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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

 

A Project Boat for a First Boat? Why It’s Usually a Trap

Published on March 11, 2026; last updated on March 18, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Sailboat on stands in a boatyard under a tarp, out of the water and waiting for repairs

That cheap boat looks like a bargain. Here’s the real story before you commit.

10 Small Catamarans for Cruisers

Published on March 5, 2026; last updated on April 18, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock/Rick Marcarelli

Ten small catamarans for cruisers under 38 feet compared by specs, price, and availability

Not all cruising cats are mega-charter boats. Here are 10 smaller, more affordable options worth a serious look.

Why Have a Bilge Alarm?

Published on January 8, 2026; last updated on February 10, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

A bilge alarm tells you immediately if you have a problem and may even save your boat.

Check Handholds When Buying a Boat

Published on November 20, 2025; last updated on December 31, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

Sailboat Interior - Check for handholds when buying a boat

Remember to check handholds when buying a boat. The number and placement will be what keeps you safe underway. Here’s what you need to know.

An Easy Maintenance Boat: What to Look For Before You Buy

Published on June 19, 2025; last updated on April 27, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Person working on rigging at the top of a sailboat mast, doing maintenance high above the deck

Whether a boat is easy to maintain comes down to access. Most buyers don’t think to check until they own it. Here’s what to look for before you do.

🎧Roam Device Review – Monitor Your Boat from Afar

Published on June 7, 2025; last updated on June 28, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock/John Herlig

Power boat with inset of Roam Device and phone with app open

John Herlig did a Roam Device review. Learn what he found installing it on his boat. And how he used it to keep track of his boat while away.

The Roam Device – Remote Boat Monitoring

Published on May 31, 2025; last updated on June 28, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock/John Herlig

Power boat with inset of Roam Device and phone with app open

Read the Roam Device review transcript to hear what John Herlig thought of this remote boat monitoring product.

Steps to Buying a Cruising Boat

Published on May 22, 2025; last updated on April 19, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Row of cruising sailboats moored in a marina with mountains in the background

Boat shopping feels overwhelming until you break it into steps. Here’s the full process — what to do, in order, before you ever set foot on a boat.

Two Types of Fans Every Boat Needs

Published on April 3, 2025; last updated on March 28, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Caframo cageless 12-volt fan on a boat — the best 12-volt fan for a boat

Two fan types, two jobs, both essential — from seven years in the Sea of Cortez and a decade in the Keys and Bahamas, all without AC.

Best Wine Glasses to Use on a Boat

Published on February 6, 2025; last updated on May 13, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Two wine glasses toasted against a sunset over the water from a beach

The best wine glasses for a boat are Govino — but plenty of boaters keep more than one type aboard for different situations.

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