• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • New? Start Here
  • Articles
    • WHAT IS CRUISING?
    • COULD I CRUISE?
    • GETTING READY TO GO
    • FIRST YEAR REALITY
    • Preparing to Cruise
    • Buying a Boat & Gear
    • Living on a Boat
    • Food & Cooking
    • Cruising & Chartering
    • Boat Work
    • Worries & Concerns
  • Cruising Guides
  • Courses
  • TBG on Amazon
    • Our Products on Amazon
    • Other Recommended Products on Amazon
  • Course Login
  • Newsletter
  • Visit Our Store
    • Cruising Guides
    • Courses
    • Books & References

The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

The Keys Salt Scrub

Published on December 4, 2017; last updated on February 27, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

Looking for an environmentally-friendly and wonderful body scrub? Have I got one for you -- and it's made right in the Florida Keys!

Looking for an environmentally-friendly and wonderful body scrub? Have I got one for you — and it’s made right in the Florida Keys!

Outboard Won’t Start: What to Check First

Published on November 27, 2017; last updated on March 25, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Person in life vest operating a small outboard motor on an aluminum boat

Most outboard starting problems have a simple fix — if you know what to check. Here’s the beginner-friendly checklist to get you home.

Getting Packages When Cruising

Published on November 20, 2017; last updated on January 5, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Cruisers need stuff. Sometimes, “stuff” that can’t be found locally. So we have to get packages. But how? Strategies for both domestic and international shipments.

Oven Baking Unevenly?

Published on November 6, 2017; last updated on January 5, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

14 photos from a Caliber 40 to give you ideas for monohull galley storage. Step-by-step organizational tips to stow everything securely for easy use.

An oven that bakes unevenly — say burning food on one side while leaving the other side underdone — is SO frustrating. But there’s a simple solution that doesn’t involve a new oven!

Not-So-Easy Boat Maintenance

Published on November 1, 2017; last updated on January 5, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

We all know that certain engine checks and maintenance are recommended at certain times. And we do most of them. Except those couple that are really difficult. Watch out — those can bite you in the butt!

Hurricane Prep: Your Lines

Published on October 19, 2017; last updated on December 31, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

A hurricane seen from space, the kind of storm a boat hurricane plan prepares your boat to survive

es are what will keep your boat in place during a hurricane, whether at a dock, on anchor or a mooring. How to choose the best ones for the job.

Going to a Boat Show

Published on October 16, 2017; last updated on January 5, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Thinking of going to a boat show and want to make the most of your time there without being overwhelmed? My tips for a fun and productive time!

Post-Hurricane Dangers in the Water

Published on September 25, 2017; last updated on January 5, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Hurricanes wreak damage in so many ways — not just immediately but in the clean up as well. Be careful and don’t compound the tragedy.

Why Did Barefoot Gal Survive Irma?

Published on September 21, 2017; last updated on June 14, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Barefoot Gal, the Gemini catamaran that survived Hurricane Irma, at anchor afterwards

Our catamaran came through Category 4 Irma nearly untouched while most boats in the harbor were lost. Here’s the prep that made the difference.

6 + 1 = 7, But So Does 3 + 4

Published on August 23, 2017; last updated on January 4, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Avoid arguments aboard by allowing different methods.

No, we don’t all have to do things the same way in order to get to the same place. When is it time to insist on standard operating procedures and when is it best to leave well enough alone?

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 90
  • Page 91
  • Page 92
  • Page 93
  • Page 94
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 152
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

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.

Master Life Aboard with
Our All-Access Pass

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.

$519  $199  SAVE 62%

See the All-Access Pass →

Prefer just one topic? Browse individual courses

About · Privacy · Terms of Service · Contact · © 2010–2026 The Boat Galley, LLC. All Rights Reserved.'
  • Questions? Click to Email Me
  • Visit Our Store