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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

Nica Waters

🎧Onboard Office Equipment

Published on August 29, 2023; last updated on January 31, 2026 by Nica Waters

With so many things to label on a boat, this is one tool you want to make room for.

🎧Organizing Fasteners

Published on August 22, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Fasteners on a boat aren’t cheap. Here’s how to organize them so you don’t lose them.

🎧 Boatyard Essentials

Published on August 15, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

If you own a boat, you’re going to have to work on it in the boatyard at some point. But these tools make the work go a little bit easier.

🎧Painting the Bilge – An Easy Upgrade

Published on August 8, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Painting your bilge or lockers is an easy upgrade. Here are the 7 steps to help you get the best results.

🎧Reinstallation – The Order of Events

Published on August 1, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

When you’re making repairs, it’s important to remember the steps for reinstalling items. Here are a few tips.

🎧An Introduction to Nica Waters

Published on July 25, 2023; last updated on July 19, 2023 by Nica Waters

Been listening to the podcast and wondering about the cruiser behind one of the voices? Meet Nica Waters!

🎧How to Measure Your Anchor Rode

Published on July 18, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Setting a good anchor means you know how much to put out. Marking your rode is key. Here’s how to do it.

🎧Cruising Elizabeth City

Published on July 11, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Elizabeth City, on the southern end of the Dismal Swamp Route is well worth a visit. Here’s what we found when we landed.

🎧 The Not-So-Dismal Swamp

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

Don’t pay attention to the name. The Dismal Swamp is better than the name. Here’s what you need to know.

🎧Yummy Red Lentil Soup

Published on June 27, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

This delicious red lentil soup with curry flavor is great for when you’re busy. And it’s easily made from ingredients you already have in your pantry.

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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

An older couple smiling on their sailboat, showing that sailing in your 70s is very much possible.

Sailing in Your 70s: What It Really Takes to Go Cruising as You Age

June 30, 2026

Wondering if you’re too old to start cruising, or too old to keep going? Here’s the honest answer from someone who did it.

bottle of water on the shore with sailboat in the background - do you need a watermaker

Do You Need a Watermaker?

June 30, 2026

Do you need a watermaker to go cruising? What are the pros and cons? Things to consider before making a major purchase.

cold lime drink resting on a boat with the open sea behind it, a reminder to avoid dehydration on a boat

Dehydration on a Boat Sneaks Up Fast

June 27, 2026

Dehydration put my husband in the ER after a February day in Key West. Here’s how it sneaks up on boaters, and how to stay ahead of it.

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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