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The Boat Galley

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Common Problems & Worries

Living on a boat isn't all palm trees and umbrella drinks.

Worried about fire, sinking, hurricanes . . . or being overrun by bugs?

Wondering what in the world you've gotten yourself into? It happens to us all. Find practical help and words of encouragement here!

Fire Aboard

Emergency Gear

Hurricane Prep

Bugs

Encouragement

Learning From a Sudden Break

Published on July 28, 2021; last updated on November 18, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Clunk! The last thing you want to hear underway. Learn what happened and how we dealt with it. [More] Learning From a Sudden Break

Preparing for those Winter North Winds

Published on May 5, 2021; last updated on April 28, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Even when your boat is in a warm climate, you need to be prepared for a winter storm. Here’s what we do when a norther passes over our location. [More] Preparing for those Winter North Winds

The Dangers of NOT Drinking–Dehydration!

Published on April 28, 2021; last updated on April 24, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

A scary trip to the emergency room taught us about the dangers of dehydration for cruisers. You’ve probably done these things yourself. [More] The Dangers of NOT Drinking–Dehydration!

Real and Virtual AIS Aids To Navigation

Published on February 11, 2021; last updated on February 10, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock/John Jamieson

What does it mean when you see an ATON on your chart that you can’t see with your eyes? Captain John explains. [More] Real and Virtual AIS Aids To Navigation

Hurricane Prep: Why Remove Jibs and Genoas

Published on July 31, 2020; last updated on July 31, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Why simply tying off your roller furling jib or genoa isn’t sufficient for a tropical storm or hurricane — pictures of the results. [More] Hurricane Prep: Why Remove Jibs and Genoas

Making a Hurricane Plan for your Insurer

Published on March 28, 2020; last updated on April 27, 2022 by Carolyn Shearlock/Laura Lindstrom-Croop

If you’re cruising on your boat in a hurricane zone, your insurance company will want to see your hurricane plan. Here’s how to create yours from an insurance pro. [More] Making a Hurricane Plan for your Insurer

Are You Insured for Strangers on Your Boat?

Published on January 18, 2020; last updated on April 27, 2022 by Carolyn Shearlock/Laura Lindstrom-Croop

Does your insurance cover workers on your boat? How about delivery crew? Here’s what you need to know before having strangers on your boat. [More] Are You Insured for Strangers on Your Boat?

Treat Your Family Like Crew

Published on December 7, 2019; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/Pamela Douglas Webster

Worried about conflict while cruising on a boat with your family? Here’s how to communicate better by treating each other like crew. [More] Treat Your Family Like Crew

When Problems Multiply

Published on December 2, 2019; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

When one problem grows into two or three, it\’s easy to feel frustrated. But you can triumph! [More] When Problems Multiply

Deciding To Haul Out For A Hurricane – No Regrets

Published on August 31, 2019; last updated on January 31, 2022 by Carolyn Shearlock/Pamela Douglas Webster

A hurricane is coming. It may or may not reach your location. How do you make a decision and own it? Here’s one cruiser’s story. [More] Deciding To Haul Out For A Hurricane – No Regrets

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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

Best Tips for Cruising Eleuthera

May 13, 2022 By Carolyn Shearlock

Planning a visit to Eleuthera? Check out one cruiser’s tips to get the most from your visit.  [More] Best Tips for Cruising Eleuthera

How Do We Get Internet on the Boat?

May 11, 2022 By Carolyn Shearlock

Can you get enough internet to work from a boat? Sure, I do. Here are a few tips on how we make it work.  [More] How Do We Get Internet on the Boat?

In Praise of the Small Boat

May 10, 2022 By Nica Waters

Big projects are doable (but still massive) on a small boat. I can’t imagine how overwhelming they’d be on a bigger vessel!  [More] In Praise of the Small Boat

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