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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

Drinks in the Boat Refrigerator

Published on August 8, 2024; last updated on January 24, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Cold drinks on a boat takes some effort. But it is possible. Here are 4 tips to help without draining your batteries.

Sun Covers for Boat Hatches and Windows

Published on August 7, 2024; last updated on August 12, 2024 by Carolyn Shearlock

Hatch covers

Sun covers that keep rays from beating into your boat can really cool things down. Here’s an easy way to make yours.

🎧 Choosing a Boatyard

Published on August 3, 2024; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

If you’re lucky enough be able to choose a boatyard, make your decision count. Here’s what we consider when deciding where to haul our boat.

Milk with No Refrigeration

Published on August 1, 2024; last updated on March 14, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Boxes of shelf-stable milk on a grocery store shelf

Milk with no refrigeration is easier than you think β€” here’s exactly where to find it and how to use it aboard.

Avoiding and Clearing a Clogged Boat Drain

Published on July 31, 2024; last updated on January 16, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

clogged boat drain with water and debris in sink

Six ways to clear a clogged boat drain without any toxic chemicals. These techniques work on galley, sink and shower drains.

Tips for Baking on a Boat When It’s Hot

Published on July 25, 2024; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Hands kneading dough - baking when it's hot

I baked and “cooked as usual” all through the summer in the Sea of Cortez and Central America, even though it was plenty hot out. Here are a few tips on how I made it work.

Helping a Reluctant Cruiser

Published on July 24, 2024; last updated on July 30, 2024 by Carolyn Shearlock

A couple on a boat, one smiling and one looking unsure β€” exploring the decision to go cruising together

Is a member of your crew a reluctant cruiser? Here are some tips for keeping it from upsetting your relationship.

What To Do If There Is a Fire Aboard Your Boat

Published on July 18, 2024; last updated on November 12, 2024 by Carolyn Shearlock

boat on fire

Have you ever thought of what you’d do if you had a fire on your boat? What’s the first thing you’d do?

Keeping Medication Cold on a Boat

Published on July 17, 2024; last updated on April 22, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Medical thermometer on colorful pills showing the challenge of keeping medication cold on a boat

Refrigerated injectables like Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Repatha. Plus test strips. A real plan for meds that need to stay cold.

🎧Cat Island, Bahamas

Published on July 13, 2024; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Not all Bahamas Cruisers get to Cat Island. Here are 3 things we loved about it on our recent visit.

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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 β€” 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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