A wannabe boat worker here.

[Cameron12221]

Hey there! First of all I'd like to introduce my self. My name is Cameron and I'm moving on to 18 years old Novemember 1st. I'm going to be a senior this year. Last year I took a vocational school class on small engines and marine repair. My teacher is very well known and has a super long history in anything that moves. The smartest man alive that I know of. (Not the greatest speller, but who am I to talk eh? ) Anyways, I did learn some good stuff in that class, but with 13+ other kids (who causes a lot of trouble) and for him to help everyone at all the same time it was hard.

Also note that I just started to get into this last year. At first I had no hands on or anything work on bikes, cars or anything. I wasn't into it until I tried it. I couldn't even tell you what tool was what. (Now I know most of it - thank god haha)

My problem is that I'm stuck on a qoute that my teacher made, "You can't fix it if you don't know how it works". This is true to some people and others it isn't. I'm having a hard time understanding how engines and stuff work. After taking that year of small engines and marine class I've notice how much I love boats. I live about 15 minutes from the sea and a well known port in Maine called Kennebunkport.

So what I was hoping for was if someone can help me find a program, website, or anything that can help me learn better. I'm taking his class again next year and hoping to stay on focus more and learn more.

I understand in the marine world electrical stuff is different. I don't know much about it anyways, but I'm sure knowing that stuff would be good to know.

So what I'm looking for is:

How engines work
Electric stuff (like wire colors and how to repair wires?)
Anything you want to add that I should know..

Last note thing.. This has been going on for a few months now, but I'm trying to get a job at a shop where ex-president Bush Jr's boat is stored. I've been told it's a great place to learn. The owner said he can maybe give me a job there to just help out and teach me stuff. This would be the most amazing offer I've ever got in my life and also my first job ever. He sends his workers to school. I think just being around and helping the guys around would make me learn so much. The problem is that everytime I go there he says the weather and stuff is making it go slow and what not.. he says he'll call my uncle (who is his friend) and will get to me... never happens.. I've stopped by a few times and it's the same thing.. My uncle told me he loves to get new people who want to learn the trade. I've already told the owner from the start that my skills are low, but he said "so what?" So it doesn't sound like my lack of skills is the problem. I keep trying to go there and see what's new with this whole deal, but I keep putting my self down on it. Maybe I just need a good talking to? I don't know anyone got advice for me?

If you're still reading this I really do thank you for all your time. I've been addicted to video games my whole life and it's ruined who I am. I'm ready to change this and make it for the better. I can't stay like this.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: A wannabe boat worker here.

All I can say is good luck in your future endevors.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: A wannabe boat worker here.

So go to the shop every day ANYWAY... Help him for free... Tell him you'll do anything... sweep floors, wax boats... whatever.... Impress him and he'll teach you.

 

[Cameron12221]

Re: A wannabe boat worker here.

AZboat - Thank you very much.

 

[Cameron12221]

Re: A wannabe boat worker here.

So go to the shop every day ANYWAY... Help him for free... Tell him you'll do anything... sweep floors, wax boats... whatever.... Impress him and he'll teach you.

Thanks for the advice. I think you're right maybe I just have to show him I'll stick with it and not waste his time? He really has no clue who I am besides the fact that my uncle is his friend really.

 

[cgd7777777]

Re: A wannabe boat worker here.

Sound like a fella trying to figure out what he wants to do before its to late!
good for you!!
try all the local boat shops and see if they need a helper
if not try auto mechanic shops
or maybe lawnmower shops
maybe start hanging out at shops with older mechanics and tell them your story all they can say is NO!
good luck

 

[Cameron12221]

Re: A wannabe boat worker here.

Sound like a fella trying to figure out what he wants to do before its to late!
good for you!!
try all the local boat shops and see if they need a helper
if not try auto mechanic shops
or maybe lawnmower shops
maybe start hanging out at shops with older mechanics and tell them your story all they can say is NO!
good luck

Thank you very much for your advice!

 

[seabob4]

Re: A wannabe boat worker here.

Cameron,
I've been building boats for 17 years at the builder level, Wellcraft/Aquasport, Hydra-Sports, Intrepid, Stamas Yacht, the last 4 years at Pro-line as a production engineer before the plant closed and moved up to the Fountain plant in NC. I was a top missile mechanic in aerospace (Lockheed-Martin) for 14 years prior to that.

That being said, I started off at Wellcraft rub-railing boats. Boat after boat after boat. Hey, it paid the bills. But in many conversations with my bosses, they soon learned that I had electrical talent, so on I moved to wiring consoles. Then entire boats. Now I have my own business doing complete re-wires, any electronics an owner may want, as well as engine installs and rigging.

It takes time, and it takes getting your foot in the door. That's the key. Unfortunately, because of the economy, that can be difficult. So keep pestering him. He'll see a man that's eager to work...and learn. That's how I did it, and if you want some tips and advice, feel free to contact me. You may have to move to FL, but then the weathers a whole lot nicer down here...

seabob4@tampabay.rr.com

PM me or email about THT...

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: A wannabe boat worker here.

I admire your ambition and drive Right on bro. Having the insite to seek what you are looking for on a site like this is clever. I have a feeling you may go far ..........Best of luck

 

[RIDEPATE]

Re: A wannabe boat worker here.

Kudos Cameron. Your spelling and grammer shows you're on top of the heap for your age. Go for it!!

 

[mancho]

Re: A wannabe boat worker here.

Yes, the key to life is to "DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY"...and if you get paid for it, it's NEVER like a JOB. You'll wonder why you get paid to do something you love to do.

There is many millions of miserable folks in life that hate their job and change jobs more often than I exhale...ok, you get the point. OR their in a job they HATE only because they have to pay the bills.

Good luck and keep your head high. Don't think NO as an answer but more of a change in navigation on the open seas. In time, you'll figure this out, what it means. It's always for the better in the long run.

Stay true to yourself, your dreams and ambitions first, and life will be grand.

 

[Cameron12221]

Cameron,
I've been building boats for 17 years at the builder level, Wellcraft/Aquasport, Hydra-Sports, Intrepid, Stamas Yacht, the last 4 years at Pro-line as a production engineer before the plant closed and moved up to the Fountain plant in NC. I was a top missile mechanic in aerospace (Lockheed-Martin) for 14 years prior to that.

That being said, I started off at Wellcraft rub-railing boats. Boat after boat after boat. Hey, it paid the bills. But in many conversations with my bosses, they soon learned that I had electrical talent, so on I moved to wiring consoles. Then entire boats. Now I have my own business doing complete re-wires, any electronics an owner may want, as well as engine installs and rigging.

It takes time, and it takes getting your foot in the door. That's the key. Unfortunately, because of the economy, that can be difficult. So keep pestering him. He'll see a man that's eager to work...and learn. That's how I did it, and if you want some tips and advice, feel free to contact me. You may have to move to FL, but then the weathers a whole lot nicer down here...

seabob4@tampabay.rr.com

PM me or email about THT...

Thank you very much for sharing that with us. That gives people a spark in this kind of stuff like what I'm dealing with. I'll contact you.

I admire your ambition and drive Right on bro. Having the insite to seek what you are looking for on a site like this is clever. I have a feeling you may go far ..........Best of luck

Thank you very much for your time also. Thanks for the words of hope.

Kudos Cameron. Your spelling and grammer shows you're on top of the heap for your age. Go for it!!

Yeah haha a lot of people tell me that. I can be better at times when I know it needs to be perfect. It's from all my online gaming I did and I'm trying to get out of that.. haha. I just type the way I talk. So I'm really talking to my self in my head and it comes out on the keyboard.. hehe. Thanks for your time!

Yes, the key to life is to "DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY"...and if you get paid for it, it's NEVER like a JOB. You'll wonder why you get paid to do something you love to do.

There is many millions of miserable folks in life that hate their job and change jobs more often than I exhale...ok, you get the point. OR their in a job they HATE only because they have to pay the bills.

Good luck and keep your head high. Don't think NO as an answer but more of a change in navigation on the open seas. In time, you'll figure this out, what it means. It's always for the better in the long run.

Stay true to yourself, your dreams and ambitions first, and life will be grand.

I agree with you 100%. A job that you enjoy is amazing I'd think. You see these shows like American Choppers (family/co-workers who make custom bikes for things..) they love what they're doing and you can see it. The million of people who have jobs just to pay the bills I have a lot of respect for them cause they're doing it for a reason. It sucks we can't all get the job of our dreams, but what can we do? I don't know. Thakns for your time and words for hope.

 

[Jesse94]

Re: A wannabe boat worker here.

It's nice to see another younger guy into mechanics (17 next month here), the only thing I can say is stay at it, Show up every day, walk in and ask him what you can do, Sweep floor, clean up, gather tools, organize tool boxes, he may not be saying no because of you, but maybe because there isn't enough work, or money coming in to pay you, so offer to help for free. sometimes doing things for free benefits more than doing things for money, that's how I obtained my first boat, helping a friend do some work around the house, but it's not even the material objects that matter, just the feeling of helping somebody out, or knowing they got your back no matter what is worth it in the end. just gotta stick with it, and you will eventually get your foot in the door and be doing what you love for a living in no time.

as far as how motors work, first things to check on a motor, Compression, Spark, Fuel. if you have those 3, the motor will run. Theoretically.

Good luck and hope to see you working on boats soon!

 

[Cameron12221]

Re: A wannabe boat worker here.

It's nice to see another younger guy into mechanics (17 next month here), the only thing I can say is stay at it, Show up every day, walk in and ask him what you can do, Sweep floor, clean up, gather tools, organize tool boxes, he may not be saying no because of you, but maybe because there isn't enough work, or money coming in to pay you, so offer to help for free. sometimes doing things for free benefits more than doing things for money, that's how I obtained my first boat, helping a friend do some work around the house, but it's not even the material objects that matter, just the feeling of helping somebody out, or knowing they got your back no matter what is worth it in the end. just gotta stick with it, and you will eventually get your foot in the door and be doing what you love for a living in no time.

as far as how motors work, first things to check on a motor, Compression, Spark, Fuel. if you have those 3, the motor will run. Theoretically.

Good luck and hope to see you working on boats soon!

Thank you for the tips and your time! I'll remember compression, spark, and fuel after I say it 100 times. *five minutes later* uh spark, something with wire? haha thanks

 

[roscoe]

Re: A wannabe boat worker here.

If you want to understand the basics of engines, you should get a repair manual or two, and start reading.

Something basic, not too technical to start.

For basic 2 stroke outboards, something like a Clymer's Force repair manual.

For 4 strokes, a similar Mercury outboard 4 stroke repair manual.

Or even a lawnmower engine repair manual.

Or an auto engine repair manual.

To learn the basics, get a manuals for older engines, and newer engines for things like EFI, turbos, superchargers, ecm's.

You can find a lot on the internet, just google the topics and read a little to learn what it is and what it does.

 

[Cameron12221]

Re: A wannabe boat worker here.

If you want to understand the basics of engines, you should get a repair manual or two, and start reading.

Something basic, not too technical to start.

For basic 2 stroke outboards, something like a Clymer's Force repair manual.

For 4 strokes, a similar Mercury outboard 4 stroke repair manual.

Or even a lawnmower engine repair manual.

Or an auto engine repair manual.

To learn the basics, get a manuals for older engines, and newer engines for things like EFI, turbos, superchargers, ecm's.

You can find a lot on the internet, just google the topics and read a little to learn what it is and what it does.

Thanks a lot for the advice. I'll check google out tomorrow when I wake up! 1:05am here I'm ready for bed. Thanks again!

 

[high'n'dry]

Re: A wannabe boat worker here.

You will not like to hear this.

1. Think Airframe and Powerplant, A&P, the top tier of mechanics, easier to work down that up, maybe.

2. An Associate Degree is worth gold, a BS/BA is worth lot's of gold.

3. The world needs guys like you who want to learn, want to learn how to fix things, roll up their sleeves and get it done.

4. Another consideration, not leaving the first three behind, diesel engines and diesel engine schools. Pretty big money there.

And yes, I have all of those and more including two MS degrees. The more you know the more you distance yourself from the sheeples. It took years, I expect it will you as well so get going. Oh, one other thing, Craftsman stinks, SnapOn, now we are cooking with gas! .

JR

 

[rpbill]

Re: A wannabe boat worker here.

I'll start by saying that I think that it is a great thing that you have found something that really intrests you, and also that you are taking steps towards discovering whether or not a career in the mechanical trades may be the right direction for you. Just the fact that you have come here and are asking the questions you have asked, indicates to me that you are curious, interested, and motivated. These are great qualities to have, and they are ones which will propel you forward, both in life, and in your career, whatever that choice may turn out to be.

A bit about myself... I went to trade school for HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration). I worked in that field for 6 years. Then, I came upon an opportunity to enter the electrical trade industry, and was able to get into a local Union, IBEW Local #164. I did a 5 year apprenticeship, both schooling and on the job training, and I have been in that field now for that past 12 years.

Although I have no marine mechanical experience, I do have a good amount of knowledge about careers in the mechanical industry. While the specific knowledge, duties, and workplace settings, etc., may vary greatly from trade to trade, there are many things that are similar to each other, as well.

Here are some things that I think can get you started on the right track:

-- Learn about what it takes to become a marine mecanic. Find out what kind of schooling you will need, how to get started, what things you will need to learn, where the best opportunities are for employment, what kind of salary you can expect to make, and all of the other things that are related to being a marine mechanic. In other words, learn about the trade itself, what it might be like to work in that trade, and discover if that sounds like something that you can picture yourself doing in terms of a career.

-- If your discoveries find you thinking that it is indeed something you would like to pursue, then find out how to get started in that career.

-- DO NOT fear that you do not have any technical knowledge or experience in the industry, but DO commit yourself to learning everything you can. Everyone has to start someplace. Learning and acquiring knowledge takes time, and you will not be expected to know everything there is to know in a day. The more that you learn from a book or classroom, the more that you learn by watching others, and the more that you learn by experiencing things for yourself, the better a tradesman you will become. Be observant, do not be afraid to ask questions, and always commit yourself to becoming knowledgeable about your trade.

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Getting started:

-- Visit your local library and become familiar with the basics of how mechanical things work. Motors, electrical systems, mechanical theory, etc.. A good first step to take would be just to learn the names of basic mechanical parts and systems, and what thier functions are. Take baby steps, and learn whether you are looking at a spark plug, a carburator, or an alternator, etc.. Then, find out what that part does, why it exists, and how it relates to all of the other parts. Also, learn about tools, thier functions, and how they are used.

-- Let "Google" be your friend... Use Google to look up any topic, information, or subject. Examples... "career as a marine mechanic", "marine trade schools", "boat mechanic basics", "boat maintenance", "parts of a boat", "marine engines", etc., etc...

--One marine trade school is UTI (Universal Technical Institute). A division of UTI is MMI (Marine Mechanical Institute). Go to thier website and look around. Find information there and find out about thier program, etc..

-- Use the forum here to look through projects and problems people are having with thier boats. There are plenty of threads here that deal with those kinds of issues.

-- Do you know anyone with mechanical knowledge, not even neccessarily marine? Hang around with them. Ask questions. Maybe, offer to help on a mechanical project they are working on, even if it's just handing them thier tools as they are working. If you want to become mechanical, then find ways to be around people and places that are mechanical.

-- If you do eventually land with a shop, they will likely send you to become "Certified" by whatever type of engine, or name brands, that they specialize in working on. (Ex- Volvo, Mercury, Yamaha, Etc.) You will be trained by that particular manufacturer, so that you are expertly trained and knowledgeable to work with thier specific line of products.

-- Go to Amazon.com and find books on marine mechanics, marine maintenace, boating, etc.. Often, they will also have used copies of books that you can buy at a discount, as compared to what you would pay as new. That way, you may be better able to afford to buy multiple books, rather than one or two.

-- Understand, that in order to become quality tradesman, it will require a lifetime of learning. Technology is always changing, and new things come out all the time. Always try to learn about as much as you can about all that you can.

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I hope this all helps in some way. You will accomplish whatever task or goal that you put your mind to accomplishing. If you don't know about something, or about how to do something, then you can always learn. NO ONE knows everything about everything. In fact, the more that you learn, the more you will realize how much you do not know, no matter how much experience you have. (If that makes any sense. LOL)

What I'm really trying to say, is you should find something you enjoy doing, learn all that there is to learn, do not ever become discouraged, and persue it, whatever that may be. If you do not like the career that you choose, life will be long, tiring, and frustrating. If you persue a career that you love and find satisfaction in, then it will be much easier to stay motivated, to find rewarding, and life will seem like less of a struggle. You are the gatekeeper to your own happiness. Make decisions that feel right to you. If it feels right, then likely it is right.

I wish you nothing but the best of luck, and hope that you find something that will give you a lifetime of happiness and reward.

 

[southkogs]

Re: A wannabe boat worker here.

Cameron:

I don't think anybody's mentioned it here yet, but I'll toss it in: Get a small boat. Now, let me qualify that ...

You sound like you've got some good sense and some ambition, so put it to good use. Patience and persistence are the name of the game. Decide school or not school (College or Technical school I mean: finish HS for sure dude) - when you do, make that a priority and adjust the next couple of ideas. Get a job that you can live with and get some income rolling in - part time if school, and full time if not. If it's for something boating related, great. If not, remember: it's a means to an end - just a step in the process. While you've got income to pay the bills, do exactly the things these guys are telling you - you're young and you've got time on your side. Work for marinas/shops/fishermen/dealerships for free if you have to to get a taste of the business.

Then ... spend a few hundred dollars (don't go nuts) on a reasonable outboard boat that will handle the water you live near. Get something that's cheap - and will break, so you have to fix it That's probably the best learning you can get - doing it.

There's a gentleman around where I live who restores old wooden boats for the country music stars for a living. He got into it - 'cause he liked tinkering with his boats. I don't think there was any formal training at all. Just doing.

It may take you a while, so be patient.