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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

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Farewell to Paz

By Carolyn ShearlockLast updated October 30, 2021

Can a 7-pound ball of fluff leave a legacy? I think so.

Stop Hitch Rattling

By Carolyn ShearlockLast updated June 10, 2020

Does your trailer hitch rattle in the receiver and just set you on edge? We finally discovered the solution.

Does your trailer hitch rattle in the receiver and just set you on edge? We finally discovered the solution.

Hat Light

By Carolyn ShearlockLast updated October 31, 2024

Need a hands-free light but just haven’t found a headlamp that you like? Here’s what we use and it works great!

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

By Carolyn ShearlockLast updated December 31, 2025

Gifts that make life aboard just that much better — from pure fun to practical luxuries and more.

Keurig Mini Plus and Desk Pro

By Carolyn ShearlockLast updated March 26, 2025

I know several boats using a small Keurig coffee maker and liking it. Like all coffee systems, they have their good and bad points . . .

I know several boats using a small Keurig coffee maker and liking it. Like all coffee systems, they have their good and bad points . . .

Soda Can Lids & Straws

By Carolyn ShearlockLast updated June 11, 2020

I don’t like bugs in my drinks. Especially not bees. I finally have a solution!

Need Extra Hands When Cooking on a Boat?

By Carolyn ShearlockLast updated May 26, 2025

Have you ever wished for an extra hand to hold bags open? This nifty little gadget costs just $5 and can easily save that much in spilled food cost!

This nifty little gadget gives you an extra set of hands to hold bags open, costs just $5 and can easily save that much in spilled food cost!

Can I Take a Crock Pot on My Boat?

By Carolyn ShearlockLast updated January 20, 2023

If you're more a liveaboard than cruiser, using a crock pot on the boat isn't really so crazy! Bonus: three non-electric slow cooker options for cruisers

If you’re more of a liveaboard than cruiser, using a crock pot on the boat isn’t really so crazy!

Electric Drip Coffeemaker with Stainless Carafe

By Carolyn ShearlockLast updated October 30, 2020

If you like to “start it and forget about it” and your main concern is not having a glass pot on the boat, an electric drip coffeemaker with a thermal carafe may be the answer you’re looking for!

Electric Drip Coffee Maker

By Carolyn ShearlockLast updated March 26, 2025

Everybody is familiar with the “Mr. Coffee” style coffee maker. And if you’ve got enough power and are willing to have a glass pot on board, it works well!

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Welcome

Carolyn Shearlock

Hi! I'm Carolyn Shearlock. My husband and I have been living on a boat and cruising over 17 years and 13,000 miles, first on a Tayana 37 monohull and then 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!

How Can We Help You?

I'm curious about the cruising life What is it, who does it, and what's it really like day to day?
I'm tempted — but is it realistic for my situation? My budget, my health, my partner, my life, my skills (or lack thereof)
I'm getting ready to go Buying a boat, getting insurance, planning to move aboard
I'm aboard and navigating the learning curve How do I make it the life I dreamed of?

Latest Articles

Aqua Map review: Aqua Map's website showing the marine navigation app on a phone with a nautical chart

Aqua Map Review: The Nav App I Recommend Most

November 12, 2026

The nav app I trusted when our chartplotter died in the Bahamas, what’s changed since, and a 20% discount for TBG readers.

Green channel marker at the entrance to Boot Key Harbor in Marathon, Florida Keys

Things to Know Before Entering Boot Key Harbor

November 12, 2026

We spent 10 years based in Boot Key Harbor. Here’s the local knowledge most cruising guides leave out.

Checklist for sailing to the Bahamas pays off: a couple on a dock with turquoise water and a palm tree

Taking Your Boat to the Bahamas: The Complete Checklist

November 12, 2026

The fees changed twice in a year. Here’s everything to file, pay, and pack before you cross, plus what to do when you come home.

Living on a boat

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