July 2022 Newsletter “Closed Cooling System Hose Failure”
Photo Essay: Closed Cooling System Hose Failure
While both must be reliable and robust, hoses used for conveying coolant (often incorrectly referred to as anti-freeze)...
November 2016 Newsletter
Text and photos by Steve D’Antonio Copyright © 2016
Photo Essay: Generator Wiring Today, generators are commonplace aboard cruising power and sailing vessels, providing near-limitless AC electricity for refrigeration,...
June 2024 Newsletter – There’s Bronze and there’s Bronze
Photo Essay: There’s Bronze and there’s Bronze
Bronze, an alloy made from copper and tin, has long been used for raw water components aboard recreational,...
The Invaluable Fuel Filter Vacuum Gauge – Editorial: My Kingdom for a Set Screw…
From the Masthead
My kingdom for a set-screw… The headline is an eye-catcher for any gearhead, “The incorrect installation of a single set screw led to...
August 2023 Newsletter: Livewell Pump Installation
Photo Essay: Livewell Pump Installation
Raw water plumbing fittings, particularly those below the waterline, must be rugged and reliable. ABYC Standards dictate that, “A seacock...
The Need for Smoke Detectors – Editorial: Read the Contract
From the Masthead
Read the Contract In the past few months I’ve received several calls from individuals who were preparing to take delivery of newly built...
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...
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...
Ask Steve
Copyright © 2014 SDMC Inc. Steve, I have read your articles in Cruising World for years and have found them very informative. Recently I notice that the...
Diesel Fuel Additives – Part II
From the Editor
Last fall I walked the aisles of the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show on the hunt for new and interesting products. During those...







