Marine Systems Excellence eMagazine

Fuel Filters Simplified   Story and photos by Steve D’Antonio        The debris in this filter bowl is a sure sign there is trouble in the fuel tank....

This "wasp-waisted" strut bolt represents a classic example of crevice corrosion Stainless steel; the very name implies virtual metallurgical immortality.  Since its accidental discovery nearly 100 years ago,...

Don't Be Alarmed Why engine and other systems alarms are invaluable by Steve D'Antonio Keeping track of what is going on with your vessel's vital systems is a crucial part...

  For most users, little thought is given to properly breaking in a generator...   Stories about marine diesel engine longevity are legion and it seems to...

Ensuring the Longevity of Paint When Applied Over Aluminum Components April 2011 Military, commercial, scientific and a few recreational vessels built using aluminum alloy often utilize the un-painted approach, and...

Dear SDMC blog subscribers: What follows is a recent cruising log entry from SDMC Captains' Club members Dick and Ginger Stevenson, cruising aboard their Valiant...

The following monologue was written by a colleague of mine, a 30+ year veteran Chesapeake Bay Ship's Pilot.  On two occasions I've had the pleasure of accompanying...

The Relationship Between Battery Bank Size and Charge Capability   The house battery bank is the electrical heart of most cruising vessels; it supplies all the...

Life Raft Details  Part II   Make certain you understand how life raft security and deployment mechanisms are designed to work, don't assume they've been properly rigged. ...

Recently, an SDMC consulting client who is in the process of having a 68-foot cruising vessel built, contacted me.  He posed several important questions regarding...