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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!

      

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

Sweet potato black bean tacos - for a boat

🎧Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos – Perfect Boat Pantry Meal

June 28, 2025 By Nica Waters

Sweet potato black bean tacos are a perfect boat meal. They’re versatile and can be made even when your stores are light.

Spend Time on the Water – the Best Prep for Cruising

June 26, 2025 By Carolyn Shearlock

Spend time on the water before you start cruising. It’s better than classes, books. or videos. It can’t be beat.

People swimming beside an anchored sailboat with mountains in the background - enjoy happy hour off your boat

🎧Enjoy a Cool Happy Hour Off Your Boat

June 21, 2025 By Carolyn Shearlock

When it’s hot, enjoy a cool happy hour off your boat. Here are tips to keep it cool, safe, and fun for everyone.

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