• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Events
  • Articles
    • Preparing to Cruise
    • Buying a Boat & Gear
    • Living on a Boat
    • Food & Cooking
    • Cruising & Chartering
    • Boat Work
    • Worries & Concerns
    • All Articles: New to Old
  • Cruising Guides
  • Courses
  • TBG on Amazon
    • Our Products on Amazon
    • Other Recommended Products on Amazon
  • Course Login
  • Newsletter
  • Visit Our Store
    • Cruising Guides
    • Courses
    • Books & References

The Boat Galley

making boat life better

 

Boat DIY Tips
Boat DIY Tips
Image is not available

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.

SEE REFERENCES AND ORGANIZERS

DIY Fuel Polishing

Published on July 26, 2020; last updated on October 31, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

If your boat has been sitting for a while, you may need to polish your fuel. Here’s how with suggested tools to make it easier to accomplish DIY fuel polishing.

DIY Boat Garden

Published on June 13, 2020; last updated on July 28, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock/Liz & Risto Lappala

Yes, you can grow greens and herbs (and even tomatoes!) on your sailboat. Check out this clever DIY to help you make your own boat garden.

🎧Gaining DIY Skills

Published on April 23, 2019; last updated on May 25, 2023 by Nica Waters

How installing 3 pieces of flooring in a closet helped me gain confidence to do boat work.

How installing 3 pieces of flooring in a closet helped me gain confidence to do boat work.

One Careless Moment

Published on April 22, 2019; last updated on May 8, 2024 by Carolyn Shearlock

One careless moment caused a boat fire. What happened, what we did wrong and what we did right. A chilling story of an almost-disaster.

Feeling Stupid

Published on March 6, 2019; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Feeling stupid. Boat work and the cruising life can do that to you. The lessons we learned as well as how to move on and regain confidence.

Repairing Screw Holes in Teak

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

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

Getting Reminders

Published on December 10, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Want an automatic reminder to do routine tasks? Quickly set up an email reminder system with this free app. Step-by-step instructions on how to set it up.

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!

🎧How To Choose Bottom Paint

Published on August 24, 2018; last updated on December 13, 2023 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.

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.

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 8
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

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

Everyone wants those perfect cruising days. We found them in the atolls and lagoons of the Tuamotos.

🎧Perfect Cruising Days You Dream About

October 18, 2025 By Nica Waters

For those perfect cruising days that defy description . . . , Or how the unexpected joy of sailing in the Tuamotus leads to a new term–pas de suckage. Summary Working on Calypso in the […]

Don't lose your dinghy. Being without is a nightmare. Here are some tips.

Don’t Lose Your Dinghy

October 16, 2025 By Carolyn Shearlock

Don’t lose your dinghy. Doing without can be a nightmare for cruisers. Here are a few tips to keep it from being lost or stolen.

marina at night with sailboats - calculating power needs

🎧Calculating Power Needs for a Cruising Boat

October 11, 2025 By Carolyn Shearlock

Calculating power needs for a cruising boat is the difference between being comfortable on board and just getting by. Here’s how.

Podcast Sponsors

Check out all the special deals from our podcast sponsors! Click here.

Footer

Newsletter

Each week you’ll get:

• Tips from Carolyn
• New articles & podcasts
• Popular articles you may have missed
• Totally FREE – one email a week

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Advertising · About · Privacy · Terms of Service · Contact · © 2010–2025 The Boat Galley, LLC. All Rights Reserved.'
  • Questions? Click to Email Me
  • Visit Our Store