Marine Mechanics Institute Q & A

[@UpperBayBassin]

Graduated in 2021. From my experience, you get what you want out of it. Put a lot of study time in and you come out with a pretty good knowledge base. With that being said you still need to be prepared to learn 10 fold what MMI teaches you once you get into the field. But that is similar to many professions even ones that require a 4 year degree.

[@timlane3211]

I have enjoyed working on boats for 50 years. I'm a master tech on Mercury and Yamaha. I'm also certified on Evinrude, Suzuki and Honda. Also Mercrusier and Volvo Penta. The dealership also sold Mastercraft so got sent to Indmar inboards. I work here in Indiana and Illinois and work year around. The only slow time is only about 3 months. Enjoy your show.

[@jimbones2327]

What is the average start pay for a marine tech been thinking about getting into the trade

[@juliogonzalez8497]

I graduated from MMI marine in 2010 and I absolutely agree with everything you've mentioned about the school. It's a school that really helps and cares for their students and getting them learning the right way of doing things and getting you hands on asap! Mr. Smith was one of the most amazing teachers and helped me through a very hard time in my life. It was some of the most fun and interesting moments ive every had. I'm a Miami, FL. native and still live here so there plenty of work if you're willing to try. I was even offered work in Alaska so they definitely have work all over.

[@nathanielgillingham159]

Currently a student at MMI and love it. I will say that because they push the information and hands on portion quickly now that if you are not paying attention that you could miss something or not understand it fully. I completed the Motorcycle side a few years back and decided that being near or on the water was a better place for me so I came back. The biggest thing to consider for those looking at coming here is that you need to look at and glean information from those who have been working in the industry for awhile. I have learned things that were either not taught or overlooked from instructors from you specifically from your videos that will make my working career easier and less stressful in the long run. I appreciate all you go over and show in your videos and blogs, it helps me to understand what I'm learning in class at a fundamental level and apply it to the real world when working on my own boats. Look forward to more videos and possibly seeing other grads out on the water.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thanks Nathaniel!

[@bluecollarusa5396]

I’m currently in Capstone at MMI, 2 weeks left. I feel the “How much do marine techs make” question is always answered the way you answer it - especially at the school. That’s a weak answer. Sure we all know you can make as much as you strive to with any profession. Where MMI fails is answering with that question. When job fairs are held at the school most employers want to start a newly graduated tech out at $16-$18. I know this because I’ve asked each of them. They all dodge the answer because they try to control the market. Just remember YOU paid to go to school, don’t settle for some mediocre hourly wage that you could get working an every day job that pays that same pay scale.

[@jamesrahn8339]

I loved MMI. I went there in 1998 😂. Went a different path in life and am back in the industry for 6 years. I remember the blue point tool box they gave us. I was loving everything about it. You're right I do different stuff every single day. Always different.

[@Meowface.]

started a marine tech apprenticeship n did that a year i was good at the electrical side of things as i took electronics in high school.. was a fun challenge figuring out faults that stumped the experienced guys i ended up leaving the trade though as it just didn’t pay enough, and never really was going to pay enough.. especially considering the cost of living near the ocean took a job in oil and gas n make double the money to start and i’m not near the ocean so i can actually afford property and a nice truck i like with money leftover i do miss the marine work though.. the problem solving was pretty rewarding

[@dylanm2965]

So I didn’t go to mmi I took the school of hard knocks and working at dealerships. In the mid Atlantic you will start at 15-19hr no experience. As you continue to go and learn you will be 20-30hr. After you get “certified” and put in time you can get 30-42 ish but most of the time by that point people try to go out on their own. When you get the top dollar anything that comes in the door you should be capable of fixing no matter age or brand or style (stern drive and outboard) I hope this helps. I say this but this year our bottom paint seasonal help started at 17-20. So rates in the mid Atlantic are going up. Also I agree what you put into yourself to improve your skills the better you’ll be

[@TK-ol6hj]

Back in the 80s it was ami at Daytona International airport best time of my lifetime

[@dcbz6596]

Thanks so much for posting this video. I have been curious about MMI for quite some time and it was great to see a video from someone that has been there and benefited from the experience at the school.

[@BornAgainBoating]

My pleasure!

[@MartinRodriguez-lq8ez]

I'd probably be inclined to say that, they should have some mechanical inclination and be fairly motivated as well? I'm an hvac/refrigeration/plumbing tech that got into boats and fixing them for fun, oddly enough!?🤔 well,..I was also recovering from a hefty heroin addiction and started restoring a 1975 aquasport cc, to keep my depressed mind occupied. 18 years sober now, own 4 boats and being on the water and fixing boats is everything to me, never went to school for it but I would if I had the opportunity...hmmmmm🤔???

[@rogerreed9768]

Good video's as usual, keep going. Shop light idea for you LED SHOP LIGHTS from Costc

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you.

[@thecableguy1128]

That was a great picture of the banana pumpkin pie!!!

[@Stonehands75]

Great video Very informative so you work at a dealership that is sales and service or an independent tech and how does that work in my part of the country it’s sales and service to do Mercury or Yamaha

[@rogerreed9768]

Ok, you said you're from Illinois, ill take back about busting your chops about the taped and stapled vent in the sunroof visor. Good move getting out of Illinois.

[@JAMESWUERTELE]

UTI Phoenix 1999, for Cadd 😂. I run power plants now.

[@MrDeeJay441]

I graduated from MMI in 2011

[@kevkamo6289]

To any recent grads - Do they still offer to download tons of service manuals on an external hard drive for you when you're about to graduate? I passed on the opportunity back in 2011 and I've been kicking myself ever since

[@mactownsend2890]

What did you do at Publix? Did you have a good experience?

[@rogerreed9768]

Ok, you're talking about guys that can't put a wing nut on a battery and the video shot from within your suv with a stapled vent with tape on the sunroof visor.........kinda funny. Did you get that wing nut on the battery terminal yet?

[@Baba3756-n2o]

Should not use wing nuts on batteries on a boat

[@samlove933]

how much does it cost? 20k?

[@rickristeen5123]

i went too mmi in 1994 two stroke school then and watercraft.i tell every kid that will listen that when ,you grad. you have a job. Also this school is a thinking mans school. if you realy what to learn a great trade MMI is your entry level ticket. You are a marine technician. now your on the same level as your teachers. This trade can take you all over the world if you wish.The marine industry is a hard bussiness to be in, but the tips can be alittle surprizing. Rich people are what makes the marine industry. NOw Get too School.

[@cedrichew6979]

Where are you located?

[@BornAgainBoating]

We're located in Sebastian FL.

[@cedrichew6979]

@@BornAgainBoating I have been a subscriber for a long time. I have a Regal boat with King Cobras on the back. I am not sure if I should fix it or get rid of it 🤔

[@pimpghines85]

😂 Omg I work/part time live with meth heads and they do the same shit..... And I've been in construction for 20 years and I'm looking for a change in lifestyle and was thinking about this

[@nativecharleston4080]

Really lame on not at least giving some ballpark ranges on possible income. But I guess when you got sponsored for the video you had to play it safe. Overall, not helpful and a waste of my time.