When working on boat projects, extra hands can help–especially smaller ones. But how do you deal with minor injuries that result?
Summary
For all the talk about the importance of mechanical ability and hand strength for boat projects, sometimes having hands small enough to get into tight spaces is even more crucial. And the minor injuries that come with those projects are part of boat life.
When we had to restring a line on our centerboard, my hands were the only ones on board that fit, barely. I got a few cuts and scrapes, and even a blister. It’s part of the process.
Another time, during an engine rebuild, I was the only one able to remove the motor mounts. Why? My hands were the only ones small enough to reach.
There are other examples. But the main takeaway is that if you’re struggling with a boat project, consider asking crew members with smaller hands for help. Or borrow help from another vessel. Teens are great helpers for this.
The second lesson is that bite boats are inevitable. The key is to keep minor injuries from becoming infected. Rely on frequent hand washing, antibiotic ointment, and keeping injuries covered. For more details about how small hands help with boat jobs and how to care for the resulting injury, listen to the complete podcast or, if you prefer to read, check out Small Hands and Caring for Minor Injuries.
Links:
Tincture of Benzoin (Amazon)
Antibacterial Ointment (Amazon)
Today’s episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is sponsored by Lunatec, makers of the hydration spray bottle, odor-free dishcloth and self-cleaning washcloth. Lunatec offers practical gear designed to save water and reduce waste. A water bottle that doubles as a garden hose? A dish cloth that doesn’t get stinky? Yes, please! Visit Lunatecgear.com to learn more; use code boatgalley to save 10% on everything. Lunatec: innovative gear for your outdoor adventures.
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Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
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