcycle Mechanics
• Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
• Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
• Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
• Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.