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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

John Herlig

The Right Way

Published on January 31, 2024; last updated on January 31, 2024 by John Herlig

Anchoring and a cruiser gathering leads John Herlig to reflect on the right way to do things. And why your right way is best.

Home From the Bahamas

Published on November 22, 2023; last updated on November 21, 2023 by John Herlig

Thanks to Hurricane Dorian, getting home from the Bahamas meant sailing without an engine. Read one cruiser’s tale.

First Day in Mole St Nicolas, Haiti

Published on October 18, 2023; last updated on October 17, 2023 by John Herlig

Arriving in Haiti with a buddy boat–learn about the local friends made by one solo cruiser their first day in Mole St Nicolas.

The Choice of Happiness

Published on September 13, 2023; last updated on September 11, 2023 by John Herlig

An extended stay in West Palm Beach reminds one that adversity can contribute to happiness. You just need to make a choice.

Old Boat New Problems

Published on August 16, 2023; last updated on November 28, 2023 by John Herlig

Corroded wires and wire nuts

A good old boat that has seen some adventures can still offer surprises in new problems. Here’s one cruiser’s story.

Joy, Terror, and the ICW

Published on July 19, 2023; last updated on July 19, 2023 by John Herlig

The ICW has challenges for every sailor–no matter how salty. Here’s how John Herlig experienced it his first time.

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Welcome

Carolyn Shearlock

Hi! I'm Carolyn Shearlock. My husband and I have been living on a boat and cruising over 17 years and 13,000 miles, first on a Tayana 37 monohull and then on a 34' Gemini catamaran. Along the way, we sold pretty much everything we owned (twice!), gained a great boat dog, had a bunch of wonderful times and some adventures . . . and learned a ton about what does and doesn't work!

      

Getting Started

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The Boat Galley can be overwhelming with over 1,000 articles. We have four FREE mini-courses to guide you to just the info you need, whether you’re discovering what living on a boat would be like, preparing to cruise, overwhelmed with the first-year learning curve, or needing help with cooking aboard. Click here.

Latest Articles & Podcasts

Man watches another main watching the bottom of a hauled out boat - hauling out your boat

Tips for Hauling Out Your Boat

June 5, 2025 By Carolyn Shearlock

If hauling out your boat is a new experience, read these tips to make it easier and less stressful. Little things you need to know.

Boat at anchor with inset picture of man with red hair and grey shirt

Liveaboard Boat Insurance: Coverage for Full-Time Cruisers

June 2, 2025 By Carolyn Shearlock/Ben Belyea

Liveaboard boat insurance can be hard to find. What’s a cruiser to do? Here’s what you need to know to find coverage.

digital map of florida with pins - no foreign land app

🎧 No Foreign Land – A Great Resource for Cruisers

May 31, 2025 By Nica Waters

We’ve found the No Foreign Land app a vital source of practical information in new anchorages. Here’s what we love about it.

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