hank42

I was a novice to the boating industry too, had a marketing/sales background, and a passion for boating. Was hired by an engine manufacturer in '75, spent 23 years in the field in sales and tech support, retired in '98, did some project/part time/consulting for several years after. The industry is in a slump still, as you all know. But there are some manufacturers, engine and boats, who may be looking for someone with your background and experience. I would start with the major brands like Mercury, BRP, Yamaha Cummins, etc, and boats like Regal, Grady, Sea Ray, Bayliner, Chaparral, etc. Concentrate on what you can offer in whatever is your specialty - design, marketing, engineering, IT, whatever. It's OK to allude to a "passion" but that alone will not open any doors. They want business people, not just water lovers. Experience with shows, in-water dealer meetings, boat operations, fishing, etc will come as a result of just being there and exposed to operations. As far as a captains license, sure get one if you want, but in my 23 years in the industry I never met one employee with any company who was required to have a license, other than delivery captains. I drove everything form 17 - 46 feet, once spent three weeks taking a demo package up the west coast of Fla, east coast of Fla, up to SC, NC and back to Fla. Had company insurance but no license required. Go for it!!! Like others said it's a smaller industry now but there still may be openings. Be prepared to relocate to a small town in South Georgia, Fla, NC, Tenn, etc. Good luck, let us know how it goes.

Did not know that brand was still around. The original brand was built somewhere is S. Georgia, went out of business in the early '90's. Quality was not real good.