Occupation Details
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.
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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.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$36,180.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$48,680.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$59,410.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
1,260
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
1,920
+66 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
241
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.5%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
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.
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Adjustable gap spark testers
- Allen wrench sets
- Automatic center punches
- Ball peen hammers
- Battery load testers
- Battery terminal cleaners
- Breaker bars
- Carbon scrapers
- Channel lock pliers
- Coil function testers
- Combination pliers
- Combination wrenches
- Cotter pin pullers
- Crowfoot wrenches
- Dead blow hammers
- Diagonal cutting pliers
- Dial calipers
- Digital multimeters
- Electrical diagnostic platform analyzers
- Fixed tip snap ring pliers
- Flat cold chisels
- Flat tip screw starters
- Fluted screw extractors
- Flywheel holders
- Fuel filter wrenches
- Hex sets
- Idle air control signal tester
- Impact drivers
- Inspection mirrors
- Leakdown testers
Technology
- Engine diagnostic scanners
- Inventory tracking software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- prepare reports
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- maintain repair records
- determine installation, service, or repair needed
- observe or listen to machinery or equipment operation to detect malfunctions
- install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices
- repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
- test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
- analyze test information to determine equipment operating efficiency
- use electronic calibration devices
- use engine diagnostic equipment
- operate vehicle engine electrical system test equipment
- solder electrical or electronic connections or components
- use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
- use hand or power tools
- set up and operate variety of machine tools
- use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
- use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
- use soldering equipment
- use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
- operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
- understand service or repair manuals
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- move or fit heavy objects
- use basic plumbing techniques
- follow vehicle repair procedures
- use knowledge of metric system
- use 2-cycle engine technology
- adjust or set mechanical controls or components
- align or adjust clearances of mechanical components or parts
- align or adjust clearances of vehicle body parts or components
- diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
- maintain or repair small engines
- maintain or repair ship/boat engine, machinery or equipment
- test mechanical products or equipment
- overhaul vehicle major operating units, such as engines or transmissions
- conduct tests to locate mechanical system malfunction
- repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
- lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
- service vehicle with water, fuel, or oil
- assemble, dismantle, or reassemble equipment or machinery
- inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
- read blueprints
- read specifications
- read technical drawings
- read vehicle manufacturer's specifications
- read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- test operate vehicles before or after repair
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Repair or rework parts, using machine tools such as lathes, mills, drills, or grinders.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Small engine mechanics
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn More