Automotive v. Marine Mechanics

[Reventon]

So pretty soon here I will be graduating high school and as of now I have narrowed down my career choices. Either an automotive mechanic, or a mechanic. If I were to do automotive, I'd eventually like to move on to custom trucks, in both performance and aesthetics. If I were to do marine, I would work mostly on pleasure boats, including large yachts (this city is full of rich white people, there are plenty of big boats here) as opposed to industrial boats like tugs or crate ships. I can train for either path locally through our local technical institute or I can go to UTI/MMI in Orlando, though it is much more expensive and may not be worth it. I love trucks, and I love boats, though I know marine mechanics also make more money, which is kind of important to me.

Give me some input on what you guys think.

[twilyth]

High end pleasure craft are probably relatively recession proof.

[Reventon]

That's what I figured. Sarasota is definitely not in short supply of big boats... when you have lots of rich white people that leave in a city that is on the water, you get lots of boats.

[de.das.dude]

lots of automotive ppl out there.
plus ppl buying yachts arent poor. :P

so thats a good line of work. if you like a salty environment i.e. and arent scared of tsunamis etc.

automotive... on the other hand.. you work pretty much anywhere which has roads.

[Reventon]

Tsunamis? This is Florida. And yes I love being on and near the water.

[JC316]

In your area, yeah I would probably be looking into marine. Here is the deal, if you are a boat mechanic, it narrows you down a bit, automotive has a much broader area, but a LOT more mechanics.

[Frick]

Originally Posted by JC316

In your area, yeah I would probably be looking into marine. Here is the deal, if you are a boat mechanic, it narrows you down a bit, automotive has a much broader area, but a LOT more mechanics.

Exactly my thought. On the other hand a good mechanic always gets a job. At least here, they are in shortage.

[Reventon]

My thoughts exactly. Here is our local marina.

[de.das.dude]

go for the marine stuff then!

it shouldnt even be a question!

[Chevalr1c]

Originally Posted by Reventon

My thoughts exactly. Here is our local marina.

http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims...92mz071510.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ps-ZQLGdE2...Sunday+010.JPG

That vessel on the left is not a boat, it is a small ship!

[m1dg3t]

Why not do both? More $$$ to be made working with boat's but i imagine it would be more of a seasonal type of job, maybe not cuz of location but anyways. I'd do both

[Reventon]

I don't really know how I'd do both but it's a possibility I guess.

[twilyth]

As a general rule, you're better off being the best at something rather than being just good at a bunch of things. Of course that assumes that you're able to be the best.

[m1dg3t]

Originally Posted by Reventon

I don't really know how I'd do both but it's a possibility I guess.

Originally Posted by twilyth

As a general rule, you're better off being the best at something rather than being just good at a bunch of things. Of course that assumes that you're able to be the best.

The only thing stopping you, or anyone for that matter, from accomplishing ANYTHING in life is YOU. Remember that

Mechanic's is/are mechanic's, if you are skilled you will be able to excel at both.

[Steevo]

Marine, the concepts are the same minus marine engines are designed in the 90% power output per hour of use, so you will learn more about engine design and performance from it. My brother took marine mechanics for that exact reason.

30/60/90 rule
Cars 30%of the time or less will use maximum engine power.
Performance vehicles and over the road trucks will use maximum power 60%of the time or less
Marine, industrial, agricultural and extreme application will use maximum power 90% or less.