• 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

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.

🎧Six Steps to a Perfect Bottom

Published on May 22, 2018; last updated on December 13, 2023 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.

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 October 1, 2025 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!

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!

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Page 6
  • 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

Sailboat Interior - Check for handholds when buying a boat

Check Handholds When Buying a Boat

November 20, 2025 By Carolyn Shearlock

Remember to check handholds when buying a boat. The number and placement will be what keeps you safe underway. Here’s what you need to know.

Person lying on boat while another stands at the wheel - when a crew members gets sick

🎧How to Deal with Sick Crew on the Boat

November 15, 2025 By Nica Waters

Having sick crew on a boat is never fun. The good news is that cruising is generally a healthy lifestyle. But if the worst happens, here’s what to do.

Man standing near sailboat mast - installing a new halyard

Installing a New Halyard

November 13, 2025 By Carolyn Shearlock

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

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