Marine Systems Excellence eMagazine

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...

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: ...

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...

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...

                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...

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...

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...

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.  ...

  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,...

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...