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The Boat Galley

making your boat life better

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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.

Easy Boat Improvements

Repairs & Upgrades to Your Boat

Boat Maintenance

And be sure to check out our recommended tools in the Amazon Store!

Inexpensive DIY Cockpit Enclosure

Published on October 28, 2019; last updated on October 25, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

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How to make an affordable boat cockpit enclosure. Mine cost just $550 vs. a $10K estimate from a canvas shop! [More] Inexpensive DIY Cockpit Enclosure

Looking For Hard-to-Find Boat Parts?

Published on August 17, 2019; last updated on June 30, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/Doug McQuilken

Boat Used Part Search: locate hard-to-find boat parts quickly and easily — and at affordable prices — with this search tool. [More] Looking For Hard-to-Find Boat Parts?

One Careless Moment

Published on April 22, 2019; last updated on June 30, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

One careless moment caused a boat fire. What happened, what we did wrong and what we did right. A chilling story of an almost-disaster. [More] One Careless Moment

GPS to Wifi iPad for Aqua Map – Under $10

Published on April 15, 2019; last updated on April 1, 2022 by Carolyn Shearlock

Step-by-step how to use your phone’s GPS information on a wifi-only iPad (without GPS) with AquaMap. Cost: less than $10 vs. $100 for external GPS. [More] GPS to Wifi iPad for Aqua Map – Under $10

Switching from Ablative to Hard Bottom Paint

Published on March 25, 2019; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Why we switched from ablative to hard bottom paint on our cruising sailboat, the alternative procedures for doing so and what it cost. [More] Switching from Ablative to Hard Bottom Paint

Why we switched from ablative to hard bottom paint on our cruising sailboat, the alternative procedures for doing so and what it cost.

Spotless Stainless

Published on March 18, 2019; last updated on June 30, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Spotless Stainless is a dead-easy way to clean your stainless. Brush it on, wait, rinse it off. It’s that simple. Seriously. [More] Spotless Stainless

Feeling Stupid

Published on March 6, 2019; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Feeling stupid. Boat work and the cruising life can do that to you. The lessons we learned as well as how to move on and regain confidence. [More] Feeling Stupid

Tips for Hauling Out Your Boat

Published on February 27, 2019; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

If hauling out your boat is a new experience, read these tips to make it easier and less stressful. 19 things you need to know! [More] Tips for Hauling Out Your Boat

Hauling out tips

Lithium Boat Batteries

Published on January 16, 2019; last updated on May 31, 2022 by Carolyn Shearlock

Lithium batteries are a big upgrade on any boat. Are they worth the price? What advantages do they offer? Review and comparison to lead-acid batteries. [More] Lithium Boat Batteries

Ship’s Clock and Barometer for Our Boat Renovation

Published on December 27, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Learn what was important in buying a new clock and barometer as part of our boat’s interior renovation and how to keep the brass from tarnishing. [More] Ship’s Clock and Barometer for Our Boat Renovation

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Welcome

Carolyn Shearlock

Hi! I'm Carolyn Shearlock. My husband and I have been cruising over 14 years and 13,000 miles, first on a Tayana 37 monohull and now 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 1,200 articles. The Resource Center has 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

What Does a Boat Watcher Do?

June 29, 2022 By Carolyn Shearlock

If you have to leave your boat, do you have a boat watcher keeping an eye on it? Or are you watching someone else’s boat for them? Here’s what you need to know. [More] What Does a Boat Watcher Do?

Homemade Granola

June 28, 2022 By Nica Waters

A quick granola recipe that’s fabulous for life afloat.
 [More] Homemade Granola

Upgrading Your Fridge – What to Consider

June 24, 2022 By Carolyn Shearlock

Planning to upgrade or replace your boat fridge? Here’s what you need to consider to make the best choice.  [More] Upgrading Your Fridge – What to Consider

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