Boat & Watercraft Technician
Advanced Technician
Prepare for a career in recreational equipment repair in our dual-track Boat and Watercraft Technician program. Through classroom and lab experience, you’ll develop competence in repairing the most modern recreational equipment. In this Associate in Applied Science program, master the skills needed to pursue a career in marine engine technology.
Receive diverse training that prepares you to repair snowmobiles, personal watercraft, inboard engines, outboard engines and stern drive engines. Learn about theory, proper procedures and safety when repairing equipment, and get hands-on instruction with the newest recreational equipment available. You’ll also have the opportunity to receive industry training through the on-the-job training segment of our program, which is industry supported by leading industry brands such as Arctic Cat, BRP, Mercury, Polaris, Snap-On, Yamaha and Volvo Penta.
You may also choose to take more business management courses in the second year of the program. If you dream of one day owning your own recreational equipment repair business, this path may be a great fit for you. People who take this route may also pursue work as a sales rep or parts distributor.
Whether you choose to work in a marina, snowmobile dealership or own your own business, you’ll establish a strong foundation of skills and understanding of recreational equipment repair right here at Iowa Lakes. Prepare to thrive as a Boat and Watercraft Technician with plenty of hands-on experience to back you up.
Faculty Contact
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Rick Brichta Assistant Professor | Boat & Watercraft Technician 712-852-5202 | rbrichta@iowalakes.educreate new email |
Program Details
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Curriculum
Term 1
ELE 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity
This course provides knowledge of the fundamentals of electricity along with electrical testing procedures and equipment for the transportation and maintenance industry.
Corequisites: AGM 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Farm Equipment, AUT 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Automotive, MOT 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Powersports or MSE 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Marine
MSE 142 – Marine Rigging
This course will cover the basic rigging of boats, personal watercraft, and trailer setup procedures.
MSE 144- Marine Engines
This course will cover the fundamentals of engine repair and operation of the internal combustion engine, including two-stroke and four-stroke operations. Also covered will be the lubrication, cooling, and exhaust systems as well as the differences between outboard and sterndrive systems.
MSE 151 – Shop Safety and Procedures
Safe shop practices and procedures, including safe equipment operation, proper tool usage, importance of personal protective gear and how to handle emergency situations.
MSE 173 – Marine Fuel Systems
Marine fuel systems including carburetion, fuel injection and oil injection are studied. Troubleshooting, testing, adjustments, assembly and disassembly are practiced. Proper service procedures discussed and demonstrated. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: First two semesters of program
MSE 183 – Personal Water Craft Systems
Theory and hands-on lab for all systems in personal watercraft including jet pumps, engines and steering systems. Repair, troubleshooting and service procedures are covered. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: First two semesters of program
MSE 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity Lab Marine
This course provides application of the fundamentals of electricity along with electrical testing procedures and equipment in the marine technology industry.
Corequisite: ELE 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity
Term 2
COM 723 – Workplace Communications†
Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.
MSE 159 – Snowmobile Systems
Snowmobile systems including clutches, suspensions, engines, tracks and other components are studied. Proper service techniques, troubleshooting, assembly and disassembly are covered along with a unit on performance work. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: MSE 151 or MOT 151 – Shop Safety and Procedures
MSE 160 – Marine Service Maintenance
This course will cover recommended service intervals of outboard and sterndrive engines and industry operations related to service.
MSE 169 – Marine Dr Systems T/L
This course covers operation and construction of Marine Sterndrives, Inboard Drive Systems and Outboard Gear Cases. Also covered will be disassembly, assembly, inspection, troubleshooting, failure analysis, identification, rebuilding drives, adjustments procedures, advance theory and repair procedures as well as performance testing and propeller theory.
MSE 290 – Advanced Marine Systems
This course will expand upon basic knowledge of electrical and fuel systems. Integration of emerging technologies with emphasis on maintenance of developing electronic control displays and aftermarket systems. The course will cover traditional fuel and electrical technology.
MSE 334 – Marine Electrical Systems
This course will cover the principles of operation and construction of various components in the electrical systems of outboard and sterndrive watercraft. The electrical systems common to the snowmobile industry will also be covered.
Term 3
MSE 932 – Internship
On-the-job experience at a marine or small engine repair facility as a technician, part and service person, or salesperson. The student is evaluated by the job supervisor and the instructor.
Prerequisites: Completion of first year of program
WEL 334 – Trade & Industry Welding
Principles and applications of gas and MIG welding theory, safety and shop practices are covered. Lecture and laboratory.
Term 4
MAT 772 – Applied Math
A course in elementary mathematical skills for technicians. Topics covered include fundamental operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and signed numbers; percents; geometric figures and basic constructions; area and volume formulas; English/Metric systems; measurements; and basic algebraic equations and applications.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score
MSE 150 – Shop Management
In this course, students learn proper shop management procedures including parts ordering, inventory, repair order writing, payroll, employee-employer relations, customer relations and communication skills, sales and service in the service center, warranty procedures on marine products, computerized parts/billing systems and waste management procedures.
MSE 252 – Marine Advanced Drivability
In this course students learn how to diagnose different fuel injection systems & their problems as well as know the difference between fuel systems. Students will be able to analyze these fuel systems along with using the latest test equipment. Each student will be able to understand and explain how these systems work. You will also learn how to use failure evaluating procedures.
PAR 113 – Parts Catalog + Lab
This course is an overview of major automotive parts systems, the reading of parts lists, catalogs, price sheets and exploded views will be covered. Identification of manufacturer and their products. Students will gain hands-on experience in cataloging parts. Lecture and laboratory.
PAR 123 – Parts System + Lab
This course develops skills in the operation of a parts store or automotive dealership parts department. Emphasis is on jobber catalogs, use of computer cataloging, invoice processing, and parts sales. Students learn to handle purchase orders, repair requests, and monthly statements. Lecture and laboratory.
Term 5
ACC 111 – Intro to Accounting
Introduces the basic principles of accounting and the recoding of simple business transactions using the double entry system. Includes the accounting procedures of journalizing transactions, posting to the ledger, making a trial balance, creating receipt and disbursement of cash.
BCA 212 – Intro to Comp Business Apps
In a Windows environment, the focus of this course is to use hardware and software as business productivity tools. Training includes a hands-on introduction to computer applications vital in business and industry .The course covers computer terminology, operating system, email, and Internet applications .Hands on training is provided for software business applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
BUS 102 – Intro to Business
The basic fundamentals of business. Basic business and economic concepts and terminology; management, marketing, finance, human resource management, accounting and other business areas.
BUS 161 – Human Relations†
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.
