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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

What Boat Projects You Should Do First

Published on April 17, 2024; last updated on April 28, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

boat winch

How to decide what boat projects you do first. Here’s a helpful way to think about it so you tackle the most important things first.

Our Boat Renovation Begins

Published on April 11, 2024; last updated on March 22, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Worn boat interior salon with deteriorating upholstery and a blue table top before renovation

Sometimes a boat has great bones but a very tired interior. Here’s what we found — and how we decided where to start.

How Far Can You Sail in a Day

Published on April 10, 2024; last updated on April 14, 2024 by Carolyn Shearlock

anchored boats at sunset - how far can you sail in a day

Knowing how far you can sail in a day helps you determine where and when you’ll stop. Here are all the factors to think about.

🎧My Favorite Pancake Mix

Published on April 6, 2024; last updated on January 10, 2025 by Nica Waters

stack of pancakes with butter and syrup

Pancakes make a healthy and hearty breakfast on a boat. Here’s my favorite mix that makes them quick and easy.

Emergency Info

Published on April 4, 2024; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Emergency info has to be available even to guests. Here’s a cheap and easy suggestion that might even save your boat.

When You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know 

Published on April 3, 2024; last updated on January 10, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

When starting out cruising, you don’t know what you don’t know. The learning curve is steep. Here are tips to help flatten the curve.

🎧The Rabbit Hole of Projects

Published on March 29, 2024; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Sailboat on stands in a boatyard under a tarp, out of the water and waiting for repairs

Boat projects are never simple. One step leads to another repair. Here’s one cruiser’s tale.

Where Are the Wood Plugs?

Published on March 28, 2024; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Seconds count in an emergency. Are you really ready? Can you lay your hands on everything IMMEDIATELY?

Where are the wood plugs if you have an emergency hull breach? Ask yourself the question before you need them.

No – A Cruiser’s Power Word

Published on March 27, 2024; last updated on March 26, 2024 by Carolyn Shearlock

Man with beach ball saying No

No may be as important to say as yes when you’re cruising. Here’s an important of good times for cruisers to say no.

Radishes Without Refrigeration: How to Keep Them Fresh for Weeks

Published on March 21, 2024; last updated on March 14, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Fresh radishes stored without refrigeration — a great provisioning choice for cruising boats

Radishes last way longer without refrigeration than you’d think. Here’s the simple method that keeps them crisp for weeks.

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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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