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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

Hurricane Prep: Reducing Windage

Published on October 9, 2025; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Man on a sailboat deck adjusting a furling sail

Reducing windage is key, when prepping for a hurricane. Especially since you can’t guarantee your boat will stay head to wind. Here’s how.

🎧The Best Guest Book for Cruisers

Published on October 4, 2025; last updated on September 30, 2025 by Nica Waters

handwriting and a smiley face - guest book for cruisers

What is the best guest book for cruisers? One that gives guests time and space to write about cherished memories.

Where are Your Dream Cruising Grounds?

Published on October 2, 2025; last updated on September 30, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

Where are your dream cruising grounds? How you answer that question when people ask can be the difference between feeling like a failure or having fun.

Rethinking PFDs

Published on September 30, 2025; last updated on September 23, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

Woman standing on a sailboat deck in red foul weather gear with a Team O PFD - Rethinking PFDs

It’s time to start rethinking PFDs. Old technology is actually dangerous. But there is a new option. Learn more here.

Boat Navigation Redundancy – Always Have a Backup

Published on September 25, 2025; last updated on September 23, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

The best way to know where you are when underway is to have redundant navigations systems. Here’s what we suggest.

How to Anchor a Cruising Boat

Published on September 18, 2025; last updated on March 14, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Cruising boat at anchor with nasty thunderstorm approaching

We anchored as if we knew it would blow 50 every single time we dropped the hook. Because sometimes it does. Here’s the whole system.

10 Ways to Use Cabbage While Cruising

Published on September 15, 2025; last updated on January 21, 2026 by Nica Waters

Roasted cabbage slices - cabbage for a cruising boat

Way to use cabbage while cruising that are easy and delicious. It’s a miracle vegetable for living on a boat.

Stay Safe When Climbing the Mast

Published on September 11, 2025; last updated on September 11, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

Person on a bosun's chair at the top of a mast - climbing the mast

Are you safe when climbing the mast? How about those on deck? Here are the tips you need to know.

🎧Tips to Make Homemade Yogurt on a Boat

Published on September 6, 2025; last updated on August 30, 2025 by Nica Waters

Yogurt with oats and fruit - tips to make homemade yogurt on a boat

A few tips to make homemade yogurt on a boat. It’s easy with a few ingredients and some basic equipment. And it’s delicious!

When Should You Schedule Boat Upgrades?

Published on September 4, 2025; last updated on September 3, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

When should you schedule boat upgrades. And how do you balance what to do right away and what can wait?

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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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