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...
Ask Steve – October 2014
Hi Steve, You often see shore cords in the water for a few feet between the pedestal and the boat. Sometimes it is difficult...
Oil Analysis – Editorial: The Need for Vocational Training
From the Masthead
As I mentioned in a previous column, an editorial I authored was recently published in a trade publication, on the subject of...
Alaskan Excursion
From the Masthead
By now most boaters are aware of the issues presented by use of gasoline containing ethanol, which include tank and fuel system...
Fire Extinguisher Query
Dear Steve: I recently looked at a new boat at a boat show. I noticed something that caught my attention and I wondered if you...
Feature: Damper Plates – Editorial: It’s Dangerous Out There
From the Masthead
It’s Dangerous Out there; Pay attention, your life, limbs, or eyesight, may depend on it. When I was a U.S. Naval Sea...
Ask Steve – September 2015
Hello Steve, I'm a long time reader, the first time was with PassageMaker about 14 years ago. I have a question, can I put...
Feature Article: Bottom Paint Halos, what causes them and how to prevent them from...
From the Masthead
“You don’t need reporting smoke alarms, you have insurance” A few years ago, while working with a client on a new build project,...
My Old Boat has Good Legs
My Old Boat Has Good Legs By Bob Lane
Photos by Bob Lane and Steve D’Antonio Bob Lane
Quadra anchored in Skull Cove, British Columbia
My old boat has good...
Special Safety Announcement
Text and photos © 2020 Steve D'Antonio Marine Consulting, Inc. Life Rafts I’ve been an advocate of Viking Life Rafts for some time, and especially since...