Marty and Joe Signorelli own Diamond Marine, a respected performance outboard dealer and service shop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and they are passing on their passion for the marine industry to their nephew Michael. The younger Signorelli attends Coal Shores High School in Key Largo, Florida, and the school is one of the few with a dedicated marine vocational program. Students who participate in the four-year program learn the skills to service marine engines. Upon graduation, they can get jobs as marine mechanics or continue their vocational technical education.
Instructor Chris Catlett has been teaching the course for 12 years. He’s a 20-year Coast Guard veteran with more than 30 years of marine experience. More than 100 students attend the program. The students work on a mix of two- and four-stroke outboards, learning how to rebuild powerheads and gear cases, and to diagnose and repair hydraulic and electrical systems.
Given his uncle’s history with outboard performance, Michael Signorelli has the marine industry in his blood. His father, Frank, is a private-boat captain and Michael, a sophomore, started in the Marine Service School program in 2015. His first project was rebuilding a two-stroke 9.9 hp Mercury outboard. He has since built a 7.5 hp motor and made successful repairs on other motors. Michael is interested in engineering and naval architecture.
