Boating Resources
provided by Steve D'Antonio Marine Consulting, Inc.
Below you will find excerpts from Steve D’ Antonio’s “Marine Systems Excellence” blog. With nearly 25 years of experience as a marine mechanic, electrician, consultant and boatyard manager, Steve ranks as one of the most knowledgeable boating experts in the country. His ability to explain highly technical information on a wide array of boating topics in a clear, easy to read and easy to use manner has made him one of the most widely read boating writers and lecturers today. Steve's commitment is to strive to improve the safety and reliability of boating products while increasing the confidence and enjoyment of boat owners. In short, Steve strives to help bring the fun back to searching for, building, maintaining, repairing and owning a boat. Links to Steve’s website can be found below.
Attention to Detail
by Steve D'Antonio
April 2, 2013
Dismiss the details as “small stuff not to be worried about” and you’ll almost certainly find yourself suffering the consequences.
While less renowned than his successor, Patrick O’Brien, C.S. Forester’s epic Hornblower series of Napoleonic War era seagoing novels remains a perennial favorite. I own and have read every volume at least twice and some more often than that, and I never fail to garner enjoyment each and every time I do so. In addition to the pure entertainment value, Forester’s writing style makes one savor every word, the seamanship, nautical argot and command interaction details are equally as enjoyable, particularly for those who have an interest in maritime history and the development of managerial and leadership skills. I recently re-read “Hornblower and the Atropos” in preparation for writing this column on the subject of attention to detail.
The beauty of this story lies in the manner in which the protagonist, Captain Horatio Hornblower, is alerted to the unfolding subterfuge. It begins when he hears a distant musket shot, the report of which is dulled by the heavy fog surrounding his ship as it lies placidly at anchor in a roadstead known as The Downs, off England’s southeast coast. He thinks little of it; there any number of reasons why a firearm might be discharged, intentionally or by accident in a crowded anchorage, he reasons. A few minutes later, as he glances over the side he spies an oar floating by. On its own this too might be dismissed as not unusual, there are many ships and many small boats with oars that could easily be lost, however coupled with the shot it now has the potential for trouble. Hornblower orders the oar retrieved. When he examines it more closely several clues are offered up...
Visit Steve's Blog to Continue Reading
The Importance of Professionalism
by Steve D'Antonio
March 4, 2013
A couple of years ago I received a desperate plea for guidance from one of my clients. He’s one of the most level headed, even-tempered folks I know yet, his frustration was palpable, and understandably so. He took his boat to a service facility where a dealer came aboard to work on the water maker. Sadly, for the customer, the story of this water maker is a long one indeed. It’s the second one he’s had in two years, the first, when it was uncrated, looked as if it had been transported across the country in the back of a pickup truck. Ultimately, a review of the serial number determined that this “new” unit was indeed, “years old”. When the manufacturer was confronted on this they conceded, admitting that they had neglected to provide a new(er) serial number for the unit when it was sold. I’m not making this up. It was ultimately returned for a refund.
A new water maker was purchased from a different manufacturer and installed. Unfortunately, its performance was and has remained problematic from day one and support from the manufacturer has, at times been difficult at best. The latest source of the client’s frustration, and his request for assistance, was a result of a visit from a “professional” service technician who is a dealer for this product. His behavior left the client feeling very much less than confident. Among other foibles, he gave directions that contradicted the unit’s labeling and instruction manual, filters were not replaced because he didn’t have the correct tools, and after his departure it was discovered that valves were left in positions that not only prevented the unit from working, the vessel’s water supply had been disabled as well. Understandably, the client asked me “is this typical?” Sadly, and sheepishly I was forced to admit that it wasn’t atypical for this industry.
Visit Steve's Blog to Continue Reading
Cutlass Bearing Etiquette
by Steve D'Antonio
February 1, 2013
Over the last few months I’ve received a series of e mails from readers regarding cutless bearing and shaft alignment woes. As I responded to each I was reminded by the importance of making certain that cutless bearings are periodically inspected, and replaced when worn out. Additionally, and insidiously, in many cases shaft s and bearings are improperly aligned, the result of which may be accelerated bearing and shaft wear, increased fuel consumption and vibration. I say insidiously because an improperly aligned bearing/shaft can lead a casual or inexperienced inspector to conclude that the former isn’t worn and therefore cleared for another season of use. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth and misalignment between a bearing and shaft is of far greater concern, and has the ability to cause more costly damage than a simple worn out bearing. The common method for determining wear involves lifting or shaking the shaft, while it’s unscientific if it makes a ‘thunk’ then it’s worn, however, a misaligned shaft will often be bound within a bearing, preventing any movement. American Boat and Yacht Council guidelines do specify allowable clearances between shaft and bearing. A two inch shaft, for instance, may have up to 0.010” of clearance between it and the cutless bearing.
While carrying out a vessel inspection a few years ago, I grabbed the blades of the propellers on a twin screw 50-foot vessel, to turn them so I could read the props’ specifications. Try as I might, my feet lifted off the ground; I was unable to get either prop to turn. In some cases, particularly on new boats, this may not necessarily mean there’s a problem. New, unused cutless bearings tend to be a little sticky. They can be lubricated with diluted dishwashing detergent, which usually enables them to turn easily.
Visit Steve's Blog to Continue Reading
The Art of the Engine Survey
by Steve D'Antonio
January 3, 2013
In the past year I’ve carried out scores of sea trials. The bulk of these were associated with pre-purchase inspections, while others were to diagnose and troubleshoot problems or evaluate completed repairs, and still others were designed to evaluate vessels for existing owners, while teaching them about propulsion system operation and maintenance.
In many of these cases, a professional mechanic or mechanics accompanied the vessel in order to monitor the propulsion system and its operating characteristics, often using special tools and equipment such as manometers, pressure and vacuum gauges and pyrometers. Regrettably, however, in the vast majority of these cases, these professionals failed to fulfill the duties for which they were hired and often well-compensated.
Visit Steve's Blog to Continue Reading