What should you seek in a boat engineer?

Key considerations to ponder before you hire a boat engineer

If you have purchased a boat or a yacht, then one of the fundamental next steps is to ensure that the boat is in pristine condition. This is especially true if you have a luxury yacht or if you have a charter boat whose income is based upon the functionality of the craft. However, before you go and hire your engineer for your boat, there are a few key and critical points to consider.

Engineer vs. Mechanic

Engineers are primarily oriented to the design of the vessel and its parts, understanding the strength and the efficiency of the boat. They know how the different parts of the boat work and what constraints to apply to fix/design a certain part for a boat. Engineers consider the design, strength, integrity, economics, codes, user experience, environmental hazards, safety regulations, etc. Engineers are generally used for a broad view and maintaining of the craft or for customizations to the craft. Mechanics are primarily used for the upkeep and repair of the craft. Both engineers and mechanics are critical for maintaining your vessel and careful consideration of the qualifications of those you hire is necessisary.

What are their certifications?

While it may be true that a person has a Bachelors in merchant marine engineering, the person that you hire also needs to have certification and credentials to work on vessels. Credentials must be earned from the U.S Dept. of Homeland Security in some instances. These instances would include when a person is attempting to receive a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) from the Transportation Security Administration or when a person is applying for a MMC (Merchant Mariner’s Credential) from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Both certifications listed above require that the person take an exam. Those who claim to have the certification should be able to provide ample proof that they passed the exam by more than the skin of his or her teeth. Remember, your MMC engineer for your boat will be working on the electronics, as well as on the motor of your craft.

Should you be hiring an engineer for a custom design job or similar requirement, ask for a portfolio of previous customizations done.

Is the boat engineer able to legally work in your state?

Engineers like other craftsman must be certified in the state in which they are working, in most cases. If you are looking for a boat engineer, ensure that they have a license to work in your area. There is a difference between a freelance mechanic and an engineer and it is important that those who are hired to work on your boat are the later. Secondly, if you have a business and are looking for a mechanic, ensure that the person can legally work within the United States to avoid possible fines for any persons hired which are not.

Does the engineer understand your craft.

This is an essential. Where the engineer may have a firm grasp of electronics, engineering safety and environmental protection, etc. if he or she is not familiar with the workings of your specific craft, then you will have issues. For example, if you have purchased a Beneteau Gran Turismo GT49 but your mechanic has never worked on anything bigger than a 15 foot Sea Ray, you may have a problem. Or if your engineer is versed in working with Regals 4260 craft and you purchase a large Jeanneau Yacht, there may be issues.

Hire an engineer who understands your specific vessel to minimize the risk of damage caused by educated ignorance.

Cost

Engineers, at least quality engineers, are not cheap. You pay for quality work. This is one of those instances where you definitively get what you pay for. Does this mean that the highest priced engineer is going to be the best? No, but you should be weary of any engineer whose prices are well below the area’s standard. When negotiating the cost of your engineer, have a contract written (as you should always have it in writing) as to the expected services, credentials, and costs.

Engineers are not mechanics, though they may offer some services which are in line with a mechanic. This is why the engineer is higher priced.

Where to find a boat engineer?

Should you need to find a boat engineer, please look at the service pages of Vessel Vendor. Vessel Vendor offers an array of services through professionals in the area. Please browse the website for details on engineer services which may be available for your location. Should you have any questions regarding boat engineers or if you need further assistance in finding a boat engineer in your area, please contact Vessel Vendor by filling out the appropriate form on the site.