As we cruised, Dave and I kept finding simple ways to solve common problems cheaply. This is my manuscript detailing several of those, which was published in Cruising World in January 2009 as “Keep It Quick, Cheap and Simple.”
All are under $5, quick and easy to implement, not specific to one type of boat and address issues faced by numerous boaters — from weekenders to around-the-world voyagers. Included topics (some of these I’ve made into longer articles and where that’s the case, I’ve linked to the full article):
- Keeping Band-Aids On
- Keep Sealants Fresh
- Before Moving Boat Checklist
- Carrying Boat Cards in the Dinghy
- Emergency Info
- Safe Heading Out
- A Clog-Free Head
- Normal Operation Marks
- Water Vent Screens
- Slotted Zinc Screw
- plus 5 more tips from friends
If the document does not show below (some browsers have problems), click here to view or download.
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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.
Al Felker says
Very helpful tips. Thanks for resharing. Is that a word? Anyway, the most helpful one for me was the line rubbing noise. I have been using dish soap for the fenders and lines all these years.
The Boat Galley says
When there’s a lot of surge, it’s amazing how LOUD it gets!
Little Cunning Plan says
Love these helpful hints!