What Does an Air-Cooled and Marine Mechanic Do?

Air-Cooled and Marine Mechanics test, repair and service a variety of outdoor power equipment, gasoline or diesel-powered, such as outboard boat motors, snowmobiles and lawn mowers.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values
  • Observing and listening to equipment while it operates, to detect operating problems
  • Acquiring and using knowledge of the basic operation of two- and four-stroke cycle engines, manual starters, magneto ignition systems, water pumps, fuel systems and electronic fuel injection engines, electrical systems and rigging
  • Utilizing ignitions testers and VQA meters to diagnose and isolate faults
  • Reading manuals or using computers to find parts and then ordering them
  • Adjusting, overhauling, maintaining, repairing and replacing mechanical or electrical system parts
  • Communicating effectively with customers, co-workers, suppliers and supervisors
  • Keeping up to date on advances in technology and updating skills

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

You should preferably complete your Grade 12 with your secondary school diploma, and credits in Math, English and Science as well as technical courses such as electrical systems, and mechanics. You must complete an Apprenticeship of 6,000-7200 hours through a combination of on-the-job and in-school training, and successfully write an examination to obtain your Certificate of Qualification.

What’s Your Future as an Air-Cooled & Marine Mechanic?

Most workers in this occupation are employed full-time, usually indoors, sometimes seasonally. While some work as service technicians, others advance to become Service Managers, Manufacturer’s technical representatives, or Shop Owners. Employers that hire Air-Cooled and Marine Mechanics include:

  • Recreational vehicle dealerships
  • Marinas
  • Marine/Boat dealerships
  • Custom Repair firms
  • Self-employed

Wage Rate
  • Apprentices generally earn less than fully qualified journey people
  • As your skills and expertise increase, so does your wage
  • Fully qualified Air-Cooled and Marine Mechanics earn between $15-25/hour and significantly more if they become Shop Owners with an established business

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is working as an Air-Cooled & Marine Mechanic for You?

Do you like to tinker with mechanical equipment?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy working with your hands using a variety of hand and power tools?

Yes      No

Are you good at reading and interpreting diagrams, manuals or drawings?

Yes      No

Do you like the challenge of finding out what is wrong with something and then fixing it?

Yes      No

Can you kneel, stoop, bend, stretch, lift and stand for long periods?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy interacting with customers and providing advice and explanations?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a Career as an Air-Cooled & Marine Mechanic may be for you!

You may want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Industrial Electrician
  • Machinist
  • Electronic Technician