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 January 20, 2012; last updated on October 30, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Keeping drinks nearby but without spilling is always tricky on a boat. These drink holders work well for cans, bottles or even coffee mugs! [More] Rail-Mounted Drink Holders

Don’t Let Bugs Into Your Water Tank

Published on August 3, 2011; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Installing a simple mesh screen on the air vent to your water tank can prevent a lot of problems when bugs want a drink. [More] Don’t Let Bugs Into Your Water Tank

Best Boat Improvements

Published on June 22, 2011; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

After 4 years of cruising aboard a 24-year-old Tayana 37, an analysis of the best boat improvements and upgrades we’ve done. [More] Best Boat Improvements

Installing a Track-Mounted Whisker Pole

Published on June 13, 2011; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Detailed directions and parts list for installing and using a track-mounted whisker pole on a cruising sailboat; originally published in Cruising World magazine. [More] Installing a Track-Mounted Whisker Pole

How to Clean a Boat Bottom

Published on June 6, 2011; last updated on June 18, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

How to recognize that the bottom of your boat is fouled with growth, and how best to clean it yourself. Learn from my mistakes! [More] How to Clean a Boat Bottom

The Dollars & Sense of Solar Panels

Published on May 18, 2011; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Does a large array of solar panels make sense for your boat? Here’s how we decided — and the answer was a resounding YES! [More] The Dollars & Sense of Solar Panels

Adding or Changing a Boat Refrigerator

Published on April 29, 2011; last updated on June 18, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Four items to consider if you’re thinking of installing or changing your boat refrigerator to make sure you end up with a system that meets your needs. [More] Adding or Changing a Boat Refrigerator

Hate Something in Your Galley?

Published on April 4, 2011; last updated on July 2, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

If something in the galley is really bothering you, change it! Here’s my story . . . [More] Hate Something in Your Galley?

The Best Paper Towel Holder

Published on February 28, 2011; last updated on September 3, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

The perfect paper towel holder for a boat, RV or anywhere a breeze can blow in through the window. Cheap, easy and solves paper towels “blowing in the wind.” [More] The Best Paper Towel Holder

Non-Slip Solutions

Published on December 9, 2010; last updated on June 17, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Hundreds of options exist for boat dishes. Get the pros and cons of Corelle, tempered glass, melamine, plastic and aluminum. [More] Non-Slip Solutions

Rail-Mounted Drink Holders