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The Boat Galley

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Bugs

Bugs and other critters just love boats!

Avoid infestations and bites with these tips.

Manage Your Trash to Avoid Bugs

Published on March 21, 2014; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Want a bug-free boat? Manage your trash so they don't see your boat as an all-you-can-eat buffet!

Want a bug-free boat? Manage your trash so they don’t see your boat as an all-you-can-eat buffet! [More] Manage Your Trash to Avoid Bugs

Spring Cleaning in the Galley

Published on April 19, 2013; last updated on March 23, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Ah, I just love spring cleaning! NOT. But doing a really thorough job pays off with fewer bugs, rodents and funky smells . . . and lets you know of any potential problem areas. [More] Spring Cleaning in the Galley

DEET and Plastics

Published on December 2, 2012; last updated on November 23, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

If you use bug spray that contains DEET, be careful where you spray it. DEET will melt many things, including plastics and the screens on boat electronics. [More] DEET and Plastics

Bugs in the Flour

Published on October 22, 2012; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Here are step-by-step instructions on what to do to get rid of bugs in your flour . . . ignoring them only makes the problem worse!

Opening up a container of flour and discovering bugs is not fun. But you can’t ignore it. Here are step-by-step instructions on what to do to get rid of them. [More] Bugs in the Flour

Problems Don’t Cure Themselves

Published on October 8, 2012; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Problems on a boat don’t cure themselves. Left to their own devices, they get worse. Sometimes a lot worse. Our strategy for cutting down on the work. [More] Problems Don’t Cure Themselves

Rats! There’s a Mouse Onboard!!

Published on November 11, 2011; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Sometimes we get a VERY undesirable stowaway: a mouse or a rat. How do you get rid of it? What's best? What shouldn't you do? And what do you have to watch out for?

Sometimes we get a VERY undesirable stowaway: a mouse or a rat. How do you get rid of it? What’s best? What shouldn’t you do? And what do you have to watch out for? [More] Rats! There’s a Mouse Onboard!!

No-See-Um Repellant

Published on September 30, 2011; last updated on October 30, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Fed up with no-see-ums? Can't find anything that works against them? Try making your own repellent -- and fight mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and other bugs, too!

Fed up with no-see-ums? Can’t find anything that works against them? Try making your own repellent — and fight mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and other bugs, too! [More] No-See-Um Repellant

Don’t Let Bugs Into Your Water Tank

Published on August 3, 2011; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Installing a simple mesh screen on the air vent to your water tank can prevent a lot of problems when bugs want a drink.

Installing a simple mesh screen on the air vent to your water tank can prevent a lot of problems when bugs want a drink. [More] Don’t Let Bugs Into Your Water Tank

Avoid Bugs in Stored Food on a Boat

Published on October 21, 2010; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Use these tips to AVOID critters in your stored food — bugs, ants, weevils and cockroaches — instead of dealing with an infestation. [More] Avoid Bugs in Stored Food on a Boat

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Welcome

Carolyn Shearlock

Hi! I'm Carolyn Shearlock. My husband and I have been cruising over 14 years and 13,000 miles, first on a Tayana 37 monohull and now 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!

      

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The Boat Galley can be overwhelming with over 1,200 articles. The Resource Center has four FREE mini-courses to guide you to just the info you need, whether you’re discovering what living on a boat would be like, preparing to cruise, overwhelmed with the first-year learning curve, or needing help with cooking aboard. Click here.

Latest Articles & Podcasts

Hauling Out? How to Protect Yourself

May 25, 2022 By Carolyn Shearlock

Hauling your boat out to make repairs? Here’s how to protect yourself from regrets. All it takes is a plan. [More] Hauling Out? How to Protect Yourself

Three Tips for Rafting Up

May 24, 2022 By Nica Waters

Good practices to consider when sharing an anchor  [More] Three Tips for Rafting Up

How to Test Stainless Quality

May 20, 2022 By Carolyn Shearlock

Don’t get stuck with poor quality stainless. Here’s how to know what you’re buying.     [More] How to Test Stainless Quality

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