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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

Where Gunk Collects

Published on April 27, 2015; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

A hidden low spot for dirt and liquids to collect. And boy, they have!

A hidden low spot for dirt and liquids to collect. And boy, they have!

Solar Upgrade

Published on April 18, 2015; last updated on December 31, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

We did a major upgrade on our solar charging and we now live almost totally on solar power. Here’s what we did (mostly DIY) and the cost.

Stop Rattling Doors on a Boat

Published on April 15, 2015; last updated on July 29, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

Got a door that rattles when underway -- or even when a wave hits at anchor? How we stopped one that drove us nuts!

Got a door that rattles when underway — or even when a wave hits at anchor? How we stopped one that drove us nuts!

Luci Lights

Published on April 9, 2015; last updated on April 26, 2024 by Carolyn Shearlock

Really bright solar lights that are perfect as dinghy lights, in the cockpit, emergency anchor lights and more!

Really bright solar lights that are perfect as dinghy lights, in the cockpit, emergency anchor lights and more!

Clever Crates

Published on April 8, 2015; last updated on September 3, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Crates are great for storage on the boat . . . when you need them. When you don't, the space they take up is annoying. Here's a solution.

Crates are great for storage on the boat . . . when you need them. When you don’t, the space they take up is annoying. Here’s a solution.

Don’t Lose the Winch Parts!

Published on April 7, 2015; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Taking apart a winch can be downright scary -- what if you lose one of the pieces? Keep things together with this tip.

Taking apart a winch can be downright scary — what if you lose one of the pieces? Keep things together with this tip.

LED Bulbs for Our Nav Lights

Published on April 2, 2015; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Want to change your boat’s navigation lights to LED bulbs? Confused about where you should use cool white, warm white or colored bulbs? Here are the answers.

Lining Up Screw Holes

Published on April 1, 2015; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Mounting deck hardware? Once you slather on the sealant, it can be hard to line up the mounting holes again. Two tips to make it a lot easier!

Mounting deck hardware? Once you slather on the sealant, it can be hard to line up the mounting holes again. Two tips to make it a lot easier!

Red Solo Cups and Diesel

Published on March 27, 2015; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Need a little container for draining a Racor? Red Solo Cups and diesel fuel do not mix well.

Need a little container for draining a Racor? Red Solo Cups and diesel fuel do not mix well.

Where Is All This Dirt Coming From?

Published on March 24, 2015; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Why does it seem that the boat is never really clean? As soon as I finish vacuuming, I see more dust and dirt!

Why does it seem that the boat is never really clean? As soon as I finish vacuuming, I see more dust and dirt!

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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?

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