Ask Steve

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...

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...

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. ...

SDMC Special Offer The SDMC Marine Systems Excellence E-zine readers are being offered a special 15% discount on their Top Shelf Marine Products purchase.  Please...

Text and photos by Steve D'Antonio Copyright © 2017 My Love/Hate Relationship with Bilge Pump Control Panels While it's often given short shrift, bilge pump design and installation is every...

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: Fixed Fire Extinguisher Manual Discharge Fixed engine room firefighting systems are an invaluable safety option for virtually every inboard powered vessel.  These familiar...

After receiving the following letter from a consulting client a discussion on the subject of CO poisoning seemed in order.   Steve, After recalling reading something on...

Text and photos © 2020 Steve D'Antonio Marine Consulting, Inc. Photo Essay: Battery Box Installation Battery installations aren’t sexy; once installed years can go by without...

Copyright © 2016 Ask Steve: July 2016 Steve, I just bought an Ocean Alexander 42 Sedan with CAT 3208s in it.  They do not have air cleaner filters, just...