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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

Preparing For Those Winter North Winds

Published on May 5, 2021; last updated on March 9, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Even when your boat is in a warm climate, you need to be prepared for a winter storm. Here’s what we do when a norther passes over our location.

🎧Three Varnishing Tips

Published on May 4, 2021; last updated on May 25, 2023 by Nica Waters

Besides the basics of “spend time prepping and cleaning”, we’ve figured out some new strategies lately that are making varnish time go much more smoothly.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go

Published on May 1, 2021; last updated on December 31, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock/Judy Ludin

What’s the best thing about cruising? The people you meet. Check out some of the interesting folks you’ll meet in just one mooring field.

The Dangers of NOT Drinking–Dehydration!

Published on April 28, 2021; last updated on June 30, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

A scary trip to the emergency room taught us about the dangers of dehydration for cruisers. You’ve probably done these things yourself.

🎧To Bread Machine or Not to Bread Machine

Published on April 27, 2021; last updated on May 17, 2023 by Nica Waters

I love making bread by hand. We still bought a machine – here’s why.

🎧Tabbing Games

Published on April 20, 2021; last updated on May 28, 2023 by Nica Waters

It takes more time than you think to create support for counters!

🎧Hardest Parts of Any Project

Published on April 13, 2021; last updated on May 28, 2023 by Nica Waters

Getting started is hard. Finishing is even harder. They both mean nothing gets crossed off the list.

🎧Rudder Woes

Published on April 6, 2021; last updated on September 29, 2024 by Nica Waters

How much work have we just caused ourselves by wanting a new wind vane?

🎧Paying For the Dream

Published on March 30, 2021; last updated on May 28, 2023 by Nica Waters

From cruising local to cruiser karma, earning funds underway has challenges to be aware of.

🎧On Pirates

Published on March 23, 2021; last updated on December 28, 2024 by Nica Waters

The glories of Venezuela, tempered by troubles, kept revealing themselves.

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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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