Odd Boat industry question - Indulge me please

[mariam]

I would suggest you not jump just simply you possess a passion for different types of boat. You don't also have any prior experience in marine sector. It will not be fine to take a risk at this certain and you have said that you have gained nice reputation in field of technology. Don't get too much moved by passion. It is always not right to follow your heart, sometime you need to move what our head directs us.

[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.

[Wicked Awesome]

Sales of new boats are clearly not what they were, making getting a job with a manufacturer tough. Ever consider working for a marine insurance company? While their market is not expanding, the population of insured used boats should be pretty stable for years. Seems like there should be sales, marketing, and insurance adjuster jobs out there.

[Enough Already]

I've had similar thoughts but for me, I choose to focus on a career I can be happy with, which allows me to afford my passion for boating. Not sure what comp you are seeking but an MBA marketing guy sounds like 6 figures+. Can you make that breaking in to the marine industry or have a line of sight to do so in the next "x" years? If not, I would go maximize my earning potential with a good job, negotiate a balanced amount of leisure time and then enjoy the heck out of boating as a hobby. Only shortcut I see is a strong internal network and somebody willing to give you a chance.