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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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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.

An Easier Way to Splice Double Braid

Published on April 30, 2018; last updated on May 1, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

A step-by-step guide to splicing double braid line.

Make your own fid and have an easier time with your next double braid eye splice. Learning from the local rigging shop!

🎧Shopping by Example

Published on December 16, 2017; last updated on December 13, 2023 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!

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.

🎧 Weird Wiring Colors

Published on October 14, 2017; last updated on December 13, 2023 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.

You CAN Do It

Published on June 26, 2017; last updated on June 18, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

I get it. Trying something new can be intimidating. That's true even after ten years of viving aboard and cruising. But I've discovered that I can do a lot more than I think I can!

I get it. Trying something new can be intimidating. That’s true even after ten years of living aboard and cruising. But I’ve discovered that I can do a lot more than I think I can!

Safety from the Top of the Mast

Published on June 14, 2017; last updated on May 31, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

When someone goes up the mast, we think -- logically -- of their safety. But we also have to think about those on deck. Simple safety precautions.

When someone goes up the mast, we think — logically — of their safety. But we also have to think about those on deck. Simple safety precautions.

The Photo That Saved Us $120

Published on May 10, 2017; last updated on February 12, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

We like having a photo record of our travels . . . but our camera is paying for itself, too. If you can find a part number, you may not be locked into buying a proprietary part!

🎧 Living Aboard Through Filthy Projects

Published on December 26, 2016; last updated on December 13, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

Nine tips for surviving dirty nasty boat projects -- DIY is a great way to improve your boat, but can also take a toll. Make it easier!

Nine tips for surviving dirty nasty boat projects — DIY is a great way to improve your boat, but can also take a toll. Make it easier!

🎧Boat Details Document

Published on November 7, 2016; last updated on January 10, 2025 by Carolyn Shearlock

Who can remember what model of everything they have on the boat? Create a “Boat Details” document and never wonder again!

Who can remember what model of everything they have on the boat? Create a “Boat Details” document and never wonder again!

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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!

      

Getting Started

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The Boat Galley can be overwhelming with over 1,000 articles. We have 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

Boat at anchor with inset picture of man with red hair and grey shirt

Liveaboard Boat Insurance: Coverage for Full-Time Cruisers

June 2, 2025 By Carolyn Shearlock/Ben Belyea

Liveaboard boat insurance can be hard to find. What’s a cruiser to do? Here’s what you need to know to find coverage.

digital map of florida with pins - no foreign land app

🎧 No Foreign Land – A Great Resource for Cruisers

May 31, 2025 By Nica Waters

We’ve found the No Foreign Land app a vital source of practical information in new anchorages. Here’s what we love about it.

Power boat with inset of Roam Device and phone with app open

The Roam Device – Remote Boat Monitoring

May 31, 2025 By Carolyn Shearlock/John Herlig

Read the Roam Device review transcript to hear what John Herlig thought of this remote boat monitoring product.

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