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The Boat Galley

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DIY Tips

Owning a boat turns everyone into a DIY-er! Sometimes, there's just no one else to do the job.

Along the way, we've learned how to do many things a little more easily.

Boat Renovation: Applying Teak Guard

Published on December 5, 2018; last updated on December 31, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Applying the new teak finish on our boat’s interior renovation was one of the easiest parts of the project. I love the look that Teak Guard Finish gives! [More] Boat Renovation: Applying Teak Guard

Boat Renovation: Cleaning Teak

Published on November 28, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

What’s the best technique for cleaning, literally, a boatload of horribly stained and dirty teak? Here’s what worked for me. [More] Boat Renovation: Cleaning Teak

How To Choose Bottom Paint

Published on August 24, 2018; last updated on June 30, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

What’s the best bottom paint for your boat? Lots of things go into determining that, and what works well for your buddy might not be right for you. Everything you need to know. [More] How To Choose Bottom Paint

An Easier Way to Troubleshoot

Published on July 16, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

We all hate when there's a problem and want to fix it as fast as possible. Today's tip, from Georgia Hilton, will cut your troubleshooting time dramatically.

We all hate when there’s a problem and want to fix it as fast as possible. Today’s tip, from Georgia Hilton, will cut your troubleshooting time dramatically. [More] An Easier Way to Troubleshoot

Six Steps to a Perfect Bottom

Published on May 22, 2018; last updated on April 24, 2020 by Nica Waters

Bottom painting. How do you keep this regular, messy, job in check? 6 steps will have you clean, painted, and ready to splash.

Bottom painting. How do you keep this regular, messy, job in check? 6 steps will have you clean, painted, and ready to splash. [More] Six Steps to a Perfect Bottom

Installing a New Halyard

Published on May 7, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

No, you don't have to go up the mast to change a halyard. See how we do it in less than 5 minutes from the deck.

No, you don’t have to go up the mast to change a halyard. See how we do it in less than 5 minutes from the deck. [More] Installing a New Halyard

An Easier Way to Splice Double Braid

Published on April 30, 2018; last updated on April 10, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Make your own fid and have an easier time with your next double braid eye splice. Learning from the local rigging shop! [More] An Easier Way to Splice Double Braid

Shopping by Example

Published on December 16, 2017; last updated on May 15, 2018 by Carolyn Shearlock

How to make sure you buy the parts that will really fit and are exactly what you need, without making a second (or third) trip -- even in a foreign language!

How to make sure you buy the parts that will really fit and are exactly what you need, without making a second (or third) trip — even in a foreign language! [More] Shopping by Example

Removing Fuel Pickup From Tempo Tank

Published on December 11, 2017; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

How to remove a metal fuel pickup fitting from an 18-gallon Tempo tank or any similar tank. DO NOT use this technique with gasoline or other explosive fuels. [More] Removing Fuel Pickup From Tempo Tank

Weird Wiring Colors

Published on October 14, 2017; last updated on July 15, 2019 by Carolyn Shearlock

What do you do when a prior owner of your boat has used "unconventional" wire colors? Here's our solution that doesn't involve re-wiring the boat.

What do you do when a prior owner of your boat has used “unconventional” wire colors? Here’s our solution that doesn’t involve re-wiring the boat. [More] Weird Wiring Colors

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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!

      

Getting Started

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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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