Repairs, Maintenance & DIY

Simple and more advanced projects, routine maintenance, quick ways to make big differences, solving nagging problems, tips and tools to make the work easier and getting help from pros.

Published on February 27, 2013; last updated on September 3, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Got an under-utilized hanging locker that’s just not organized? Here’s how we improved ours! [More] Improve Your Storage Space

The Galley on the Hard

Published on January 4, 2013; last updated on April 29, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Unfortunately, sometimes we’re not on the water . . . we’re in the yard. Can you really live aboard and cook? Yep! [More] The Galley on the Hard

Hang It Up!

Published on December 2, 2012; last updated on June 10, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Need a hook for towels, pot holders or a dish rag? Want some pictures on the wall? Here’s the perfect answer — and you can remove them without a trace! [More] Hang It Up!

Keeping It Handy

Published on August 15, 2012; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Need a secure way to hold recipes . . . or instructions? Here’s a simple and virtually free way to do it — almost anywhere! [More] Keeping It Handy

Glass Storage

Published on July 27, 2012; last updated on September 3, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

How to store wine or liquor bottles and glasses — or any other glass bottles — on a boat? Here’s a quick project that’ll keep them safe! [More] Glass Storage

PVC Saw

Published on July 25, 2012; last updated on June 10, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

I’ve had to cut PVC for several galley projects and hated cutting it. Then I tried this saw. Four words say it all: HOT KNIFE THROUGH BUTTER. [More] PVC Saw

A Better Hanging Fruit Basket

Published on June 27, 2012; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Make your own hanging fruit basket that solves three big problems with the wire ones! Easy and inexpensive, too. [More] A Better Hanging Fruit Basket

Anti-Seize

Published on April 9, 2012; last updated on October 17, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Instead of looking for better ways of getting parts un-frozen, why not just avoid the problem in the first place! [More] Anti-Seize

Simple Exhaust Fan

Published on February 20, 2012; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

A simple exhaust fan can do a LOT to keep the galley cool, by removing cooking heat and steam. Here’s one that you can install in seconds — no holes in the boat and low power draw! [More] Simple Exhaust Fan

Build a Can Pantry for Your Boat

Published on February 6, 2012; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Got a shallow little compartment that’s not used for much? Build a can pantry that’s easy to access and easy to see immediately what you have! [More] Build a Can Pantry for Your Boat

Improve Your Storage Space