Hope this isn't an inappropriate post. I would like to get into the go-fast boating industry in S. Florida and would like some advice or leads on who I should talk to. I have a 4 year degree and have been offshore boating my whole life. I will consider any position to break into the business. Please e-mail me if you would like more information about my qualifications. I don't want to take up too much space here. Thank you very much for your help. Donald Lutken dclutken@yahoo.com
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marine jobs
- Thread starter publius
- Start date
Try all you want Bill, it never works 
There's always room in any industry and in any economy for someone smarter than average and highly motivated. If you're willing to work for peanuts and put in 80 hours a week, sacrificing all of your personal life, you'll definitely be a success. If you want to hit the ground floor on a boat full of babes and weeks worth of fun in the sun, bring a thick wallet.
The successful people in the marine industry will all tell you it's 90% hard work, dealing with difficult customers, problem suppliers, incompetent employess and all the other challenges of every business. But the 10% that's left over can be pretty cool.
Rule one of job hunting- since no one is ever just looking for some random person, try telling prospects what's unique about you and how you'll benefit their business.
There's always room in any industry and in any economy for someone smarter than average and highly motivated. If you're willing to work for peanuts and put in 80 hours a week, sacrificing all of your personal life, you'll definitely be a success. If you want to hit the ground floor on a boat full of babes and weeks worth of fun in the sun, bring a thick wallet.
The successful people in the marine industry will all tell you it's 90% hard work, dealing with difficult customers, problem suppliers, incompetent employess and all the other challenges of every business. But the 10% that's left over can be pretty cool.
Rule one of job hunting- since no one is ever just looking for some random person, try telling prospects what's unique about you and how you'll benefit their business.
I just went through this exercise with my son that's now a junior in college. After two years he decided he'd rather have a career that would be "fulfilling" (i.e. fun). I played the game- we looked at tons of different things and from an honest and realistic perspective. I could have just told him, but I figured he'd accept the answer better if he came to it by himself. That answer is this- You don't need to have a job that would be your hobby anyway and something you'd do for free. And there's no way to be happy, regardless of what your job is, if your kids are hungry and your landlord is evicting you.
One last piece of wisdom- the happiest people in the boating industry are the customers. Go find something you're good at, be successful and make lots of money. And then go buy a Lauderdale condo and put a new Skater on the lift out back.
One last piece of wisdom- the happiest people in the boating industry are the customers. Go find something you're good at, be successful and make lots of money. And then go buy a Lauderdale condo and put a new Skater on the lift out back.
DollaBill
New member
Chris, thats where I will disagree with you. I was never happier being "in" the marine business and being a part of this sport. As the Sam Adams guy says.. "find something you love and you'll never have to work again" Well, I didnt work a day in almost 15 years.
I mean, the rest of the world is getting up to commute 2 hrs on the Long Island Expway to some job in a city dealing with corporate BS and I'm waking up so I can grab my coffee and head 5 miles to my "office" where I get to test props etc on a 100 mph $400,000 toy. And made alot of money doing it. I would be back in the marine biz in 2 sec's if I could see a way to make real money at it. I've looked for 3 years and can't fig out a way.
So, I say follow your passion and happiness and fortune will follow because it's never work. My .02
glh
Charter Member
You were doing fine right up to that Skater thing!
The Man is right, work your azz off in a field that can withstand the highs and lows of our economic cycles and keep boating a hobby. Starving sucks.
I've got 30 years experience doing all kinds or repair. I owned a repair shop in N.Y. for ten years (75-85). Moved to fl. in 05 and checked with a few shops just to see. The best I was offered was $13.50 an hour!
The time that I had my shop I couldn't enjoy boating much. It seemed like every time I was out in a boat somebody would always show up and ask if I could "just take a quick look at this and tell me whats wrong with it"
So, like others said: find a good paying job in another field and enjoy boating!
The time that I had my shop I couldn't enjoy boating much. It seemed like every time I was out in a boat somebody would always show up and ask if I could "just take a quick look at this and tell me whats wrong with it"
So, like others said: find a good paying job in another field and enjoy boating!
Yea, I know the industry is in bad shape but it is what I want to do and am willing to start low and will consider anything to get in the door. i want to learn the entire business, from construction to sales. I could do something else and buy a boat to race on the weekends which is the direction I'm heading in now. Don't really want that. You're right Chris, it would help to tell people more about myself but I don't think the mods would like me posting my entire resume since college, (1990). Very short summary-Political Science degree, 5 yrs. sales, 12yrs. cust. svc., worked for U.S. Senator, offshore boating & fishing my whole life, (I'm 37). Might be impossible at this point in time, just curious if anyone knows who I could send a resume to.
Wobble
Charter Member
Try all you want Bill, it never works
There's always room in any industry and in any economy for someone smarter than average and highly motivated. If you're willing to work for peanuts and put in 80 hours a week, sacrificing all of your personal life, you'll definitely be a success. If you want to hit the ground floor on a boat full of babes and weeks worth of fun in the sun, bring a thick wallet.
The successful people in the marine industry will all tell you it's 90% hard work, dealing with difficult customers, problem suppliers, incompetent employees and all the other challenges of every business. But the 10% that's left over can be pretty cool.
Rule one of job hunting- since no one is ever just looking for some random person, try telling prospects what's unique about you and how you'll benefit their business.
nice post and appropriate.
I started my oilfield inspection business in 1985 and had no end of people tell me that the oil business was finished.
It wasn't easy but my business will be 25 years old next year. I have seen many boom time competitors come and go.
Magicfloat
Charter Member
Publius.I like your attitude,it is refreshing.I started in the industry over 40 years ago,my friends said I was crazy.Have seen lots of ups and downs. Really down now but it will come back,always has,and 40+ years later I'm still here.Follow your dream,don't give up.You will hopefully find someone that will recognize that you have something to offer.Good luck.
Wrinkleface
Founding Member
Don, good luck w/ your ventures!
BraceYourself
Charter Member
Try all you want Bill, it never works
There's always room in any industry and in any economy for someone smarter than average and highly motivated. If you're willing to work for peanuts and put in 80 hours a week, sacrificing all of your personal life, you'll definitely be a success. If you want to hit the ground floor on a boat full of babes and weeks worth of fun in the sun, bring a thick wallet.
The successful people in the marine industry will all tell you it's 90% hard work, dealing with difficult customers, problem suppliers, incompetent employess and all the other challenges of every business. But the 10% that's left over can be pretty cool.
Rule one of job hunting- since no one is ever just looking for some random person, try telling prospects what's unique about you and how you'll benefit their business.
I agree 100%, always room for an above average individual. Also, I think the high performance market is a lot to do with individuals that can handle customers that want it yesterday and want it to never break
I wasn't suggesting anything like that. If you're average you aren't going to be doing too much with million dollar boats either as a hobby or a vocation. I'm talking about being exemplary in your chosen profession. i wouldn't do what I do for a living as a hobby, but I'm well-regarded and respected and I get a great deal of satisfaction out of what I accomplish each day. and then I go play.
FormulaOne
Charter Member
I'll tell you what I'll do for you.. I'll bring my boat down, I've got a long list of things I want done to it. Work on it for free,day evening night weekend, Garantee your work and I'll tell every person with a boat to have you do their work.
Sorry, had to be a smart ass. While I'm not in the know on the other side of the marine business. I know as a customer that my boat should always be your top priority. Any boater whether its 20 ft or an 80 footer theirs is always the most important. Its the same with any service industry. My clients are always the most important and think their work takes priority. The hard part is finding that line where you can please as many customers, keep a good rep, and make dollars... Someday I'll find that line.
Sorry, had to be a smart ass. While I'm not in the know on the other side of the marine business. I know as a customer that my boat should always be your top priority. Any boater whether its 20 ft or an 80 footer theirs is always the most important. Its the same with any service industry. My clients are always the most important and think their work takes priority. The hard part is finding that line where you can please as many customers, keep a good rep, and make dollars... Someday I'll find that line.
Offshore Ginger
New member
Personally myself along with some other builders in the industry feel that the recovery rate will only be around 30 % from what it ever was & being in this business for over thirty years , i hope we are all wrong . I have to say that one boat co here in Holland Mich , S 2 YACHTS ( TIARA ) has a very limited workforce because of lack of sales or economics and has diversifed somewhat making windmill blades in the very near future and hopefully being able to hang on and keep people working .
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2112
Founding Member / Contributor
Contracting/selling/servicing the Government? :USA:
I have to admit I seriously admire the way you timed your transition from homes to commercial construction for the deepest pockets of all.
You can work hard or you can work smart. I wish I were that smart.
Oh, and your taste in boats rocks too. :sifone:
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