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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

 

Boat DIY Tips
Boat DIY Tips
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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 and here we share it all with you.

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How to Repair Holes in Boat Teak

Published on January 19, 2026; last updated on April 27, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Mixing glue and sawdust - repairing teak holes

A previous owner left holes in the teak woodwork in your boat? It’s easier to repair than you think! Step-by-step how-to with photos.

How to Troubleshoot Boat Problems

Published on December 11, 2025; last updated on January 1, 2026 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.

Wondering how to troubleshoot boat problems? Guest writer, Georgia Hilton, gives some great DIY tips from her work in the Navy.

Installing a New Halyard

Published on November 13, 2025; last updated on November 12, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

Man standing near sailboat mast - installing a new halyard

Installing a new halyard without going up the mast is far safer. Here’s how we did it in less than five minutes.

Stay Safe When Climbing the Mast

Published on September 11, 2025; last updated on September 11, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

Person on a bosun's chair at the top of a mast - climbing the mast

Are you safe when climbing the mast? How about those on deck? Here are the tips you need to know.

How to Calculate Boat Power Requirements

Published on August 21, 2025; last updated on February 19, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

boats at anchor at night - calculate boat power needs

Do you know how to calculate boat power requirements? If not, your batteries may not be able to keep up. Here’s how to do it.

How to Connect Boat Wires So They Don’t Fail

Published on August 7, 2025; last updated on July 27, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Crimping a screw connector when connecting boat wires

The little crimping and heat-shrink tricks that keep a boat’s wire connections from corroding or shaking loose.

Tips for Hauling Out Your Boat

Published on June 5, 2025; last updated on January 4, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Man watches another main watching the bottom of a hauled out boat - hauling out your boat

If hauling out your boat is a new experience, read these tips to make it easier and less stressful. Little things you need to know.

How to Survive Dirty Boat Projects

Published on May 29, 2025; last updated on January 6, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Person wearing white coveralls and a red hat with safety glasses and a dusk mask - dirty boat projects

Wondering how to survive dirty boat projects? These tips will make you less miserable during even the worst boat jobs.

Don’t Lose Small Parts During Boat Projects

Published on April 24, 2025; last updated on April 23, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

Winch parts on a paper towel - don't lose boat parts when making repairs

Don’t lose small parts during boat projects. Some preparation and good working methods will ensure it. Here are tips.

How to Prep a Boat Bottom to Switch to Hard Paint

Published on February 27, 2025; last updated on January 14, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Man painting bottom of sailboat in boatyard - how to prep boat bottom for switch to hard paint

Wondering how to prep a boat bottom to make the switch from ablative to hard paint? Here’s our experience and some DIY tips.

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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!

How Can We Help You?

I'm curious about the cruising life What is it, who does it, and what's it really like day to day?
I'm tempted — but is it realistic for my situation? My budget, my health, my partner, my life, my skills (or lack thereof)
I'm getting ready to go Buying a boat, getting insurance, planning to move aboard
I'm aboard and navigating the learning curve How do I make it the life I dreamed of?

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