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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

Screw Holders

Published on February 24, 2015; last updated on January 1, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

One of those tools that few people have even heard of, yet is so very helpful. And it’s pretty cheap, too!

Shock Cord Projects

Published on February 23, 2015; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

A bunch of really simple things I've done with shock cord to improve our boat!

A bunch of really simple things I’ve done with shock cord to improve our boat Barefoot Gal! You can do them too with a simple tool and a few minutes of time.

Choosing and Installing a Victron Battery Monitor

Published on February 20, 2015; last updated on January 5, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Step-by-step instructions with pictures to install a Victron battery monitor, including reasons for having a battery monitor and why we chose this one.

The Work Pillow

Published on February 16, 2015; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Working over compartment edges can get painful. We just happened to have an old pillow aboard . . .

Working over compartment edges can get painful. We just happened to have an old pillow aboard . . .

Hanging Towels

Published on February 14, 2015; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Looking for an easy and VERY space efficient towel rack? A great 5-minute project.

Looking for an easy and VERY space efficient towel rack? A great 5-minute project.

How to Make Loops in Shock Cord

Published on February 12, 2015; last updated on January 24, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

We use shock cord to organize lots of stuff, but don't really like the plastic ends sold commercially. Instead we make much stronger loops with hog rings -- here's how to do it.

We use shock cord to organize lots of stuff, but don’t really like the plastic ends sold commercially. Instead we make much stronger loops with hog rings — here’s how to do it.

How to Test Boat Batteries

Published on February 11, 2015; last updated on December 31, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

A not-very-expensive battery tester that’s easy to use right in the boat with results comparable to a load tester!

Changing to LED Bulbs on a Boat

Published on February 10, 2015; last updated on November 30, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

A really easy DIY project to cut down on the amp-hours used, along with where to get the bulbs you need.

A really easy DIY project to cut down on the amp-hours used, along with where to get the bulbs you need.

Dinghy Getting Heavier?

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

We wasted a lot of time trying to find a serious problem, when the real problem only took five minutes to solve!

We wasted a lot of time trying to find a serious problem, when the real problem only took five minutes to solve!

Getting Gunk Out of Boat Drains

Published on January 31, 2015; last updated on January 24, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

Clogged drains are never any fun . . . but when there are tiny drain openings? Really frustrating. Here's how to clear the gunk.

Clogged drains are never any fun . . . but when there are tiny drain openings? Really frustrating. Here’s how to clear the gunk.

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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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