boating class/repair?

[charrington]

Hi all.
My name is Chris, and I am helping my dad restore a 1977 Bertram sport fisherman. I've been doing a ton of reading and find the whole boating world fascinating! I am in an interesting situation, and was wondering if anyone can shed some light on this.
I am starting to think about boat mechanics as a possible career. I am also totally blind. I may get scoffed at, but what the hell... I've been around boats for about eight years, and know my way around. So, the question I'm getting at is would it be possible to do this as a career? Would you all, as typical boat owners trust some one like me to work on anything like that? Just throwing stuff out their.
One more question. Is it possible for me to take a course to get a boaters license?... I know, you probably have to have vission to officially get a license, but could I go through a class anyway? I could know as much as a sighted person on the water,...
Thanks for any suggestions!
Chris Harrington

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: boating class/repair?

I don't know about boat repair, but I did see a rerun of Overhauled where a guy rebuilt an automatic transmission blind folded.

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: boating class/repair?

Hi all.
My name is Chris, and I am helping my dad restore a 1977 Bertram sport fisherman. I've been doing a ton of reading and find the whole boating world fascinating! I am in an interesting situation, and was wondering if anyone can shed some light on this.
I am starting to think about boat mechanics as a possible career. I am also totally blind. I may get scoffed at, but what the hell... I've been around boats for about eight years, and know my way around. So, the question I'm getting at is would it be possible to do this as a career? Would you all, as typical boat owners trust some one like me to work on anything like that? Just throwing stuff out their.
One more question. Is it possible for me to take a course to get a boaters license?... I know, you probably have to have vission to officially get a license, but could I go through a class anyway? I could know as much as a sighted person on the water,...
Thanks for any suggestions!
Chris Harrington

Chris;

I belong to the Power Squadron and we have classes designed for people that need extra assistance. The fact that you are asking these questions makes it obvious that you are not "handicapped".

I can't speak for the rest of the Squadrons around the country, but I would be proud to be able to teach you Boat Safety.

There are computer classes available, which I personally do not support, but may be of interest to you. I really think a class taught in person by an instructor provides more actual real life information than a computer.
I cannot imagine how it could be arranged for you to do actually boat handling, but that doesn't mean you could not learn the theory behind seamanship.

As for being a mechanic, why not? There are an awful lot of mechanics out there that apparently are "sighted" but they still can't see well enough to do a good job.

Knowing how to repair an engine, or a bout in general would require some adaptation but I would be willing to bet it could be done.

Check into it and let us know what yoiu find and good hunting.

Bob

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: boating class/repair?

I don't know about boat repair, but I did see a rerun of Overhauled where a guy rebuilt an automatic transmission blind folded.

Is this supposed to be funny when someone asks a serious question about a subject that is near and dear to him.

Shame on you, go pull some wings off flies.

 

[Gromulin]

Re: boating class/repair?

(Assuming for the moment this isn't a TROLL)
Chris, Whetever you decide to pursue, our society needs more people that see beyond what the world tells them they can't do. Our biggest problem, as a Nation and a society, is with able bodied and able minded individuals that think they can't do anything to improve themselves.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: boating class/repair?

Is this supposed to be funny when someone asks a serious question about a subject that is near and dear to him.

Shame on you, go pull some wings off flies.

I'm not being funny! Just because he is blind doesn't mean he can't do anything anyone else can.
So Bob you can go pound sand!!
Just a little more about me. I am handicapped I was in a accident 30 years ago that left me unable to run and makes walking very difficult. I still managed to have a 12 year career as a Nascar fueler. Working in the Truck, Busch and Cup Series.

 

[dwco5051]

Re: boating class/repair?

There is a fellow up the road here a few miles who is blind and has a woodworking shop. He builds rustic furniture, picnic tables and the like for a living and does well at. It is strange to walk into his shop at night and hear equipment running in the pitch dark. Sometimes not watching him work is a good thing because it is a little weird watching him from a safety standpoint on the power tools. I came by his place one day and he was on the roof of his barn re-shingling it.

Color coded wiring on boat motors could cause some problems and would need some assistance from a sighted person. I have a good friend who is a plumber and is completely color blind, not just the more common blue-green variety. I have helped him many times on boiler wiring that he will not attempt.

Pennsylvania has several people who teach the basic boating course who can sign for the hearing impaired.

 

[charrington]

Re: boating class/repair?

Hi!
Thanks for all of the suggestions! I've drivven my fair amount of boats, jetski's, things like that, but I've never drivven anything with twin engines before. I'm also wondering how this new boat's going to handle on the water because of it's size. (28 foot, with an 11 foot beam.) So, how different would this be than say a 23 footer with an eight foot beam? I know you can do a lot more as far as handling with twin engines, but what else would be different about it?
I'm open to anyone's suggestions, so shoot them at me!!!
Thanks!!!!
Chris Harrington!!!

 

[charrington]

Re: boating class/repair?

Also, as far as wiring, I'm thinking that would be a bit hard for me.. What about mechanical and glass work?...
Thanks!!!

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: boating class/repair?

I'm not being funny! Just because he is blind doesn't mean he can't do anything anyone else can.
So Bob you can go pound sand!!
Just a little more about me. I am handicapped I was in a accident 30 years ago that left me unable to run and makes walking very difficult. I still managed to have a 12 year career as a Nascar fueler. Working in the Truck, Busch and Cup Series.

When I read your post it sounded as if you were being less than... supportive(?).

I apologize for the remark, it was apparently uncalled for and undeserved.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: boating class/repair?

I applaud you for doing what you can to not let a disability stand in your way. I hope I don't sound harsh, but I think being blind, and being a boat mechanic might have a lot of customers turn and go elsewhere. I wish this wasn't the case, but the majority of people, will judge a book by it's cover, prior to even giving them a chance. It's sad, as a lot of times the quality is there, but it is not given the opportunity to be proven.

Now you very well could set it up with a partner, who would be the "face" of the company, or business and you would be the behind the scenes guy. With that said, whether it is the right way or honorable way to do it, you could have him get the business and have you put out the work (or find someone else capable and have both of you do the work). It might be an option, that way you don't lose out on potential customers, simply due to them thinking you can't do the job.

This is all speculation, and in no way to be taken as anything else.

I wish you luck, and hope you can chase and achieve your dream!!

BTW, a single engine 23', vs a twin engine 28', the 28' will probably be a bit easier to handle, just more of it in the water, and probably more affected by the wind/current.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: boating class/repair?

Well, Chris, Wiring should not be as big a problem as it seems to you. I am sighted but I identify wires with elecrical zip ties so you could probably figure out something like that using twist ties or other flags before you disassemble wires. Also, many engines have different sized connectors in and on the wiring looms. I would be willing to bet that with a little experience you could do as well as the next guy.
The only place where I would forsee any difficulty would be, for example, compression testing and even there if the glass was taken off the gauge, you could feel needle position accurately enough to determine if a problem exists. Anyone could read a digital VOM for you so electrical should not be a problem either.

Sighted--not sighted-- Frequently, when concentrating on a difficult assembly I close my eyes and do it by feel. Eliminates outside distractions.

At any rate, If you pursue a career as a mechanic and get a good reputation, people will come to you regardless of your disability.

 

[tommays]

Re: boating class/repair?

While you could surely do rebuilds/repiars within a work shop boats are all so different and have so many dangerous things to wack your self on i would see that as hard

 

[Gromulin]

Re: boating class/repair?

Also, as far as wiring, I'm thinking that would be a bit hard for me.. What about mechanical and glass work?...
Thanks!!!

I think you might be on to something with the Fiberglass / Gelcoat repair. That seems like something that requires a good "feel" as much, if not more than, a good "eye". And it's something that you can learn to do pretty inexpensively to see if you like doing it. Good luck!

 

[shrew]

Re: boating class/repair?

Chris,

I can see how being a blind mechanic would be a challenge, however I don't think that anyone with sight could reasonably say what a blind person CAN'T Do. There are some obvious examples like driving a car, but those are few and far between.

I've seen everything from master woodcrafters to musicians. I've read at least 2 stories about blind guys who've built houses. I'm sure we don't need to tell you the list of accomplishments and possiblilities.

I know on my boat, space is so tight, I can't typically see what I'm trying to reach half the time anyway. If you really want to give it a whirl, find an old motor, whether it be a lawmower or an old outboard. Start working on it and see what you think. I'm sure you'll be just as frustrated as the rest of us and with a little time will most liklely be pleasantly surprised.

Regarding the question of "Would 'I' hire someone like you?"

If you show up when you say you're going to, do the work that you're hired for, do a good job and charge a fair price, then YES, absolutely. I don't do business with people based on gender, religion, sexual orientation, color, nationality, etc. I keep it pretty simple. If you do good work and are recommended, I'll give you a shot.

 

[shrew]

Re: boating class/repair?

BTW- There is no driving exam on a boating certificate. If you take the class and pass the exam, you get a cert. that's it. The cert is all about safety and theory.

All I can say is I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for you.

There is no doubt you will go far in life in whatever you choose.

 

[charrington]

Re: boating class/repair?

Hi,
Thanks for all of your suggestions/bits of advice!!! As far as fiberglass,I'm a little unclear. I think I have it right, but if some one could let me know I'd appreciate it. As far as I can tell the entire outer shell of the boat would be fiberglass. Then your stringers are acting as "ribs and back bone" to the boat giving it strength, and room for the fiberglass to flex when your hitting waves... Questions:
Are the stringers coated in fiberglass to protect against dry rot?
How are the stringers attached to the hull?
I'm not totally a hundred percent sure if I'm remotely right on this, but that's why I threw it out their...
Thanks a lot for everything!!!
Chris Harrington

 

[Dick Sorensen]

Re: boating class/repair?

I'm active in the Columbus (Ohio) Sail and Power Squadron and we have a complete line of classes. Basic Safe Boating to Engine Maintenance and Electronic Maintenance. You can learn more by visiting Columbus Sail and Power web site....schedule and location of classes, etc. I'm sure they can help.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: boating class/repair?

When I read your post it sounded as if you were being less than... supportive(?).

I apologize for the remark, it was apparently uncalled for and undeserved.

Just a simple misunderstanding thats all.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: boating class/repair?

Hi,
Thanks for all of your suggestions/bits of advice!!! As far as fiberglass,I'm a little unclear. I think I have it right, but if some one could let me know I'd appreciate it. As far as I can tell the entire outer shell of the boat would be fiberglass. Then your stringers are acting as "ribs and back bone" to the boat giving it strength, and room for the fiberglass to flex when your hitting waves... Questions:
Are the stringers coated in fiberglass to protect against dry rot?
How are the stringers attached to the hull?
I'm not totally a hundred percent sure if I'm remotely right on this, but that's why I threw it out their...
Thanks a lot for everything!!!
Chris Harrington

The stringers are usually fiberglassed into place and are sometimes glued as well. They are covered with glass to prevent rot and also then become part of the hull, increasing it's strength.