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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

How to Organize Open Storage Areas

Published on December 3, 2015; last updated on September 3, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Reader ideas: how to organize those big open storage areas so things don't go flying when underway. Add your thoughts and check out what others have done!

Reader ideas: how to organize those big open storage areas so things don’t go flying when underway. Add your thoughts and check out what others have done!

Luci Lux & Luci Aura

Published on December 3, 2015; last updated on June 10, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

The Luci is a great solar light, but sometimes the original one is just too bright!

The Luci is a great solar light, but sometimes the original one is just too bright!

Recharge Your Electronics on the Go

Published on November 24, 2015; last updated on January 28, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

I hate seeing the low battery warning on my phone, camera and more. An easy way to recharge on the go -- and inexpensive!

I hate seeing the low battery warning on my phone, camera and more. An easy way to recharge on the go — and inexpensive!

The Learning Curve

Published on November 23, 2015; last updated on January 6, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Sailboats in a marina - what are the hidden costs of buying a boat

Just starting boating or cruising and feeling overwhelmed by everything there is to learn? There are ways to make it easier!

Exceedingly Helpful Tool: Our Hose Puller

Published on November 22, 2015; last updated on June 10, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Getting an old hose off a barb can be next to impossible . . . unless you've got this tool.

Getting an old hose off a barb can be next to impossible . . . unless you’ve got this tool.

Loosening That Last Seized Bolt

Published on November 20, 2015; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Got a seized bolt? Get PB Blaster. Can't spray it where it needs to go? Try this tip.

Got a seized bolt? Get PB Blaster. Can’t spray it where it needs to go? Try this tip.

Clean Your Dinghy Bottom More Easily

Published on November 16, 2015; last updated on October 30, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

We’ve finally found a product that significantly cut the time to clean the bottom of the dinghy. Even better — it’s cheap!

Protect the Kids & Pups: Lifeline Netting

Published on October 29, 2015; last updated on January 22, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Kid boats and dog boats . . . lifeline netting adds a bit of safety to both. A few notes on installing it and where to get the best price on the netting.

Organizing . . . and Reorganizing

Published on October 27, 2015; last updated on January 5, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Why is it that I can’t come up with the perfect organization plan for all our stuff? What makes me periodically reorganize it?

How Much Solar Power Do You Need?

Published on October 21, 2015; last updated on January 3, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Why it’s impossible for a solar power estimator to tell you precisely how much solar power you need. 14 things that may be different in the real world.

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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

A pile of plastic, cardboard and cans, the kind of packaging waste to cut before it becomes trash on a boat

Reduce Trash On A Boat

June 21, 2026

Most of the trash that overwhelms a boat never needed to come aboard. Here are the changes that made the biggest difference for us.

How Do I Know If I’d Like Cruising?

June 19, 2026

The boats at anchor look so pretty. What would it be like to live on one? A dream or a nightmare? How to know if you’d like cruising and living on a boat.

Is Your Lifesling Ready For Use? Are you SURE?

June 17, 2026

Someday, your life or the life of someone you love may depend on a Lifesling. How to make sure it will deploy correctly.

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