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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

Nica Waters

🎧Buddy Boating – Yes or No?

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

Company is great. But what kind of buddy boating is best for you?

🎧Cruising – A Lot More Than Boat Work

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

Is cruising really doing boat work in exotic locations? I don’t think so. And here’s why.

🎧Why We Love the VHF Radio

Published on March 21, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

A cruiser’s VHF radio provides support, information, and entertainment. Here’s why you should rely on yours too.

🎧Simple Offshore Fishing Gear

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

Yes, you can fish underway without a rod. Check out our simple fishing rig.

🎧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 January 28, 2026 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.

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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!

How Can We Help You?

I'm curious about the cruising life What is it, who does it, and what's it really like day to day?
I'm tempted — but is it realistic for my situation? My budget, my health, my partner, my life, my skills (or lack thereof)
I'm getting ready to go Buying a boat, getting insurance, planning to move aboard
I'm aboard and navigating the learning curve How do I make it the life I dreamed of?

Latest Articles & Podcasts

Easy Hack for Filling Boat Water Tanks

June 4, 2026

Do you fill your water tanks from 5-gallon containers – either jerry cans or purchased water? This easy hack for filling boat water tanks makes it simple.

Silhouettes of people watching the sunset - sunset traditions

Should I Go Cruising?

June 2, 2026

Should I go cruising on my own boat? here are seven important topics to consider in deciding if living on a boat is for you.

How to Avoid Bad Sailing Days

May 31, 2026

Had a trip from hell and wondering if this is really what you want to be doing for “fun?” Future trips will almost certainly be better – here’s why.

Living on a boat

There's no shortage of sailing and navigation courses. But who teaches you how to provision, store everything, stay cool, prep for hurricanes, and actually live on a boat? We do.

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11 courses covering every aspect of life afloat — from deciding if cruising is right for you, to moving aboard, provisioning, storage, tiny fridges, VHF radio, hurricane prep, cruising the Bahamas, boat dogs, and more.

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