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...
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. ...