How to Train to Become a Marine Dealership Mechanic

Pursuing a hands-on career near the water can be exciting. There are many paths you can take once you have training for the marine industry, including a role as a marine dealership technician.

Also known as marine dealership mechanics, these individuals specialize in the operations of individual brands and know the ins and outs of how to repair and maintain vessels or boats. They get to take their passion for a specific manufacturer and apply it to their daily routine.

If a job as a marine dealership technician sounds interesting to you, keep reading to learn more about what they do and what steps you can take to become one.

Marine Dealership Technician Job Duties

An understanding of the typical day-to-day duties of a marine dealership technician can be helpful when deciding about whether to pursue it as a career.

Daily tasks usually include:

• Performing preventative maintenance (oil changes, belt replacements)
• Repairing and maintaining inboard and outboard motors
• Performing engine and drive-system alignments
• Maintaining hydraulic systems
• Troubleshooting and repairing basic electrical systems
• Utilizing various diagnostic tools to test systems
• Moving and parking boats
• Performing maintenance on boat trailers
• Installing optional equipment
• Maintaining boat rigging

These are just some examples of what a marine dealership mechanic might experience during his or her workday. These duties can vary depending on the dealership.

Marine Dealership Technician Salary and Job Outlook

When planning for your future, having a general sense of the job outlook and salary for the position you’re interested in can help you make an informed decision.

Most people entering the marine industry begin in entry-level positions as service technicians or mechanics.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a resource that can be used to estimate prospective salaries for these positions. While the BLS doesn’t provide information for the role of a marine dealership technician specifically, it does provide some insight regarding the median annual salary for motorboat mechanics and service technicians.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for motorboat mechanics and service technicians in the United States was $49,990 in May 2023.³¹ This means half of marine technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

How to Train to Become a Marine Dealership Technician

Those who want a hands-on career and love the water might consider working as a marine dealership technician, especially if they have a passion for a specific manufacturer.

The most important thing when pursuing any job in the industry is to have a combination of hands-on training and education. Employers often seek qualified individuals who have some foundational experience working on different watercraft.

One of the best ways to get the knowledge you need is by enrolling at a trade school. Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) offers a Marine Technology program that follows a blended learning model, which combines online instructor-led training with hands-on application in the lab.¹⁸

MMI has relationships with five leading manufacturers in the industry. The 51-week program features specialized training with these brands:

• Honda Marine
• Mercury Marine
• Suzuki Marine
• Volvo Penta
• Yamaha Marine

The courses in these programs help provide technical training that’s customized to each brand. Learning maintenance and repair procedures for individual brands can be helpful when applying for positions at specific dealerships.

Take the First Step Toward a Career as a Marine Dealership Technician

Pursuing an education from a trade school can help put you on the path to a career in the marine industry. Hands-on experience can make a big difference when applying for jobs as a marine dealership technician.¹

MMI’s relationships with leading manufacturers can allow you to see where you’d like to focus your attention once you graduate. From Yamaha Marine to Volvo Penta, the courses can give you specialized experience with leading brands.

Graduate from the Marine Technology program in just 51 weeks with the training needed to enter the job market as an entry-level technician.⁷ Request more information today!