There is so much to learn about a new boat! Not just how she sails and/or motors — and how to start the engine, check the oil, deploy the anchor and so on — but all the other systems as well.
Where do the water lines run? Where are the thru-hulls? Where are the bilge pumps? How are they wired? How do I turn them on?
The list goes on and on. It’s stuff you really need to know, but how do you learn it without going nuts?
My husband, who had worked in heavy industry and oversaw the installation of several new systems, had a great idea. Listen in to learn how we did it.
Prefer to read? Check out Getting to Know Your New Boat.
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Paul Daniela Herlihy says
Definitely worth figuring out your boat. We thought we knew everything until we found out the hard way our port engine fuel supply line was modified not to draw from the aux tank. Also, spare parts are good to have on board. Just today we noticed the generator sounding a little loud and no water discharging… Sure enough we replaced the impeller while out on the hook and we are back in business enjoying our vacation. Good thing we had the spare impeller on us otherwise the trip would have been cut short.
Nicola Thomas says
Love the idea of labeling everything so everyone on the boat knows exactly what’s going on
Les Griffith says
I own a Caliber 40 LRC and the MCCreary’s did a fine job of labeling the hoses throughout the boat when they built the boat. Every manufacture should follow this practice. I am currently labeling select cables.