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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

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 August 21, 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.

Clogged Outboard Fuel Line

Published on April 11, 2016; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

How to tell if you have a blockage in an outboard fuel line, why they occur and how to choose a replacement fuel line that will have fewer problems.

Changing Lower Unit Oil in an Outboard

Published on April 8, 2016; last updated on April 4, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Changing the lower unit oil on an outboard is part of the routine maintenance. Here's how we do it when we're out cruising without a motor stand ashore

Changing the lower unit oil on an outboard is part of the routine maintenance. Here’s how we do it when we’re out cruising without a motor stand ashore

Clearing Cockpit Drains

Published on April 4, 2016; last updated on August 30, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Cockpit drains need to be kept clear so they will drain quickly. But it's easy for things such as hair and parts from a project to go down them. So you need to clean them out. This inexpensive tool is the best we've found!

Cockpit drains need to be kept clear so they will drain quickly. But it’s easy for things such as hair and parts from a project to go down them. So you need to clean them out. This inexpensive tool is the best we’ve found!

Cleaning Non-Skid Boat Decks

Published on April 1, 2016; last updated on March 20, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

The Best Non-Skid Boat Deck Cleaner We've Tried

Cleaning non-skid boat decks used to be a hated chore, with lots of scrubbing on our hands and knees. Learn how to do it faster and more easily.

Pulling Electrical Wires

Published on March 28, 2016; last updated on January 3, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Installing new equipment on a boat often requires new electrical wiring. Two tips for running that wiring in tight spaces.

Useful Tool: Universal Socket Joint

Published on March 21, 2016; last updated on September 27, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

How can you reach that one nut or hex bolt that's just out of reach? With a universal joint socket adapter, of course!

How can you reach that one nut or hex bolt that’s just out of reach? With a universal joint socket adapter, of course!

How Do You Do Taxes When You’re Cruising?

Published on March 19, 2016; last updated on January 5, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Tips and strategies for dealing with US income taxes when you’re living on a boat and cruising.

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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

Why Have a Bilge Alarm?

January 8, 2026

A bilge alarm tells you immediately if you have a problem.It may even save your boat. Read more to learn from our experience.

Couple staring at sailboat masts in marina - preparing to cruise and overwhelmed

Getting Ready to Start Cruising and Feeling Overwhelmed?

January 1, 2026

Are you getting ready to start cruising and feeling overwhelmed? It happens to all of us. Here are tips to make it easier.

glass float in net - hunting for glass fishing bloats

🎧Hunting for Glass Fishing Floats

December 27, 2025

Seashells are lovely but searching for glass fishing floats is far more challenging and a thrilling hobby for cruisers.

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