Can you use all the systems on your boat? Someday, you may have to.
If there is more than one person on board, systems have to be planned so that everyone can do every function.
Listen in to hear how and why . . .
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Terry Bogart says
NO……
David Richards says
My wife was away so I thought I would take the boat out for a week, the weather was going to be good and there was little else that interested me. Packed the truck and loaded the dog. Beer and food, blankets and pillows.
About now things started getting difficult. Just unloading the truck and getting off the dock was so different. Water tanks filled and propane ready, check. Food below and fridge stuffed higgley piggley,check. This is going to be great, but I’m tired already. Holy cow my wife does so much while I’m usually filling the water tanks and chatting with people on the dock when we get ready to go. Underway having a spouse fills the trip with happy chatter and planning, regular snacks being passed out from the cabin, never thinking she is down below making the bed up and organizing, cleaning and preparing lockers and putting all the clothes away.
Anchoring is difficult by myself and stern tying is even more challenging without a spouse.
I rely on her so much.. she is always ready to help raise the sails and run to the bow to unhook a misbehaving line. Remembering to close the ports. Standing at the bow retrieving the anchor chain and and clearing the foredeck of clutter and securing the anchor. If she was sick below and needing care it would be very difficult to operate a yacht alone. She has always said if I died while we were underway she would head the boat to the nearest land and step off just after she runs ashore.
Lisa Madigan-Carey says
I will be watching this as soon as I am in good internet. My husband and I talk about this all the time. I need to know more. Thanks for this in advance.