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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

All Articles – Newest to Oldest

Organizing Bags without Cardboard

Published on December 27, 2016; last updated on September 3, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Cardboard can hide bugs, pick up moisture, get squishy and then even mildew. Here's how to keep your bags organized without the cardboard.

Cardboard can hide bugs, pick up moisture, get squishy and then even mildew. Here’s how to keep your bags organized without the cardboard.

When Medical Issues Arise While Cruising

Published on December 15, 2016; last updated on January 5, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

What do you do when medical issues collide with your plans? Here’s how we’ve handled three of those situations — with great results.

Outland Hatch Covers, Part 2

Published on December 12, 2016; last updated on January 27, 2017 by Carolyn Shearlock

More reasons why I love Outland Hatch Covers!

American Press Coffee Maker

Published on December 3, 2016; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

The American Press Coffee Maker -- no electricity need, no glass to break, no filters to throw away -- just delicious coffee!

The American Press Coffee Maker — no electricity need, no glass to break, no filters to throw away — just delicious coffee!

Homeschool Teacher

Published on October 27, 2016; last updated on January 31, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Thinking of cruising with your kids, but stuck and confused when it comes to the idea of homeschooling? Kate Laird's new book provides practical info to make it work for you and your kids!

Thinking of cruising with your kids, but stuck and confused when it comes to the idea of homeschooling? Kate Laird’s new book provides practical info to make it work for you and your kids!

Ant Infestation

Published on October 20, 2016; last updated on September 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

This past summer, we had an ant infestation on our boat. Normal sprays and traps didn't make a dent in them. How we finally got rid of them for good.

This past summer, we had an ant infestation on our boat. Normal sprays and traps didn’t make a dent in them. How we finally got rid of them for good.

Easy Storage Drawers

Published on October 18, 2016; last updated on January 3, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

An easy, lightweight and economical way to organize storage areas on a catamaran

Raymarine Instrument Repair

Published on October 13, 2016; last updated on October 1, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

Need a RayMarine/Raytheon or Autohelm instrument or autopilot repaired? Dan Gerhardt can repair many items that companies say can't be fixed

Need a RayMarine/Raytheon or Autohelm instrument or autopilot repaired? Dan Gerhardt can repair many items that companies say can’t be fixed

Boat Window Screens

Published on October 8, 2016; last updated on February 19, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Waterline Design hatch and port screens are cost effective, simple to use, easy to stow — and they keep mosquitoes and no-see-ums out of the boat!

What Can Go Wrong in Four Months?

Published on September 27, 2016; last updated on January 5, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Four months in the Bahamas, 1100 miles. We knew some things would break, it was just a question of what and whether we had the parts to fix it.

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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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