If you just bought a cruising boat and woke up the next morning wondering what in the world you were thinking, don’t fret. It’s a pretty common reaction to the overwhelming questions that go along with it — it certainly was for us!
What gear do you need to buy? What repairs are needed? What upgrades do you want? How do I make sure to make the right choices? And so many more questions . . .
Other cruisers gave us some great advice, and in this podcast, I pass it on.
Prefer to read? Check out New and Overwhelmed?
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Jan Bogart says
Bill Albany
Bill Albany says
Very true! Thanks!
Jan Bogart says
Don’t know if you follow her page. Lots of good tips.
Bill Albany says
I will!
Karen Morehouse says
Perfect timing to see this ! Have had my “new” for just over a month and totally overwhelmed
The Boat Galley says
One step at a time — you’ll get there!
Michelle Pirzenthal says
Such good advice ⛵️
Claire Ford says
Thanks for all the advice. We’re moving up from a 28′ to a 40′, and I don’t want to ‘stuff’ it with unnecessary items.
ROBERT MAGLIOZZI says
HI CAROLYN,
I WAS WONDERING IF YOUR ARTICLES CAN BE READ INSTEAD OF PODCAST? I HAVE TROUBLE HEARING AND HAVE TO CONSTANTLY BACK UP THE PODCAST TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE SAYING. THANK YOU.
GUNNY
Carolyn Shearlock says
Underneath the podcast I just put a link to the written article that it was taken from — I understand, my husband worked in heavy industry and is pretty hard of hearing . . .
Vanita VanFleet Fowden says
Thanks for the timely advice.
Chris in Oregon says
measure twice, cut once.. I found out a very useful thing was to take an hour or so on a new to me boat and start measuring. how big is the counter, cockpit size for new cushions, open floor space, how tall is the head and width of the v- berth. just to name a few. I have it all stored on my phone and when I see something that looks right for my boat I can quickly check if it will really fit. I need a new shelf in a locker, but knowing the size I can have the lumberyard cut it to size, saving me that time and hassle. Almost but a set of new cushions for the cockpit but then saw that they were too wide for my boat and wouldn’t fit properly.
Shelley Ruff says
HI Carolyn, we just bought a Ranger Tug 31CB. We have yet to commission her. I have referred to your articles a lot for provisions, galley supplies, etc. We will be taking her from Stuart, FL to St. Mary’s, Ga at the end of April. I am so excited, I can hardly stand it., Do you have any suggestions for newbies like us? Thank you for all your sound advise.
Sincerely
Go with the Flow
A Ranger Tug 31CB 🙂
Carolyn Shearlock says
Congratulations!
Three things: take it slowly, wait for good weather and ask nearby boaters about local boating conditions (watch out for delivery captains, not because they’re bad but they’re paid to move boats even when it’s not pretty) and don’t be afraid to get on the VHF and ask for help.
Don’t make schedules, especially for your first trip. Schedules make you go out in weather that is less than ideal. It’s also important to be well-rested . . . both for safety and you’ll have more fun. If you have a long day and are tired (which happens!), take a lay day the next day.
And your excitement is contagious! I’m sitting here smiling at the thought of your first trip!
Here’s a post I wrote on reducing the stress of cruising: https://theboatgalley.com/less-stressful-cruising/
Anonymous says
Jerry Orm