May 2019 Newsletter
Text and photos © 2019 Steve D’Antonio Marine Consulting, Inc. Photo Essay: Field-Made Bus Bars
Bus bars (it’s not spelled ‘buss’, the likely confusion arises from...
September 2022 Newsletter “Generator AC Wiring”
Photo Essay: Generator AC Wiring
Of all the defects I encounter on generator installations, poor wire routing and support are among the most common. Generators...
Ask Steve – November 2015
Please note, our first two questions are in regard to a previous Photo Essay. Steve,
I agree with your advice for grounding electronic equipment, but no...
June 2021 Newsletter “AC Ground Wire Sizing”
From the Masthead
Let me begin by apologizing to Marine Systems Excellence readers for our hiatus. As most boat owners, and virtually anyone who is...
September 2019 Newsletter
Text and photos © 2019 Steve D'Antonio Marine Consulting, Inc.
Photo Essay: Hydraulic Steering Relief Valve
Hydraulic steering systems are ubiquitous, they are found on everything...
June 2016 Newsletter
Text and photos copyright © SDMC, Inc. 2016
Ask Steve: June 2016
Steve, Thanks for the fire extinguisher comments. Safety is a passion of mine and 18 months...
February 2026 Newsletter – Shore Power Over-Current Protection
Photo Essay: Shore Power Over-Current Protection
Over-current protection, or OCP, a subject I write about all too often (most recently here), only because it is...
February 2022 Newsletter “Cord-Grips”
Text and photos © 2022 Steve D'Antonio Marine Consulting, Inc.
Photo Essay: Cord-Grips
Electrical issues represent by far the most common problem faced by vessel operators. ...
July 2025 Newsletter – Risers and Siphon-Breaks
Photo Essay: The Perils of an Unvented Loop
Vented loops, also known as anti-siphon valves or siphon-breaks, have served mariners for many years. Their mission...
November 2022 Newsletter “Wiring Lithium-Ion Battery Systems”
Photo Essay: Wiring Lithium-Ion Battery Systems
Fires aboard vessels equipped with lithium-ion batteries quickly capture the attention of the boat building and cruising communities, and...







