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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

Washing Dishes in a Quart of Water

Published on April 19, 2023; last updated on April 15, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

Washing dishes can take a lot of water on a boat. But my method helps me wash a day’s dishes in less than a quart of water.

🎧Sundowner Snacks

Published on April 18, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Looking for a sundowner snack that is just a step up? Here’s one idea for cruisers.

Four Pieces of Useful Boat Gear (no one notices)

Published on April 12, 2023; last updated on April 30, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

Sometimes the most useful boat gear are the things most visitors never notice. Here are our 4 faves. They just work.

🎧Anchoring? Or Mooring?

Published on April 11, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Boats at anchor — the everyday basics of living aboard and cruising community life

Should you anchor? Or take a mooring ball? The decision may come down to whose tackle you trust more.

🎧Buddy Boating – Yes or No?

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

Company is great. But what kind of buddy boating is best for you?

Heaving To – An Important Cruiser Skill

Published on March 29, 2023; last updated on March 28, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

Heaving to is an important skill for any sailor. But it’s especially crucial on an offshore passage.

🎧Cruising – A Lot More Than Boat Work

Published on March 28, 2023; last updated on January 4, 2025 by Nica Waters

Is cruising really doing boat work in exotic locations? I don’t think so. And here’s why.

Boat Electrical Troubleshooting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Published on March 22, 2023; last updated on March 25, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Multimeter reading 12.34 volts DC during boat electrical troubleshooting

Something stopped working on your boat. Here’s the exact sequence to find the problem before calling a marine electrician.

🎧Why We Love the VHF Radio

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

A cruiser’s VHF radio provides support, information, and entertainment. Here’s why you should rely on yours too.

Bahamas Winter Weather Tips

Published on March 15, 2023; last updated on December 5, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

Heading to the Bahamas? Or already there? Then read my best tips for managing the Bahamas winter weather to have the best time.

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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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