• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • New? Start Here
  • Articles
    • WHAT IS CRUISING?
    • COULD I CRUISE?
    • GETTING READY TO GO
    • FIRST YEAR REALITY
    • Preparing to Cruise
    • Buying a Boat & Gear
    • Living on a Boat
    • Food & Cooking
    • Cruising & Chartering
    • Boat Work
    • Worries & Concerns
  • Cruising Guides
  • Courses
  • TBG on Amazon
    • Our Products on Amazon
    • Other Recommended Products on Amazon
  • Course Login
  • Newsletter
  • Visit Our Store
    • Cruising Guides
    • Courses
    • Books & References

The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

Non-Slip Rugs for a Boat

Published on September 22, 2014; last updated on January 12, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

Don’t worry about trying to find a rug you like with a rubber non-slip back, or the right size (and expensive) non-slip mat to put under it. A trip to the fabric store will make any rug non-slip!

No-See-Um Screening for Boats

Published on September 15, 2014; last updated on January 21, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

Bothered by no-see-ums? No-see-um screens will help (although they'll cut down on ventilation). Here's where to get the material.

Bothered by no-see-ums? No-see-um screens will help (although they’ll cut down on ventilation). Here’s where to get the material.

Cork Board Cover Up

Published on September 13, 2014; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

A great way to cover up an ugly wall -- that doesn't require a master carpenter!

A great way to cover up an ugly wall — that doesn’t require a master carpenter!

Space-Saving Spice Storage for Your Boat

Published on September 10, 2014; last updated on March 4, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

By removing spices from their bottles, you can get far more into the same space. Here’s a system for nicely organizing them.

Hat Light

Published on September 8, 2014; last updated on October 31, 2024 by Carolyn Shearlock

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

The Marina Book Swap

Published on September 5, 2014; last updated on July 29, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

Book swaps are great to pick up a bunch of new-to-you books. A couple of tips so you don’t pick up a bunch of bugs at the same time!

When You’re Boating, What’s an Overnighter?

Published on August 19, 2014; last updated on January 21, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

How you normally use your boat can color what you mean by an "overnighter."

How you normally use your boat can color what you mean by an “overnighter.”

Saying Yes

Published on August 18, 2014; last updated on January 5, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Going outside your comfort zone is scary. But it can be so rewarding . . . read more about how I’ve learned to say YES

Inexpensive Solar Powered Deck Lighting for Boats

Published on August 14, 2014; last updated on January 21, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

These solar lights are actually made to use on a boat, with mountings that work on stanchions and rails. Really high quality, too!

These solar lights are actually made to use on a boat, with mountings that work on stanchions and rails. Really high quality, too!

Boating? Make Sure You Have an Eyeglass Repair Kit

Published on August 11, 2014; last updated on May 1, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

Whether you wear glasses or sunglasses, you need to be able to fix them out on the water. Here's a great -- and inexpensive -- kit that's had everything I've ever needed.

Whether you wear glasses or sunglasses, you need to be able to fix them out on the water. Here’s a great — and inexpensive — kit that’s had everything I’ve ever needed.

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 112
  • Page 113
  • Page 114
  • Page 115
  • Page 116
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 152
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

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.

Living on a boat

There's no shortage of sailing and navigation courses. But who teaches you how to provision, store everything, stay cool, prep for hurricanes, and actually live on a boat? We do.

Master Life Aboard with
Our All-Access Pass

11 courses covering every aspect of life afloat — from deciding if cruising is right for you, to moving aboard, provisioning, storage, tiny fridges, VHF radio, hurricane prep, cruising the Bahamas, boat dogs, and more.

$519  $199  SAVE 62%

See the All-Access Pass →

Prefer just one topic? Browse individual courses

About · Privacy · Terms of Service · Contact · © 2010–2026 The Boat Galley, LLC. All Rights Reserved.'
  • Questions? Click to Email Me
  • Visit Our Store