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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

Nica Waters

🎧How to Make Oil Changes Less Messy

Published on February 28, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Oil changes are crucial for keeping your boat engine running. Here are 3 tools that make the job less messy. And easier.

🎧Snubber Smarts

Published on February 14, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

All chain rode is definitely the safest. But is it comfortable at anchor? it can be–if you use a snubber. Learn more.

🎧Small Essentials for Life Onboard

Published on February 7, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

It’s the small things that make life onboard more enjoyable. Here are a few of our faves.

🎧 Mail Call When You Live on a Boat

Published on January 24, 2023; last updated on May 1, 2023 by Nica Waters

It’s a simple thing to order a package, right? Well, if you’re cruising it’s a little more complicated. Here’s how we managed while cruising the Virgin Islands.

🎧 Clearing Into the Virgin Islands on Your Own Boat

Published on January 17, 2023; last updated on January 31, 2023 by Nica Waters

Checking into a new country when you arrive as a cruiser doesn’t have to be difficult. Learn about the apps we used to make the whole process of immigration and customs much easier.

🎧Holiday Traditions When Living on a Boat

Published on January 10, 2023; last updated on May 25, 2023 by Nica Waters

Perhaps you miss family and friends during holidays on your cruising boat. But you can still have a joy-filled time by making your own traditions. Here are some of our favorites.

🎧Tracking Tool to Stay In Touch When On Passage On A Boat

Published on January 3, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Cruising today offers many more options for helping friends and family track your travels. Here’s one nifty tool we really love.

🎧Diesel Management on a “Sailing” Passage

Published on December 27, 2022; last updated on May 28, 2023 by Nica Waters

If the wind dies on a passage, you don’t want to be caught short. Here’s how to manage your diesel to make sure you have what you need when you need it.

🎧 Passage Weather Stats

Published on December 20, 2022; last updated on December 13, 2023 by Nica Waters

Weather is a huge challenge when passage making. Will you have too much wind? Not enough? Or will it be just right?

🎧Boat Passage Watch Schedule Considerations

Published on December 13, 2022; last updated on May 19, 2023 by Nica Waters

Is there one best way to schedule watches when on a passage? Yep. It’s the one that’s best for you. Here are some cruiser’s favorite options for you to consider.

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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!

      

Latest Articles & Podcasts

marina at night with sailboats - calculating power needs

🎧Calculating Power Needs for a Cruising Boat

October 11, 2025 By Carolyn Shearlock

Calculating power needs for a cruising boat is the difference between being comfortable on board and just getting by. Here’s how.

Man on a sailboat deck adjusting a furling sail

Hurricane Prep: Reducing Windage

October 9, 2025 By Carolyn Shearlock

Reducing windage is key, when prepping for a hurricane. Especially since you can’t guarantee your boat will stay head to wind. Here’s how.

handwriting and a smiley face - guest book for cruisers

🎧The Best Guest Book for Cruisers

October 4, 2025 By Nica Waters

What is the best guest book for cruisers? One that gives guests time and space to write about cherished memories.

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