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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

Buying & Using a Boat Refrigerator

Boat refrigerators just aren't like "land" refrigerators. Smaller, oddly shaped and often with little to no freezer space or organization.

Make your fridge work for you -- whether it's front- or top-loading, and no matter how tiny!

🎧How to Store Drinks in a Boat Fridge

Published on November 26, 2021; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

With a little planning you can keep drinks cold in your boat refrigerator without wasting power. Here’s how.    

🎧How to Insulate Your Boat Fridge – the Easy Way

Published on November 19, 2021; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Yes, you can keep food cold in hot climates. And without overworking your batteries. Learn the easy way to add insulation to your boat fridge.

🎧How to Defrost Your Boat Fridge

Published on February 12, 2021; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Your boat fridge will run better if you keep ice from building up. Here’s how to defrost it—the easy way! 

🎧Making a Boat Fridge Efficient

Published on January 22, 2021; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Don’t waste energy keeping your boat fridge cool. Here’s how to make it more efficient.  

🎧Check your Fridge Seals & Insulation

Published on July 24, 2020; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Is the cold staying where it belongs? In your boat fridge? Learn how to check for yourself. 

🎧Is the Fridge Failing? Or the Batteries?

Published on June 12, 2020; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Troubleshooting refrigeration problems can be frustrating. Especially if you forget to check this.  

Reduce What’s In The Refrigerator

Published on May 3, 2020; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Three ways to reduce what’s in the refrigerator — essential for living with a small refrigerator, whether in a boat, RV or off the grid.

Living with a Small Refrigerator

Published on February 25, 2020; last updated on January 5, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Does your boat have a tiny refrigerator? Then you need my best tips for going two weeks or more between grocery trips. It’s easier than you think.

Isotherm Cruise 130 Elegance Refrigerator

Published on January 8, 2019; last updated on March 31, 2022 by Carolyn Shearlock

Isotherm Cruise 130 Elegance Refrigerator Review

The Isotherm Cruise 130 Elegance uses less energy and needs defrosting less often than the Cruise 130 Classic. Learn all the improvements here.

🎧Living with a Tiny Refrigerator

Published on April 6, 2018; last updated on January 5, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Small refrigerator and less frequent stops for groceries when cruising. How can you have the foods -- especially fresh food -- you want?

Small refrigerator and less frequent stops for groceries when cruising. How can you have the foods — especially fresh food — you want?

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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!

      

Latest Articles & Podcasts

Why Have a Bilge Alarm?

January 8, 2026

A bilge alarm tells you immediately if you have a problem.It may even save your boat. Read more to learn from our experience.

Couple staring at sailboat masts in marina - preparing to cruise and overwhelmed

Getting Ready to Start Cruising and Feeling Overwhelmed?

January 1, 2026

Are you getting ready to start cruising and feeling overwhelmed? It happens to all of us. Here are tips to make it easier.

glass float in net - hunting for glass fishing bloats

🎧Hunting for Glass Fishing Floats

December 27, 2025

Seashells are lovely but searching for glass fishing floats is far more challenging and a thrilling hobby for cruisers.

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