mid atlantic shops are often seasonal, and hit or miss as far as quality of work, reputation, and such.
Tools are not too bad, but can go up, depending on how deep you get in to it, for a fix. Most shops just swap outdrives, rather than repair them.
I'm with OM, I would look at diesel and try being an independent or truck guy.
I did OK just with routine maintenance on the northern neck as no one wants to drive there from Richmond or F-burg. I only did the jobs I wanted to do, as you will find some people will hoo-doo you from the get go. The other "mechanics" in the area were slobs and boat people HATE that, and a few were way over their head in doing oil changes and filters.
Best of luck, I would try to get on with a manufacturer or a top notch brokerage/dealer if you don't want to truck it. They can get you in to the ABYC and maker schools for WAY less than an independent. A lot depends on where you are, you NEED to be on the water somewhere.
