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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

🎧We LOVE Newport!

Published on November 9, 2021; last updated on March 31, 2025 by Nica Waters

3 reasons we really, really loved Newport. It’s more cruiser-friendly than we’d expected!

Don’t Forget to Budget for Spares

Published on November 3, 2021; last updated on June 16, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

Budgeting to buy a new boat? Don’t forget to consider the spare parts you’ll need. The price adds up. Here’s how much spare parts could be worth.

🎧 Transiting NYC During a UN Session

Published on November 2, 2021; last updated on December 13, 2023 by Nica Waters

Our panic on hearing that the entire East River is closed to navigation during a UN session mellowed out when we realized that was a slight exaggeration.

Farewell to Paz

Published on October 28, 2021; last updated on October 30, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Can a 7-pound ball of fluff leave a legacy? I think so.

Do You Always Need to Buy Marine Gear?

Published on October 27, 2021; last updated on May 14, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

Marine gear is pricey. Do you always have to buy expensive marine products for your boat?

🎧Love Letter to New England Cruising

Published on October 26, 2021; last updated on May 25, 2023 by Nica Waters

We thought getting to Maine was the only way to enjoy New England. We were so wrong!

🎧Homemade Propane Box

Published on October 19, 2021; last updated on May 17, 2023 by Nica Waters

Details of building our custom propane box, to fit perfectly on Calypso’s deck

🎧Calm Yourself When Prepping to Cruise

Published on October 15, 2021; last updated on May 28, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

When you’re getting ready to cruise, you may feel overwhelmed. Here are a few tips to help you get perspective. 

Get Rid of Single-Use Plastics

Published on October 13, 2021; last updated on November 18, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

It’s important to give up single-use products whenever possible. And it’s gotten easier–thanks to these nifty products.

🎧Freedom from Overwhelm

Published on October 12, 2021; last updated on April 2, 2024 by Nica Waters

We went cruising to slow down. Why, then, were we so bent on rushing past all the cool places nobody told us about?

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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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