Jobs

[Jeffamc]

I was wondering of what types of jobs i can find at boatyards, at the docks, ect i live about 50 miles from the boston harbor so i was just curious of what i should look for, i am 18 with no experience with boats but i was still very interested, could anyone please give me some info on this. thanks

[928frenzy]

I think you should first ask yourself, "What kind of work would I like to do, perhaps for the rest of my productive life?"

Whatever your answer, take training courses for that line of work. For example, let''s say you like fixing mechanical things. If so maybe you should consider becoming a Mechanic. Diesel mechanics are needed nearly everywhere they are used, which is almost everywhere.

~ Happ sails to you ~ _/) ~

[flicker]

Jeff,

As I said before, if I could go back to school, I''d take up (in order) diesel mechanic, refrigeration/air-conditioning repairman, or electrician.

One can always crew, but having a skill that''s in demand will always put you at the top of the list. Who knows, maybe you''ll enjoy it so much that you''ll want to go on and become a marine engineer.

This isn''t nautical, but the guy who installed the windows on my house put them on in 2 weeks in the dead of winter. It was cold work that I would not have done. He also makes enough money he can safari in Africa in the winter, Alaska in the summer, and take side trips whenever he wants.

Learning a trade will help you for the rest your life.

Chas

[jbarros]

For what it''s worth, of the people I know who cruise, only 1 works on boats (diesil mechanic and delivery skipper) and another in that field (runs a chandlery) the rest just found a job they liked, did it well, and saved money as much as they can. Dedications a powerfull thing. A friend of mine who doesnt make too much beyond minimum wage couldnt get aproved for a boat loan, so he lived on raman for a year and just cashed out a $9,000 Newport 30. =)

For whatever thats worth.

-- James

[flicker]

Sailmaking and repair is another thing you could try. And something you can do in foreign ports.

Chas

[h37skipper]

Good advice so far. I lean toward "try before buy". You are young and the education is expensive(and time-consuming). Obviously it would be easier to find a job if you had the training. But which courses?

The order I like: canvas work, rigging, electronics/electrical, diesel, and HVAC.

Dislike: bottom work, fiberglass repair, gelcoat repair, and high places.

I can tell you for sure that there are NO easy jobs in a marina. Every project is one where there is no room to swing the wrench or the arm of the sewing machine is too short. But it is where I spend all my free time(when I am not sailing).