Boat fitter

The missions of the boat fitter

The boat fitter's job on sailing or motor pleasure boats is a precision trade. On board the boats, the boat fitter is responsible for the assembly and fixing of all navigation and fitting equipment such as guardrails, lifelines and portholes.

"The boat fitter's job involves installing all the parts that go on a flybridge — we assemble a large number of components to dress the boat's deck. I never thought I would be capable of doing what I do today. I'm proud of it and I love what I do." Annie, boat fitter.

Initial training and apprenticeship

Many specialised training programmes in the nautical industry provide a pathway to becoming a boat fitter.

These programmes are accessible from CAP level (CAP agent de maintenance plaisance) through to Bac Pro (Bac Pro Maintenance Nautique, Bac Pro Technicien Bois et Matériaux, CQP Agent de Maintenance et de Services dans les Industries Nautiques, etc.). They are available as initial training or as an apprenticeship, through a traditional academic route (including a work placement period), a contrat d'apprentissage (ages 16 to 30) or a contrat de professionnalisation (from age 16, no upper age limit).

To find a vocational school offering a CPF-eligible programme, you can contact the Campus des métiers du nautisme des Pays de Loire or Occitanie.

Work-based apprenticeship training provides an excellent grounding in the boat fitter profession. The Bénéteau Group regularly advertises apprenticeship vacancies.

Career development

Within the Bénéteau Group, the boat fitter can progress by acquiring new skills such as deck bonding techniques on pleasure boats.

He/she can also take on responsibilities and lead teams on the ground as a Gap Leader.

After several years of experience, the boat fitter may also choose to work outside of nautical yards, for example as a chandlery store manager. Chandlery shops are often located in marinas and advise sailors on the upkeep of their boats.

Career change

If you are looking to change career and work in the nautical industry as a boat fitter, the Bénéteau Group offers 10-week training programmes prior to recruitment, in partnership with approved training centres (AFPA, GRETA, etc.). These programmes are reserved for jobseekers.

The training is remunerated and funded by our employment partners (Pôle Emploi, Adecco, Manpower, Partnaire, Randstad, Synergie and Transparence RH).