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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

DIY Tips for Electrical Troubleshooting

Published on May 15, 2024; last updated on May 14, 2024 by Carolyn Shearlock

DIY Tips for Electrical troubleshooting - boat electrical parts

These DIY tips for troubleshooting electrical problems will help you stay organized while looking for a repair.

Things to Know BEFORE Entering Boot Key Harbor

Published on May 9, 2024; last updated on March 19, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Green channel marker at the entrance to Boot Key Harbor in Marathon, Florida Keys

Ten years based in Boot Key Harbor — here’s the insider knowledge most cruising guides leave out.

The Power of the VHF 

Published on May 8, 2024; last updated on May 7, 2024 by Carolyn Shearlock

VHF is better - woman looking at her phone at anchor

VHF is better for local information while cruising. Let’s look at it more with some examples. Are you convinced?

🎧Save Water When Washing Boat Dishes

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

Water conservation is key on a boat. Here are some tips for keeping water use down when washing dishes.

Fast Drying Towels

Published on May 2, 2024; last updated on April 29, 2024 by Carolyn Shearlock

Fast drying towels take up less room and are less stinking than traditional terry towels Here are some great options.

🎧Efficient Boat Galley Food Storage

Published on April 27, 2024; last updated on April 21, 2024 by Carolyn Shearlock

On a boat, food storage containers don’t only have to keep food fresh. They also have to stack efficiently. Here are a few that fit the brief.

Boat Renovation: Cleaning Teak

Published on April 25, 2024; last updated on February 11, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

What’s the best technique for cleaning, literally, a boatload of horribly stained and dirty teak? Here’s what worked for me.

Picking Weather Windows

Published on April 24, 2024; last updated on November 30, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

picking weather windows - wind prediction graphic

Picking weather windows is a crucial skill for cruisers. Here’s what to consider when you’re choosing one for a passage.

🎧Hobbies Aboard

Published on April 20, 2024; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

isn’t the cruising life one big hobby? Well, maybe. But here are some other things we enjoy doing from the boat.

Boat Renovation: Choosing Teak Cleaner and Finish

Published on April 18, 2024; last updated on January 3, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Boat teak after cleaning and refinishing

How do you choose a teak cleaner and finish? There’s a lot of labor involved so choose wisely. Here’s my experience.

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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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