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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

Cruise in Hurricane Season

Published on May 30, 2016; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

How we actively cruise our boat during hurricane season: insurance, how to get weather information, plan our travel and guidelines for choosing where to go.

Boat Maintenance: O-Rings

Published on May 26, 2016; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

The Cost of an O-Ringer header

Why repair o-rings annually, even if they don’t appear to be cracked? Contaminated fuel and engine damage are only a few of the problems you’ll avoid.

Staying in Touch

Published on May 18, 2016; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

There just aren't cell towers out on the water -- or in many great cruising anchorages. So how do we stay connected with family and friends?

There just aren’t cell towers out on the water — or in many great cruising anchorages. So how do we stay connected with family and friends?

Necessary Dinghy Safety Gear

Published on May 9, 2016; last updated on March 20, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

17 important pieces of dinghy safety gear to always have with you.

A list of 17 important pieces of dinghy safety gear to always have with you. Learn why you need each one of these aboard.

Renewing Chalky Gelcoat

Published on May 6, 2016; last updated on March 20, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

With age, gelcoat gets chalky unless it is polished regularly. But even if your boat\'s gelcoat has been neglected, it\'s possible to bring it back with just a bit of DIY elbow grease!

With age, gelcoat gets chalky unless it is polished regularly. But even if your boat’s gelcoat has been neglected, it’s possible to bring it back with just a bit of DIY elbow grease!

DIY Dog Grooming

Published on May 2, 2016; last updated on March 31, 2022 by Carolyn Shearlock

One big worry about cruising with a dog is what to do about grooming. Eleven years with a "poodle-ish" mix has taught us quite a bit about DIY grooming . . . and it's really not hard!

One big worry about cruising with a dog is what to do about grooming. Eleven years with a “poodle-ish” mix has taught us quite a bit about DIY grooming . . . and it’s really not hard!

Anchoring Bridle with a Mantus Chain Hook

Published on April 25, 2016; last updated on July 31, 2022 by Carolyn Shearlock

A bridle (or snubbers) is an essential part of the anchoring system. How ours are set up and why we use the Mantus Chain Hook (hint: it stays on!)

A bridle (or snubbers) is an essential part of the anchoring system. How ours are set up and why we use the Mantus Chain Hook (hint: it stays on!)

How To Make Lazy Jacks Easy To Use

Published on April 22, 2016; last updated on March 20, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

Does it drive you nuts to raise the main on a boat with lazy jacks? A couple hours and about $100 in parts can solve the problem!

Does it drive you nuts to raise the main on a boat with lazy jacks? A couple hours and about $100 in parts can solve the problem!

Ratcheting Box Wrenches

Published on April 18, 2016; last updated on September 30, 2022 by Carolyn Shearlock

No room to turn a wrench and not enough clearance for a socket? A ratcheting box wrench to the rescue!

No room to turn a wrench and not enough clearance for a socket? A ratcheting box wrench to the rescue!

Up the Mast

Published on April 15, 2016; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

If you have a sailboat, someday you'll have to go up the mast. The easiest gear we've found to use and some tips.

If you have a sailboat, someday you’ll have to go up the mast. The easiest gear we’ve found to use and some tips.

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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!

      

Latest Articles & Podcasts

Bow of sailboat in anchorage - how to find support while cruising

🎧How to Find Support While Cruising

August 2, 2025 By Pamela Douglas

Wondering how to find support while cruising? We have some great tips for building your network for both personal and practical support.

Cruiser’s Memory Tool – A Log Book

July 31, 2025 By Carolyn Shearlock

When you revisit a cruising destination, how do you remember the important details of an anchorage or inlet? A log book can help.

Dark red stone figure against a back drop of palm trees - long stay visa for French Polynesia

🎧How to Get a Long Stay Visa for French Polynesia

July 26, 2025 By Nica Waters

If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need a long stay visa for French Polynesia. Here’s everything you need to know to apply.

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