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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

Home From the Bahamas

Published on November 22, 2023; last updated on November 21, 2023 by John Herlig

Thanks to Hurricane Dorian, getting home from the Bahamas meant sailing without an engine. Read one cruiser’s tale.

🎧Keep the Paperwork

Published on November 21, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Installing new gear on the boat? Yes, it’s worth making room for the paper manual–here’s why.

Easy Way to Clean Teak Boat Decks

Published on November 15, 2023; last updated on November 14, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

Looking for an easy way to clean teak boat decks? Preferably without scrubbing or damaging your decks? Here’s one reader’s suggestion.

🎧Final Step for Any Project

Published on November 14, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

No boat project is really finished until you do this final step–testing your work.

Spring Cleaning in the Galley

Published on November 8, 2023; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Boat galley with lockers propped open - prepare the galley before leaving the boat

A thorough spring cleaning of the galley pays off with fewer bugs, rodents and funky smells. And lets you know of potential problem areas.

🎧Sharp Knives for Galley Safety

Published on November 7, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

Which is safer on a boat? Sharp knives? Or dull? Here’s what you need to know to stay safe in the galley.

Cooking & Living in the Boatyard

Published on November 1, 2023; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Green sailboat with red keel on stands - living in the boatyard

Living in the boatyard during projects? You’ll need these tips for cooking and life to stay comfortable. And safe.

🎧Rigging Considerations

Published on October 31, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Need to replace your standing rigging? Here are two questions to ask before contracting with a shop to do the work.

Why You Should Turn Off the Water Pump on Your Boat

Published on October 25, 2023; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Dripping tap - turn off the water pump

Do you keep your freshwater pump on all the time? Here’s why you should turn off the water–for safety’s sake.

🎧The Best Boat Slippers

Published on October 24, 2023; last updated on January 31, 2026 by Nica Waters

What’s the most important feature of boat slippers? Here are one cruiser’s thoughts–along with her favorite pairs.

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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

There's no shortage of sailing and navigation courses. But who teaches you how to provision, store everything, stay cool, prep for hurricanes, and actually live on a boat? We do.

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