Mobile boat repair and maintenance

Recreational boat owners, cottage owners, fishing guides and small marinas that want extra hands without hiring staff.

Hourly labour rate plus parts markup, with fixed prices for common jobs such as spring commissioning, fall winterization and oil and impeller changes.

• Marine engine and electrical repair
• Fibreglass and fitting basics
• Diagnosing faults
• Customer service

• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether it covers work on customers' boats and in their care
• Many marinas have their own rules or require contractors to show insurance before working on site, so check first
• Rules on handling fuel, oil, batteries and waste differ by province and municipality, so check your local environmental rules
• Work is strongly seasonal in most of Canada, so plan for a quiet winter or add indoor and storage work
• Check with your municipality about business licensing, and with your provincial workers' compensation board once you hire

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your tools, diagnostic equipment, vehicle setup, parts stock and insurance. Treat this as an estimate and price your own kit list before committing.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your pricing, the number of jobs you complete and how well you cover the quiet winter months. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week.

Check commercial general liability cover, including for customers' boats in your care, and marina rules requiring proof of insurance. Also check provincial and municipal rules on fuel, oil, batteries and waste, municipal business licensing, and workers' compensation once you hire.