Mobile Boat Maintenance

S

seahooked

New member
First let me say that this thread is by no means a solicitation of work but rather an honest request for experiences, knowledge, and opinions…

My brother is considering starting a mobile boat maintenance business in Florida. He is a very talented mechanic (his current profession) but not formally trained in the marine stuff, although his passion has always been working on boats.

My questions to the C-Brats brain trust are:
o Does anyone have experience in starting this type of business?
o Is there a true demand for mobile service (which obviously competes with shops and dealerships)?
o How lucrative is this type of business?
o Would it be wise for him to work first for a shop/dealership to pick up specific skills before going out on his own?
o What are the best ways to get new customers?
o Do dealerships ever subcontract their maintenance needs?
o Is there a demand for installation of boat accessories and electronics?
o Are there up front costs other than the obvious tools, documentation, vehicle, licenses, and liability insurance?
o Any cautions or potential pitfalls (other than not enough work)?
o Any other comments or suggestions?

From prior threads I have read on this site and from my own limited experience, quality and timely boat/engine repair and maintenance are not always easy to find. Personally, I decided to do my own engine maintenance after I couldn’t find anyone at my marina where my boat is in dry storage.

To me the mobile thing sounds like a good idea but hey, what do I know.

Thanks for any and all comments.
 
There are two "we come to you" boat repair services where we live. With bigger boats that wouldn't be trailerable to a repair facility, this is a viable option. The marinas in our area also are boatyards and charge a by-the-day rate for you to work on your own boat... others working on boats are allowed only by prior arrangement.

Considering what most of us have dealt with having service done on our boats, there is certainly a wide-open market for a GOOD mechanic who does work in a TIMELY manner. Interestingly enough, ask at the places who do substandard work, and they think they're doing a good job. :?

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
I wanted to resurrect this thread (last time, I promise) to see is anyone else would care to add their comments. I realized I asked a lot of questions in the post so I'm lowering my expectations.

Any additional comments are greatly appreciated.
 
I would love to take advantage of a Mobile Mechanic. For me the bottom line is finding a honest mechanic that does good work. It is well worth it to me to pay top dollar for such service.

It is so convenient to have the person come to the boat verse having to tow it to a facility that may not be easy to access.

Out our way people are willing to tow a long ways to have their work done by Les.

Best of luck to you guys as you pursue it.
 
o Does anyone have experience in starting this type of business?
o Is there a true demand for mobile service (which obviously competes with shops and dealerships)?
o How lucrative is this type of business?
o Would it be wise for him to work first for a shop/dealership to pick up specific skills before going out on his own?
o What are the best ways to get new customers?
o Do dealerships ever subcontract their maintenance needs?
o Is there a demand for installation of boat accessories and electronics?
o Are there up front costs other than the obvious tools, documentation, vehicle, licenses, and liability insurance?
o Any cautions or potential pitfalls (other than not enough work)?
o Any other comments or suggestions?
Click to expand...

1. In some area/towns Yes there is a demand, in my town Naples, there are about 3 of these and they don't charge much less then the dealships where we can take our boats by water to them.

2. Like any other business, it's what you make of it.

3. I would think that anyone wanting to become a marine macanic would trying going to school for the engines he plans on charging an arm and leg to service so he can at least do the repairs in "Book Time" and do them right.

4. Advertise and do a good job at a fair price and word of mouth will spread like wild fire.

5. Not often unless they are sending someone for a engine they don't stock parts for or have no one inhouse with knowledge on that make. I wouldn't bank on it.

6. Yep, there is a demand. Most source of electronics don't do installs. So there is a high demand for someone to do this kind of work.

7. You mentioned it as the last item...I put it first and foremost: liability insurance

8. Show Up on time....do the job...do it right the first time...don't leave without your money...(just like Plumbers) and do not carry an accounts receivable.

9. Don't expect this or any business to start off like gang busters....every new business takes time and sweat and long hours to make work.....don't get lazy.

Well that's my 2 cents worth...hope it strikes a cord somewhere.
 
Chris,

I had an employee (auto mechanic) who started doing this part time while still working at the Ford Dealership. He got so busy at it that it interfered with his real job. We asked him to make a choice. He did and wheeled his toolbox onto his truck. It turned out to be the best move he ever made. He became very successful and busy year round in the Sacramento/Delta area.

He was not a factory trained boat mechanic but had high mechanical and electrical skills. He learned something on every job.

He was a little ambivalent towards me for a while for forcing him to make the decision, but not for long.

If its run like a real business and the work is competent, I can't see why it wouldn't succeed. Good Luck
 
I would agree with the above 100%. Mike says it very well. I for one will use a mobile service over a dealer. There is a very organized fishing forum in the Pensacola/Gulf Coast area and a very high demand for a good mobile mechanic. On the other hand, there are a bunch of guys with old beat up trucks which do a half way job--and they don't do well.
The one good independant outfit here is backed up at least 6 weeks, and gets further behind each day. They have a shop and mobile truck both.
It also helps if the mechanic can do diesels as well as inboards and outboards.

I would suggest that he get the ABYC certification in various systems, which would give him a leg up. Same as suggested above on specific engines. One of the problems with modern outboards is that some companies have proparitery software for reading the engine computer and it is only available to the dealers. However, even then, a good mechanic can figure out what is wrong and fix it.

Go for it! There are plenty of places to advertise--the local boating stores, the marinas, and the shipyards, as well as internet sites.
 
Many thanks to all the replys on this posting. I think the great information and encouraging words are going to push my brother over the top in pursuing this course.

C-brats participants provides a priceless sevice to so many of us who love boats.
 
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