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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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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!

🎧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 Rope

Published on April 30, 2018; last updated on March 19, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Completed double braid eye splice on a red-and-white halyard attached to a stainless shackle

One tip from a professional rigging shop changed everything about how I splice double braid. Here’s what they taught me.

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.

You CAN Do It

Published on June 26, 2017; last updated on January 5, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

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 December 31, 2025 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!

Clogged Outboard Fuel Line

Published on April 11, 2016; last updated on January 2, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

How to tell if you have a blockage in an outboard fuel line, why they occur and how to choose a replacement fuel line that will have fewer problems.

Changing Lower Unit Oil in an Outboard

Published on April 8, 2016; last updated on April 4, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Changing the lower unit oil on an outboard is part of the routine maintenance. Here's how we do it when we're out cruising without a motor stand ashore

Changing the lower unit oil on an outboard is part of the routine maintenance. Here’s how we do it when we’re out cruising without a motor stand ashore

Pulling Electrical Wires

Published on March 28, 2016; last updated on January 3, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Installing new equipment on a boat often requires new electrical wiring. Two tips for running that wiring in tight spaces.

Dinghy Bottom Cleaning Made Simple

Published on March 5, 2016; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

A much easier way to clean the dinghy bottom. Why didn't we think of this years ago??

A much easier way to clean the dinghy bottom. Why didn’t we think of this years ago??

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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?

Latest Articles

Hands coated with epoxy

How to Clean Epoxy From Your Hands

August 20, 2026

Using acetone to clean up after nasty messy projects such as epoxy or sealant? There’s something that works better, is cheaper AND is less toxic!

Sailboats in a marina - what are the hidden costs of buying a boat

First Year Cruising? How to Decrease the Learning Curve

August 18, 2026

Is it your first year cruising or boating? Are you feeling overwhelmed by everything there is to learn? There are ways to make it easier!

Dinghy bottom with cleaning products

Clean Your Dinghy Bottom More Easily

August 17, 2026

We’ve finally found a product that significantly cut the time to clean the bottom of the dinghy. Even better — it’s cheap!

Living on a boat

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