SD didn’t set himself up as a writer of boat reviews, he sold (and is selling) himself as an expert in marine technical matters.
Before spending a dime to subscribe to the product of what he wants you to believe is a superior level of technical knowledge, consider what he is selling and what it has probably cost some of his gullible clients.
In SD’s article “Attention to Detail” the photo below is offered as an example of “Installing electrical terminals over paint results in a poor, high resistance connection.”
Careful attention to the details in the photo show the end of the barrel is not painted. This indicates that the heat shrink tubing and wire were masked before painting of the area on which the terminal is bolted.
The head of the bolt holding the terminal does not show any indication of paint damage consistent with the use of a tool to tighten or remove the fastener or the washers.
It is impossible to determine the electrical characteristics of that connection by visual observation. To claim knowledge of the electrical status of that terminal is unprofessional and depending on the purpose of the observation, unethical and potentially costly. Any diagnosis based on visual inspection of this connection can only be called the result of a complete failure to pay attention to detail.
Publishing this photo as an example shows lack of regard for material facts and if the author was aware of the real condition, indicates a questionable level of respect for the readers whom he might have believed would or could not tell the difference. The fact that this photo is still used in the article may indicate that either the author doesn’t know any better, or his clients and readers prefer to avoid mentioning the obvious.
A pull quote from an interview with him that is on his site:
Q: What's one of the worst installations you've seen?
A: Not too long ago I looked at a boat, and all the raw-water hoses were actually pneumatic hoses.
That is very interesting. I wonder how much that detail cost the owner.
There are no “standards” for raw water hoses and generally, a hose sold for use as an air hose is probably extreme overkill for low pressure water. Pneumatic hoses are normally oil resistant, multi-ply, highly resistant to collapse from a vacuum, and are the same hoses used for hydraulics or other fluids.
If the hose was large enough to be used on the suction side of the raw water pump it was of far higher quality, chemical resistance and strength than any marine exhaust hose or other non-collapsible hose sold in a marine store.
Air and Multipurpose Hose | Goodyear® Engineered Products ::
If all he did was write boat review fluff pieces he would be just another harmless magazine hack. The fact that he is trying to enlist a new band of believers may not be harmless for many of them.