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Nature of the Work
* Employment is expected to grow slowly, but persons with formal mechanic training should enjoy good job prospects.
* Use of motorcycles, boats, and outdoor power equipment is seasonal in many areas so in winter mechanics may service other types of equipment or work reduced hours.
Though smaller in size, engines that power motorcycles, boats, and lawn and garden equipment share many characteristics with their larger counterparts, including breakdowns. Motorcycle, boat, and small-engine mechanics repair and service power equipment ranges from racing motorcycles to chain saws.
Small engines, like larger engines, require periodic service to minimize the chance of breakdowns and to keep them operating at peak efficiency. During routine equipment maintenance, mechanics follow a checklist including the inspection and cleaning of brakes, electrical systems, plugs, carburetors, and other parts. Following inspection, mechanics usually repair or adjust parts that do not work properly, or replace unfixable parts. Routine maintenance is normally a major part of the mechanic's work.
When equipment breakdowns occur, mechanics use various techniques to diagnose the source and extent of the problem. The mark of a skilled mechanic is the ability to diagnose mechanical, fuel, and electrical problems, and to make repairs in a minimal amount of time. Quick and accurate diagnosis requires problem-solving ability and a thorough knowledge of the equipment's operation.
In larger repair shops, mechanics may use special computerized diagnostic testing equipment as a preliminary tool in analyzing situations. These computers provide a systematic performance report of various components, and how they compare to normal ratings. After pinpointing the problem, the mechanic makes the needed adjustments, repairs, or replacements. Some jobs require minor adjustments or the replacement of a single item, such as a carburetor or fuel pump. In contrast, a complete engine overhaul requires a number of hours to disassemble the engine and replace worn valves, pistons, bearings, and other internal parts.
Motorcycle, boat, and small-engine mechanics use common handtools such as wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers. They also use power tools, such as drills and grinders when customized repairs warrant. Computerized engine analyzers, compression gauges, ammeters and voltmeters, and other testing devices help mechanics locate faulty parts and tune engines. Hoists may be used to lift heavy equipment such as motorcycles, snowmobiles, or boats. Mechanics often refer to service manuals for detailed directions and specifications while performing repairs.
Motorcycle mechanics repair and overhaul motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, and all-terrain vehicles. Besides engines, they may work on transmissions, brakes, and ignition systems, and make minor body repairs. Mechanics usually specialize in the service and repair of one type of equipment, although they may work on closely related products. Mechanics may only service a few makes and models of motorcycles because usually the dealers only service the products they sell.
Boat mechanics, or marine equipment mechanics, repair and adjust the engines, and electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard and outboard marine engines. Most small boats have portable outboard engines that are removed and brought into the repair shop. Larger craft, such as cabin cruisers and commercial fishing boats, are powered by diesel or gasoline inboard or inboard-outboard engines, which are only removed for major overhauls. Boat mechanics may also work on propellers, steering mechanisms, marine plumbing, and other boat equipment.
Some motorcycle and boat mechanics use the latest techniques and customized components on highly specialized race equipment. This relatively new segment of the industry rewards highly skilled mechanics with creative ability and good mechanical skills.
Small-engine mechanics service and repair outdoor power equipment such as lawnmowers, garden tractors, edge trimmers, and chain saws. They may also occasionally work on portable generators and go-carts. In addition, small engine mechanics in northern parts of the country may work on snowblowers and snowmobiles. It is rare for a mechanic to specialize in this type of repair because certain areas and times of the year strongly affect demand for repairs.
Motorcycle, boat, and small-engine mechanics usually work in repair shops that are well lighted and ventilated, but are sometimes noisy when testing engines. However, boat mechanics may work outdoors at docks or marinas, and in all weather conditions, when making repairs aboard boats. They may work in cramped, or awkward positions to reach a boat's engine.
During the winter months in the northern United States, mechanics may work fewer than 40 hours a week because the amount of repair and service work declines when lawnmowers, boats and motorcycles are not in use. Many mechanics only work during the busy spring and summer seasons. Scheduling time-consuming engine overhauls and working on snowmobiles and snowblowers eases some winter-time slack. Mechanics may work considerably more than 40 hours a week in the spring, summer, and fall, or in warmer climates.
Motorcycle, boat, and small-engine mechanics held more than 45,000 jobs in 1996. About 12,000 were motorcycle mechanics, while the remainder specialized in the repair of boats or outdoor power equipment such as lawnmowers, garden tractors, and chain saws. Two-thirds of all motorcycle, boat, and small-engine mechanics worked for retail dealers of boats, motorcycles, and miscellaneous vehicles. Others were employed by independent repair shops, marinas and boat yards, equipment rental companies, and hardware and lawn and garden stores. About one-fourth were self-employed.
Due to the increasing complexity of motorcycles and boats, most employers prefer to hire mechanics who graduate from formal training programs for motorcycle, marine, or small-engine mechanics. Because the number of these specialized post-secondary programs is limited, most mechanics learn their skills on the job or while working in related occupations. For trainee jobs, employers hire persons with mechanical aptitude who are knowledgeable about the fundamentals of small 2- and 4-cycle engines. Many trainees develop an interest in mechanics and acquire some basic skills through working on automobiles, motorcycles, boats, or outdoor power equipment as a hobby. Others may be introduced to mechanics through vocational automotive training in high school, or one of many post-secondary institutions.
Trainees begin by learning routine service tasks under the guidance of experienced mechanics, such as replacing ignition points and spark plugs, or taking apart, assembling, and testing new equipment. As trainees gain experience and proficiency, they progress to more difficult tasks, such as advanced computerized diagnosis and engine overhauls. Up to 3 years of training on the job may be necessary before a novice worker becomes competent in all aspects of the repair of motorcycle and boat engines.
Employers often send mechanics and trainees to special training courses conducted by motorcycle, boat, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers or distributors. These courses, which can last as long as 2 weeks, upgrade the worker's skills and provide information on repairing new models. They are usually a prerequisite for any mechanic who performs warranty work for manufacturers or insurance companies.
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates for trainee mechanic positions, but will accept applicants with less education if they possess adequate reading, writing, and arithmetic skills. Many equipment dealers employ students part-time and during the summer, to help assemble new equipment and perform minor repairs. Helpful high school courses include small-engine repair, automobile mechanics, science, and business arithmetic.
Knowledge of basic electronics is essential for motorcycle, boat, and small-engine mechanics. Electronics components control engine performance, instrument displays, and a variety of other functions of motorcycles, boats, and outdoor power equipment. Mechanics should be familiar with the basic principles of electronics in order to recognize and fix potential problems.
The most important possessions of mechanics are their handtools. Mechanics usually provide their own tools and many experienced mechanics have invested thousands of dollars in them. Employers typically furnish expensive power tools, computerized engine analyzers, and other diagnostic equipment, but mechanics accumulate handtools with experience.
The skills used as a motorcycle, boat, and small engine mechanic generally transfer to other occupations such as automobile, truck, or heavy equipment mechanics. Experienced mechanics who have leadership ability may advance to shop supervisor or service manager jobs. Mechanics who have sales ability sometimes become sales representatives or open their own repair shop.
Employment of motorcycle, boat, and small-engine mechanics is expected to grow slower the average for all occupations through the year 2006. The majority of job openings are expected to be replacement jobs because many experienced motorcycle, boat, and small-engine mechanics leave each year to transfer to other occupations, retire, or stop working for other reasons. Job prospects should be especially favorable for persons who complete mechanic training programs.
Growth of personal disposable income over the 1996-2006 period should provide consumers with more discretionary dollars to buy boats, lawn and garden power equipment, and motorcycles. This will require more mechanics to keep the growing amount of equipment in operation. Also, routine service will always be a significant source of work for mechanics. While technology will lengthen the interval between check-ups, the need for qualified mechanics to perform this service will increase.
Employment of motorcycle mechanics should increase slowly as the popularity of motorcycles rebounds. In the late 1990s, the number of persons between the ages of 18 and 24 should begin to grow. Motorcycle usage should continue to be popular with persons in this age group, which historically has had the greatest proportion of motorcycle enthusiasts. Motorcycles are also increasingly popular with persons over the age of 40. Traditionally, this group has more disposable income to spend on recreational equipment such as motorcycles and boats. Over the next decade, more people will be entering the over-40 age group; this group is responsible for the largest segment of marine craft purchases. These potential buyers will help expand the market for boats, while helping to maintain the demand for qualified mechanics. Construction of new single-family houses will result in an increase in the lawn and garden equipment in operation, increasing the need for mechanics. However, equipment growth will be slowed by trends toward smaller lawns and contracting out their maintenance to lawn service firms.
Motorcycle, boat, and small-engine mechanics who usually worked full time had median earnings of about $412 a week in 1996. The middle 50 percent earned between $289 and $549 a week. The lowest paid 10 percent averaged $224 a week, while the highest paid 10 percent averaged $676 a week.
Motorcycle, boat, and small-engine mechanics tend to receive few fringe benefits in small shops, but those employed in larger shops often receive paid vacations, sick leave, and health insurance. Some employers also pay for work related training and provide uniforms.
Motorcycle, boat, and small-engine mechanics closely relate to mechanics and repairers who work on other types of mobile equipment powered by internal combustion engines. Related occupations include automotive mechanic, diesel mechanic, farm equipment mechanic, and mobile heavy equipment mechanic.
For more details about work opportunities, contact local motorcycle, boat, and lawn and garden equipment dealers, and boat yards and marinas. Local offices of the State employment service may also have information about employment and training opportunities.
General information about motorcycle mechanic careers may be obtained from:
Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, 2844 West Deer Valley Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85027.
American Motorcycle Institute, 3042 West International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32124 or 1-800-874-0645.
General information about motorboat mechanic careers may be obtained from:
Marine Mechanics Institute, 2844 West Deer Valley Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85027.
American Marine Institute, 3042 West International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32124 or 1-800-874-0645.
General information about small engine mechanic careers may be obtained from:
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, 341 South Patrick St., Alexandria, VA 22314.
For a list of public motorcycle, boat, and small-engine mechanic training programs, contact:
Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, P.O. Box 3000, 1401 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, VA 22075.
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