Repair class?

[micahbachner]

I don't want a degree or anything, is there anywhere that I can take a quick course in boat motor repair?

 

[1979checkmate]

Re: Repair class?

if this is for your own boat, then yes, the class is in your favorite reading chair. Get the service manual for your motor and get to reading. notice i said SERVICE manual.. not the clymers or haynes or whatever they call it junk manual. Those things tell ya just about enough to get you in trouble.

 

[micahbachner]

Re: Repair class?

It's actually for work. I work at the Ft. Bragg MWR outdoor recreation center, and my boss wants one of the guys here to be able to maintain the motors. I had mentioned getting some pubs on it, but she wants a class...very hard to find lol

 

[lncoop]

Re: Repair class?

Find a class somewhere you've always wanted to go.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Repair class?

I don't think there exists an "operaters quick course in Outboard Motor Maintenance", but maybe you could find one of the guys on the forums who lives within a drive to go over the details of Outboard Motor maintenance with you. It's not brain surgery, but there are things to learn and know to have a successful outboard motor experience. The operaters manual that comes with each motor gives most of the basics. Check around your local boat dealers, maybe get a guy willing to spend a couple of hours with you for a 6 pack! Good Luck!

 

[micahbachner]

Re: Repair class?

That's kinda what I was thinking. I called around to local shops, all of them said no. We're located in Fayetteville NC if any of you know someone who can help.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Repair class?

Outboard Repair is a very nebulous term. If you are expected to repair an Evinrude E-tec, Mercury OptiMax/Verado/Yamaha OX66/or 4-stroke you will not get that in a "quick repair" course". This is why the manufacturers have training centers for their already educated techs. Not only that, but the investment in special diagnostic tools will be an issue as well. And since none of the motors on the market share anything these days, if you know one motor you still know nothing about the others. If what you are expected to do is nothing more than changing plugs, oil and filter changes, and lower unit service then yes, you can learn by reading. BUT -- that reading should come from FACTORY service manuals specific to the engines you are required to work on. Sorry -- but we are well beyond the Model T age where any blacksmith could fix one.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Repair class?

If you're going to be responsible for just 1 type of motor, like maybe they're all Yamaha 40HP 4 strokes, then it would be fairly easy to learn that motor with an operater's manual and a shop manual and a bit of one-on-one instruction. If you could focus in on that 1 motor, then you might be O.K.regarding preventive maintenance, but probably not much for serious trouble-shooting and repair, but not many experts on every brand and type motor. Maybe you can find a local outboard motor type guy who would be happy to share his knowledge and experience with you. Good Luck!