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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

Practicing Cruising Skills

Published on February 15, 2024; last updated on January 23, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Practicing cruising skill is worth starting before you throw off the lines. Here are boat skills you can practice now to help you later.

6 Quick Hacks for Better Boat Life 

Published on February 14, 2024; last updated on November 30, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

Hoping to enjoy better boat life? Here are 6 quick things that have improved our cruising. Maybe they’ll help you too.

🎧Cruising to a Schedule

Published on February 10, 2024; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Sailboat

Everyone ends up cruising to a schedule–don’t let anyone tell you different. Here’s how to make it less stressful.

What to Do with Old Photo Albums When Downsizing

Published on February 8, 2024; last updated on May 21, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Old black-and-white family photos spread out, ready to scan when downsizing photo albums

A closet full of photo albums and no room to keep them? You can take every last one with you.

Hearing Your Anchor Alarm

Published on February 7, 2024; last updated on February 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

You never go to sleep without setting your anchor alarm, right? But how do you make sure you hear it if it goes off while sleeping?

Propeller Facts for Sailors

Published on February 5, 2024; last updated on February 2, 2024 by Carolyn Shearlock/Brendan Prior

Propeller

Sailors don’t think about their propeller often enough. Here’s what you need to know about different kinds to pick the right prop for you.

The Cruiser’s Net

Published on February 1, 2024; last updated on December 31, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

Sailboats and a trawler anchored

Everything you need to know about a cruiser’s net – what they are, how to join in and tips for best participation. Everything you need to know PLUS a chance to listen in!

The Right Way

Published on January 31, 2024; last updated on January 31, 2024 by John Herlig

Anchoring and a cruiser gathering leads John Herlig to reflect on the right way to do things. And why your right way is best.

🎧Creating Privacy on the Boat

Published on January 27, 2024; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Privacy is in short supply on a boat. Here’s a new way to think about it. And a few ideas to create it.

Helm Notes

Published on January 25, 2024; last updated on January 5, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Don’t rely on everyone remembering all the details of the day’s journey. Detailed notes at the helm will make the trip safer and less stressful.

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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.

Living on a boat

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