January 2026 Newsletter – Belts & Pullies
Photo Essay: Belts & Pullies
The internal combustion engine fan belt and pully arrangement has been around since the early 1900s, with the first “endless”...
Editorial: Soliciting Negative Feedback – Feature: Of Piston Rings, Cross Hatch, Blow-By and Carbon
From the Masthead
Soliciting Negative Feedback If you are a parent, then you know the last thing young children and adolescents want to hear is criticism,...
December 2025 Newsletter – Lithium-Ion Batter Terminals
Photo Essay: Lithium-Ion Battery Terminals
It is a truism, lithium-ion batteries, used in house battery bank systems, have become veritably standard equipment in today’s recreational...
Editorial: Jet Lost because of Maintenance Error – Feature: Offshore Passage Prep
From the Masthead
US Navy 60 Million Dollar Jet Lost Because of a Maintenance Error I’m sure I’m not alone in my fascination with small oversights...
October 2025 Newsletter – Exhaust Injection Angle
Photo Essay: Exhaust Injection Angle
Water-cooled, often referred to as “wet” exhaust systems, enable otherwise extremely hot gasses to be safely conveyed through a vessel,...
Editorial: Visiting the USS SAGINAW’s Gig- Feature: Buying a Metal Boat
From the Masthead
Visiting the USS SAGINAW’s Gig In late 2022 I had an opportunity to achieve a long-held ambition, to see the famed gig belonging...
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...








