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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

Keep Zippers Working When Living on a Boat

Published on September 28, 2023; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

I used to get so frustrated with stuck zippers on the boat. I finally found a cheap product that eliminated the problem!

🎧How to Get Your Ship’s Radio License

Published on September 26, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Need an international radio license? Here are the steps to get your MMSI number for your boat radio.

🎧Who is Happiness Engineer on Your Boat?

Published on September 19, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Every cruising boat needs someone in charge of morale. Meet the happiness engineer.

Road ID: ID for Boaters Too

Published on September 14, 2023; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

ID Bracelet - Road ID

If you were sick or injured while ashore, could you share the info first responders need to help you. Road ID can help.

The Choice of Happiness

Published on September 13, 2023; last updated on September 11, 2023 by John Herlig

An extended stay in West Palm Beach reminds one that adversity can contribute to happiness. You just need to make a choice.

🎧Office Equipment on the Boat

Published on September 12, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Links: Calypso’s Onboard Printer (Amazon) Waterproof Container (Amazon) Sailing Totem  Annapolis Sailboat Show    Cruisers University   Salty Dawg Sailing Association   Nica email  Carolyn email  Prefer to read? Check out Onboard Office Equipment.

8 Quick Tips for Hurricane Season

Published on September 6, 2023; last updated on January 10, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

Satellite view of a hurricane at sea; pictures like this make cruisers wonder if sailing in hurricane season is safe.

Remember these quick tips for hurricane season. They might save your boat–or your life. All you have to do is follow them.

🎧Getting Your MMSI Number for the Radio

Published on September 5, 2023; last updated on November 30, 2025 by Nica Waters

VHF Radio

When you buy a new VHF you’ll need your MMSI number to set it up. What is it? And how do you get yours?

Food Safety for Boaters 101

Published on August 31, 2023; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

green plate with raw chicken breasts - food safety

Food poisoning is never good, but it’s worse when you’re away from medical care. Learn the basics of food safety for cruisers.

🎧Onboard Office Equipment

Published on August 29, 2023; last updated on January 31, 2026 by Nica Waters

With so many things to label on a boat, this is one tool you want to make room for.

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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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11 courses covering every aspect of life afloat — from deciding if cruising is right for you, to moving aboard, provisioning, storage, tiny fridges, VHF radio, hurricane prep, cruising the Bahamas, boat dogs, and more.

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