On-Land Ship Repair Confusion

[Malarkey]

I've been playing about a week, and am confused about something regarding the Ship Repair minigames which are on land. When someone else is playing beside me there is a yellow circle around the activity they're doing with their name labeled, and often I am unable to do all the tasks. How does this work? How does it affect the pay I get? It seems like I don't get all the pay.

Also, the game tip says the more ships you repair the more you get paid, but I'm not seeing that. My pay remains the same even after several games in a row, or until another player comes in and I get less.

Can someone please help me understand what's going on? Thanks!