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unbusted67 · 31-08-2009, 21:48

I am thinking about changing professions and getting into the boating field (vague I know). I have worked as a sound engineer for the last 10 years and it has utterly ruined my once towering love of music. I would like to quit so that I once again can put on a cd and not think about what an a%^hole that artist probably is back stage.

My question is this: If I start working in the marine industry am I going to lose my love of sailing? I am curious to hear from boat owners/cruisers who also work in the field. Has your job diminished your passion?

Pelagic · 01-09-2009, 00:03

Depends on the mindset of the individual.

Some professional crew just love to sit at marina bars, complain recreationally about almost anything while playing one-upmanship with the other boat crews.

Those types are not real sailors, but pretenders who have good PR with the boss, but in reality are petty and sour over not being a billionaire.

But if you really love the sea and work on Super yachts that actually go and explore remote places…. the opposite is true and you only get better and more successful at what you love.

When you then take off on your own baby boat, it is with a confidence and sophistication earned thru your vocation that earned you your craft.

bitman · 01-09-2009, 03:11

off toppick:

Quote:

Originally Posted by unbusted67

I have worked as a sound engineer for the last 10 years and it has utterly ruined my once towering love of music. I would like to quit so that I once again can put on a cd and not think about what an a%^hole that artist probably is back stage.

i did / do that job for the last 30 years and fully understand what you are saying here

(also working in the IT since 1979)

it stopped me from going to concerts and asking my self the question, why does it sounds so bad!

and yes a know lot's of artists who are !"£$ back stage. and then hear people (fans) talking how nice the person is...

on toppick:

go and start sailing and play those cd's / mp3 or what ever format of music and enjoy it again

i can't wait to start working in the yachting industry. now working to get as many RYA certificates as possible.

**GordMay** · 01-09-2009, 04:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by unbusted67

... If I start working in the marine industry am I going to lose my love of sailing? I am curious to hear from boat owners/cruisers who also work in the field. Has your job diminished your passion?

Check out ‘DockWalk'. You'll get an idea of the issues that the pro's are thinking & talking about.
➥ Dockwalk - The Essential Site For Superyacht Captains And Crew - Home

anjou · 01-09-2009, 04:11

If you love yourself, you will find contentment and beauty in all of your life. The only worry you will then have is how to do it all in one short lifetime.

unbusted67 · 01-09-2009, 11:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by bitman

off toppick:

i did / do that job for the last 30 years and fully understand what you are saying here

(also working in the IT since 1979)

it stopped me from going to concerts and asking my self the question, why does it sounds so bad!

and yes a know lot's of artists who are !"£$ back stage. and then hear people (fans) talking how nice the person is...

on toppick:

go and start sailing and play those cd's / mp3 or what ever format of music and enjoy it again

i can't wait to start working in the yachting industry. now working to get as many RYA certificates as possible.

Nice to meet you sir, Alan Wheeler, who hasn't showed up in a while is also a sound engineer/sailor. Good luck.

Chief Engineer · 01-09-2009, 20:02

Long Hours, Low Pay, No Chance Of Advancement.

Working for a boatyard? BTDTGTTS

Self Employed is the way to go.....

How about NOAA with your electronic background

**David M** · 01-09-2009, 21:06

Have you looked into the commercial side? The maritime industry. There are more than pleasure boats out on the ocean.

Spending four years at a maritime academy might turn out to be your thing. I did it. It was hard and seemed to take forever. I am glad I did it though.

snapdragon747 · 20-09-2009, 09:05

I am 49 years old. I was apprenticed to a boat builder at the age of 16. When I finished my apprenticeship at the age of 20, I raced boats locally and across oceans for a living, first as crew than as skipper.
I am a qualified yacht delivery 'captain' and currently make my living as I cruise around the world on my 29ft sailboat repairing boats, buying and selling boats and writing articles for sailing magazines.

It has been a great career which has taken me around the world. I still love boats and everything about boats. Some of the people aren't so great, but some of the people are fantastic.

George

forsailbyowner · 20-09-2009, 09:18

I went the route of doing canvas from my boat. It was hard to learn to slow down and take my time doing things. It seems like money has become secondary to having pride in my finished product and having a happy smiling customer that turns into a friend. Work environment is great. Do most of work while on the hook. Tools of trade and sundries have been constant struggle to store with ready access. Money is sufficient working occasionally maybe %50 of time to support lifestyle.
Steve

barnakiel · 20-09-2009, 11:20

It did, to some. But I also have friends who have been chartering themselves and still have the dream of going sailing for their own fun one day. It may be related to what sort of personality you are. If you are the very patient-with-people type your chances are bigger.

Mind that the field is full of top notch specialists and the niches are filled with less than perfect but often very shrewd half- and non-specialists. So get the skills top notch before you jump!

How can you apply you sound engineering expertise in this specific field?

b.

unbusted67 · 20-09-2009, 15:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by barnakiel

How can you apply you sound engineering expertise in this specific field?

b.

All of the systems integration stuff, like NMEA etc, is very similar to audio. It is all low voltage and signal flow oriented.

bitman · 22-09-2009, 04:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by unbusted67

All of the systems integration stuff, like NMEA etc, is very similar to audio. It is all low voltage and signal flow oriented.

and as sound engineer you are working on live systems, ie every error / mistake you make will be heard by all the folks who are listening to the music performance.

also you will have excellent trouble shoot capabilities as when something goes wrong or fails you have to fix it fast! as 50.000 people don't want to wait as they have paid to listen to there favourite artist(s).

most times you have to be creative to fix things since shops are not always around the corner to buy spares, bit the same on the sea...