Aaron Porter | Professional BoatBuilder Magazine Modern yachts require a broad range of skilled workers to keep them shiny, safe, and ready for service.
In this age of relentless automation, even boatbuilding is subject to tech-driven change as everything from components assembly and supply-chain management to service scheduling and systems diagnostics are being entrusted to algorithms and glitchy software. The results are decidedly mixed. To my eye, new builds are neither more timely, nor of consistently superior quality compared to historical norms. And boat operations are not reliably easier or safer based on technological advances alone. From the resin-infused composite hulls and robotic finishing systems to networked systems and lithium-ion batteries, what makes all the new tech in boats work are the reliable presence and adaptable abilities of human technicians. In 2025, boat building and maintenance will remain jobs for people, not machines. Indeed, for every new machine we build into our boats or their construction processes, we seem to require a new technical skillset on the shop floor.
As the preeminent source of technical boatbuilding standards, the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) is urgently aware of the pace of technological change in the trade, and the workforce challenges it presents. So, it’s no surprise that they appreciate the essential role technicians play in keeping boats safe, reliable, and enjoyable. In recognition, the Council organized its fourth annual International Marine Services Technician Week (April 21–25), an online celebration of the vital work shop-floor yard employees perform every day, all year.
Jaclyn Vincenti, marketing coordinator at ABYC, explained that this year’s program focused on different sectors and demographics on different days, recognizing skilled master technicians, a growing cohort of female technicians, industry education programs, and aspiring technicians. The intentionally loose social-media-based celebration prompted more than 200 posts from proud employers, grateful clients, and admiring colleagues with notes of congratulations and thanks, as well as footage of technician week celebrations, discreet peeks in some technicians’ toolboxes, and in one case, a composites skills tutorial.
On April 24, ABYC announced winners of the 2025 Outstanding Technician Awards, prompting individual praise for the winners who, Vincenti explained, were “nominated by customers, by bosses, by co-workers…anyone who sees an outstanding tech in the field can nominate them.”
From a broad slate of candidates assembled in February and March, ABYC technical and education staff distilled a list of 20 finalists. Senior Marketing Director Shannon Aronson stressed that the program is open to any technician from anywhere in the world, and that the committee worked hard to balance formal education, certification, and experience with quality of work and passionate client testimonials in their deliberations. In response to the need for new talent to meet demands of our evolving industry, the awards include special designations for “new achievers” who may be light on cumulative experience but strong on potential impact with long careers ahead of them.
Appropriately, the selection of the final 10 winners was left to a panel of honorees from previous years. Below are the results:
2025 Outstanding Technician Award Recipients
Courtesy ABYC Brandon Aitken, Hucks Marine & Resort
Training/Certifications: Sheridan College Toronto; ABYC Master Certified; MerCruiser and Mercury Certified; Seakeeper Certified; Yamaha Silver Certified
Brandon Aitken has an innate skill as a technician—persistence. His technical expertise and commitment to excellence have earned him a reputation for professionalism and reliability. For complex upgrades, he often walks customers through the options, explaining what’s being seen and helping them make informed decisions. He takes an “Option 1 or Option 2” approach to help customers save money without compromising quality.
Courtesy ABYC Charles Beaver, Safe Harbor Westport
Training/Certifications: ABYC Certified; MerCruiser/Mercury Master; Volvo Penta Certified; Power Pole Certified
Charles Beaver has worked at Westport for more than 28 years, building a wealth of knowledge and experience. His hard work and dedication have earned him the role of lead foreman at the Westport location. He also oversees the satellite site at Safe Harbor Kings Point and is the primary mobile technician for Safe Harbor Skipper’s Landing. Customers regularly request Charles by name, bringing their vessels specifically to have him assigned, a testament to his outstanding reputation in the industry.
Courtesy ABYC Mick Belfy, Irish Boat Shop
Training/Certifications: ABYC Electrical, ABYC Marine Systems, Welding; working toward ABYC Advanced Electrical for Master Technician status
With more than 20 years of experience, Mick Belfy is a versatile and highly skilled technician specializing in mechanical systems, electrical work, welding, and fabrication. In addition to his technical work, Mick serves on profit-sharing and safety committees, responds in emergencies, and mentors new employees. Known for his problem-solving abilities and meticulous attention to detail, Mick seamlessly balances boat repairs with the broader technical needs of marina operations.
Courtesy ABYC Adam Lass, Flux Marine
Training/Certifications: Associate Degree in Engineering Science, Bristol Community College, RI; Flux Marine High Voltage Safety Training
Adam Lass is the sole Mechanical & Operations Technician at Flux Marine’s rapidly growing marine tech start-up. Adam has been instrumental in developing the assembly processes for their all-electric outboard motors. He has led this highly technical effort through multiple design iterations from early prototype builds to a streamlined and efficient multi-unit production operation. His positive attitude and work ethic are invaluable.
Courtesy ABYC Brian Lentell, Walstrom Marine
Training/Certifications: Master in Yamaha, ABYC, and Seakeeper
Brian Lentell is currently a service leader for Walstrom Marine Cheboygan. Having been in the industry for 25 years, his knowledge and skills are well known throughout New England. Brian is known as the guy you call when no one else can solve a problem. His skills and expertise are only surpassed by his attention to detail, work ethic, and pride in his work.
Courtesy ABYC Toby Merritt, Precision Boats
Training/Certifications: Eastern Idaho Technical College in 2017 with an Advanced Certificate in Automotive; Indmar Advanced Certified Service Technician—holding the highest level of certification through Indmar University—and is Platinum Certified with Indmar Marine Engines; Factory trained by Supra, Moomba, and Tigé Boats
Toby Merritt is recognized as a local expert in Indmar’s 2.3L and 6.2L engines and is known for his commitment to staying at the forefront of marine-engine technology. He consistently seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge and support fellow technicians. His meticulous attention to detail, high-quality workmanship, and willingness to take on complex challenges beyond the typical scope of work make him an invaluable asset. Customers and colleagues alike rely on his expertise and dedication to delivering top-tier service.
Courtesy ABYC Carlos Roman, Bluff Creek Marina
Training/Certifications: Currently working towards Mercury and Yamaha Certifications
Carlos Roman joined Bluff Creek Marina from Puerto Rico, bringing exceptional talent in 2-stroke engine work and overall boat repair. When he first started, he spoke only Spanish. Now, more than six years later, he has taught himself English and built a stellar reputation among colleagues and customers. He is recognized for his technical skill as well as his determination and work ethic. As one nominator shared, “He’s the best boat mechanic we have ever seen.”
Courtesy ABYC Christian Schade, Flux Marine
Training/Certifications: IYRS Marine Systems Program graduate; ACMA Open Molding and Vacuum Infusion; ABYC Master Advisor (Electrical, Marine Systems, and Diesel); NMEA Marine Electronics and NMEA 2000 Installer; Flux Marine High Voltage Safety Training
Christian Schade joined Flux Marine in early 2024 as a Marine Systems Intern, highly recommended by the IYRS School of Technology and Trades. He quickly proved himself as a skilled and dedicated team member and now leads the company’s growing service operations. Christian works directly with customers and partners in Rhode Island and abroad, ensuring timely, professional support.
Courtesy ABYC Jeremy “J.T.” Taylor, Slidell Marine
Training/Certifications: Master Tech for Yamaha
With 20 years of experience as an outboard mechanic, J.T. Taylor has been in the field since graduating high school. He is known for his relentless dedication to providing customers the best service possible. He completes ongoing training annually with Honda, Mercury, Suzuki, and Yamaha, and is working toward additional master certifications. Professional and approachable, he is frequently praised by customers for his deep knowledge and ability to clearly explain complex problems.
Courtesy ABYC Garrett Zell, Port Diesel
Training/Certifications: Diesel Industrial and Technology Degree from Universal Technical Institute in 2009; Numerous Cummins and Zeus certifications; Master Cummins Tech
After graduating from Universal Technical Institute, Garrett Zell worked for Cummins before branching out to start his own marine diesel service and repair company, Port Diesel, in Wilmington, North Carolina. Now in its ninth year, the business serves pleasure craft owners, commercial fishermen, and large vessels, providing everything from basic maintenance to full repowers. With a 5-star business rating over the years, Garrett Zell has proven his knowledge, capabilities, and dedication to the marine service industry.
Courtesy ABYC New Achiever: Delaney Huffman, Boyne Boat Yard
Training/Certifications: ABYC Master Technician (Gasoline Engines, Diesel Engines, Marine Systems, Marine Electrical); Certificate of Completion- Marine Service Technology at Great Lakes Boat Building School (Marine Trades Institute); Mercury Marine Systems Technician; Ilmor Inboard/Sterndrive Training
Delaney Huffman’s journey to becoming an outstanding technician began with a passion for working on vehicles during high school. In June 2022, she joined Boyne Boat Yard for a summer job and quickly discovered her love for the boating industry. With a scholarship from Boyne Boat Yard/Van Dam Custom Boats, she attended the Great Lakes Boat Building School (now the Marine Trades Institute) to further develop her skills.
Courtesy ABYC New Achiever: Taven Larrance, Big Thunder Marine
Training/Certifications: Impact Institute – 2-year HS program; MMI 52-week Marine program; Continued Education from Big Thunder; Certified in Merc Outboards, MercCruiser, Yamaha and Suzuki
In his time at Big Thunder Marine, Taven Larrance has demonstrated strong work ethic, timeliness, and great character. He was accepted at Marine Mechanics Institute in Orlando, Florida and was awarded the John McElroy memorial scholarship from Impact. During his training at MMI, he worked at Craig Cat Boats, a manufacturer in Orlando, running a rigging department. In the nomination, it was stated, “In my opinion this is exactly the type of student we want to run our industry for years to come!”
For more information, visit the ABYC International Marine Service Technician Week website.
