ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Boat Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

HCB Yachts

PATCH

Madisonville, TN · On-site

$12.50 - $15.25/hr

... operating activities into freshwater with a transformational bass boat portfolio. The ongoing venture centered on leveraging sophisticated yacht engineering and technology with consummate fishing ...

Brunswick Corporation

Holecutter (Nights)

Vonore, TN · On-site

$20.90 - $23.65/hr

The Holecutter is responsible for drilling and cutting holes in boat hulls, decks, and small parts. This role involves using various tools and equipment to ensure precise and clean cuts, adhering to ...

Brunswick

Holecutter (Nights)

Vonore, TN · On-site

$20.90 - $23.65/hr

The Holecutter is responsible for drilling and cutting holes in boat hulls, decks, and small parts. This role involves using various tools and equipment to ensure precise and clean cuts, adhering to ...

Lund Boats

Holecutter (Nights)

Vonore, TN · On-site

$20.90 - $23.65/hr

The Holecutter is responsible for drilling and cutting holes in boat hulls, decks, and small parts. This role involves using various tools and equipment to ensure precise and clean cuts, adhering to ...

Wise Staffing Group

Material Handler

Lenoir City, TN · On-site

$17.50/hr

Your efforts contribute directly to the production of Fiberglass hulls for boat construction. Here ... Experience operating pallet jacks or similar equipment. Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

TVA External Site

Deckhand - 518849

Gallatin, TN · On-site

$70K/yr

The incumbent will be responsible for routine manual tasks in the operation of a boat or barge ... On occasion the employee may be assigned to work directly under other crafts' workers or operators.

Brunswick Corporation

Gel Coater (Small Parts)

Vonore, TN · On-site

$24.15 - $27.05/hr

The Gel Coater is responsible for applying gelcoat to molded boat components and small fiberglass ... operating spray equipment, and inspecting surfaces to ensure cosmetic and quality standards are ...

Brunswick

Gel Coater (Small Parts)

Vonore, TN · On-site

$24.15 - $27.05/hr

The Gel Coater is responsible for applying gelcoat to molded boat components and small fiberglass ... operating spray equipment, and inspecting surfaces to ensure cosmetic and quality standards are ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsBoat Operator JobsBoat Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Boat Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$18

$26

How much do boat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat operator in Tennessee is $18.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a boat operator do?

The responsibilities of a boat operator include using knowledge of winds, weather, water depths, and currents to pilot a motorboat, private watercraft (PWC), or other watercraft safely. In this career, you load and transport various pieces of equipment, supplies, or passengers and maintain communication with boat crew, other ships, and harbor patrol. Other duties may be to navigate the vessel in and out of harbors and docks and fender, moor, and anchor the vessel at the destination. You consult maps, charts, weather reports, and navigation equipment, give directions to crew members, and update logs required by the USCG and management. You are also expected to maintain safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, boat fenders, and pumps, as well as service motors and direct boat maintenance and cleaning.

What does a boat operator do?

A Boat Operator is responsible for navigating and operating boats or other watercraft safely and efficiently. Their duties often include steering the vessel, monitoring weather and water conditions, ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo, and performing routine maintenance checks. Boat Operators may work on different types of boats, such as ferries, fishing vessels, or tour boats, and must comply with maritime laws and safety regulations. They often need specialized training and licensing depending on the size and type of vessel they operate.

What are some common challenges faced by a boat operator on a daily basis?

Boat Operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, ensuring passenger safety, and maintaining strict adherence to navigational rules. They must remain vigilant for hazards like other vessels, submerged objects, or mechanical issues. Effective communication and teamwork with crew members are essential for smooth operations, especially during high-traffic periods or emergency situations. Developing strong problem-solving skills and staying calm under pressure are key aspects of succeeding in this role.

What is the difference between Boat Operator vs Marine Deckhand?

AspectBoat OperatorMarine Deckhand
CertificationsBoating safety, boat handling licensesSTCW certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentOn boats, marinas, docksOn ships, docks, offshore
Employer & IndustryMarinas, tour companies, fishing chartersCommercial shipping, cargo, cruise lines

While both roles involve working on boats, a Boat Operator primarily focuses on navigating and operating vessels, often in recreational or small commercial settings. A Marine Deckhand assists with vessel maintenance, cargo handling, and safety procedures, typically in larger, commercial maritime environments. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position based on their skills and certifications.

More about Boat Operator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Boat Operator jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Boat Operator jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Boat Operator jobs in Tennessee?

For Boat Operator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Boat Operator jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Boat Operator jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Boat Operator jobs in TN?

For Boat Operator jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Boat Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,808 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

PATCH

Madisonville, TN • On-site

HCB Yachts
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about HCB Yachtsexternal

$12.50 - $15.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

About iKon Boats

iKon Boats, LLC is rooted in Hydrasports’ half century of heritage, in 2019 the Hydrasports’ Board of Directors unanimously decided to expand operating activities into freshwater with a transformational bass boat portfolio. The ongoing venture centered on leveraging sophisticated yacht engineering and technology with consummate fishing anglers’ intellect to develop an innovative product that will redefine history. 


Position Summary:

The Patcher will be responsible for the repair and finish of the yacht and small parts.  The person will work closely as a team member in each phase of yacht production; maintaining a high level of organization and drive continuous improvement to help build/maintain a culture of good work ethic, loyalty, lean manufacturing. The position also requires embrace the Custom activities of the brand.

Job Responsibilities: 

  •  Keeps records on repairs and parts used in repairs. 
  •  Performs appropriate repair to gel coat and metal flake; remove scratches by sanding and buffing; fixes deeper scratches by mixing gel coat, working it down and spraying it.
  •  Track replacement part work orders and prepare for shipping.
  •  Moves parts to and from workplace, while keeping the work area clean.
  •  Laying in and rolling of chop/mat, biaxial, woven and foam into decks, hulls, and liners. Apply sheets of fiberglass and liquid resin to mold of boat and smooth out with brushes and rollers. 
  •  Responsible for ensuring quality in production operations. 
  •  Moves material to and from workstations and maintains clean and orderly workstation. 
  •  Reports to work on time for designated shift. Required to adhere to company safety policies and procedures. 
  •  Works cooperatively with co-workers.


Qualification Requirements: 

  •  Minimum education level required, however GED or equivalent preferred. Previous lamination experience preferred.  Must be able to read and understand instructions.

Apply