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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

Cleaning Products for a Boat

Published on August 23, 2023; last updated on August 22, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

Bucket with cleaning tools - cleaning products for a boat

What are the best cleaning products for a boat? Here’s my list of products that are less toxic and that work.

🎧Organizing Fasteners

Published on August 22, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Fasteners on a boat aren’t cheap. Here’s how to organize them so you don’t lose them.

How to Choose a Water Filter for Your Boat

Published on August 17, 2023; last updated on March 22, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Three of the six water filter cartridges used on boats

Not all boat water filters do the same thing — here’s how to pick the right one for drinking water, your watermaker, and more.

Old Boat New Problems

Published on August 16, 2023; last updated on November 28, 2023 by John Herlig

Corroded wires and wire nuts

A good old boat that has seen some adventures can still offer surprises in new problems. Here’s one cruiser’s story.

🎧 Boatyard Essentials

Published on August 15, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

If you own a boat, you’re going to have to work on it in the boatyard at some point. But these tools make the work go a little bit easier.

Boat Safety Briefing for Guests

Published on August 9, 2023; last updated on April 6, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Grandfather and child wearing life jackets on a boat — boat safety briefing for guests

What to cover before you leave the dock — and the questions to ask your guests before you go.

🎧Painting the Bilge – An Easy Upgrade

Published on August 8, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Painting your bilge or lockers is an easy upgrade. Here are the 7 steps to help you get the best results.

Storing Canned Food Onboard

Published on August 3, 2023; last updated on March 9, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Cans with rust on the bottom - Storing canned goods on a boat

10 things to remember when storing canned foods aboard. There’s a lot to think about from weight to labels.

How to Keep Medical Records Onboard

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

Sample of Medical records onboard

Cruisers must keep medical records onboard–for everyone on the boat. Here’s what to include. And where to keep it.

🎧Reinstallation – The Order of Events

Published on August 1, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

When you’re making repairs, it’s important to remember the steps for reinstalling items. Here are a few tips.

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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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