Ask Steve

  Photo Essay: Steering Component Inspection Text and photos by Steve D’Antonio Copyright © 2017 Steering represents one of the most important systems aboard, at least equal to propulsion, electrical and...

Text and photos copyright © SDMC, Inc. 2016 Photo Essay While it may be cliché, the first words that come to mind when I see this image...

Photo Essay: Generator Enclosure Chafe Protection Text and photos by Steve D'Antonio Copyright © 2016 When I carry out a vessel inspection, wiring security and the potential for chafe is...

Ask Steve: PVC Plumbing, Low Hour Engine Maintenance, Solar Panel Fire By Steve D'Antonio Photos by Steve D'Antonio and except where noted Steve D'Antonio This PVC "pool" valve...

Text and photos © 2019 Steve D’Antonio Marine Consulting, Inc. Photo Essay: Anchor Rode Cut-Away Lines Other than for inspections or testing, it’s a part of...

Text and photos by Steve D’Antonio Copyright © 2017 Photo Essay: Battery Lugs Reliably connecting batteries to their associated cables sounds easy.  In practice, however, it can be fraught...

Text and photos © 2021 Steve D'Antonio Marine Consulting, Inc. Photo Essay: Steering Steering, it’s one of the primary systems you simply can’t do without, along...

Photo Essay: Seacock Appendages It’s a scenario I encounter all too often, a “Christmas tree” of hard plumbing, T’s, nipples and other fittings, connected directly...

Photo Essay: Fuel Tank (no) Support Structural failures of fuel tanks are nearly always traceable to either installation or construction flaws, with the former being...

Photo Essay: Means of Reboarding “If you fall overboard, there’s no way to re-board the vessel without assistance”.  I uttered those words just last week,...