Engine Alignment
REQUIRED TOOLS: Common hand tools
Combination wrenches
Large pry bar, 2x4 or hydraulic jack with spreader attachments
Feeler gauges, preferably go-no-go variety
Eye protection PARTS: ...
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...
Editorial: Engine Room Fire; Lessons Learned – Feature: Compression and Leak-Down Testing
From the Masthead
Engine Room Fire; Lessons Learned Of all the tragedies that can befall a vessel, fire is, in my opinion, the most catastrophic. Flooding...
June 2025 Newsletter – Fan Belt Shedding
Photo Essay: Fan Belt Shedding
Fan belts fulfill a vital role for engines; they transfer energy from the crankshaft pulley to other vital components and...
Editorial: Preparing for a Survey, Revisited – Feature: Tariffs and Foreign Flagging
From the Masthead
Preparing for a Survey, Revisited Two years ago, I penned an editorial entitled “Preparing for a Survey”, in which I shared tips for...
May 2025 Newsletter – Lifeline Corrosion
Photo Essay: Lifeline Corrosion
While plastic coated wire lifelines are a ubiquitous aspect of small boat safety, they aren’t without their shortcomings. Long ago, while...
Editorial: Marine Systems Excellence Underway Once Again – Feature: Navigation Lights
From the Masthead.
Marine Systems Excellence is Underway Once Again Let me begin by apologizing for the unintended hiatus taken by the Marine Systems Excellence eMagazine. ...
February 2025 Newsletter – Plumbing Bonding Technique
Photo Essay: Plumbing Bonding Technique
As I carry out inspections, one of the issues I frequently encounter involves bonding or grounding (there is a difference,...
December 2024 Newsletter – Fixed Fire Extinguisher Manual Discharge
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...
Feature: Raw Water Plumbing Etiquette – Editorial: The Marine Equipment Trade Show and Electrification
From the Masthead
The Marine Equipment Trade Show and Electrification I’m writing this month’s column while in flight, as I am homeward-bound from the Marine Equipment...