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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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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??

Don’t Let Bugs in the Thru-Hulls

Published on January 29, 2016; last updated on January 3, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Keep bugs out of your boat with this easy, low-cost way to prevent ants, mud daubers, spiders, and cockroaches from entering thru-hulls when in a boatyard.

Better Than Acetone to Clean Hands

Published on December 11, 2015; last updated on December 17, 2022 by Carolyn Shearlock

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!

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!

Taking the Important Pictures on a Boat

Published on December 9, 2015; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

The important photos aren’t necessarily the pretty ones. They’re the ones that enable you to put something back together!

The Cruiser’s Best Friend: Google

Published on December 5, 2015; last updated on January 4, 2026 by Carolyn Shearlock

Finding the infomation you need right when you need it, Google has changed cruising.

Loosening That Last Seized Bolt

Published on November 20, 2015; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Got a seized bolt? Get PB Blaster. Can't spray it where it needs to go? Try this tip.

Got a seized bolt? Get PB Blaster. Can’t spray it where it needs to go? Try this tip.

Clean Your Dinghy Bottom More Easily

Published on November 16, 2015; last updated on October 30, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

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

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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!

      

Latest Articles & Podcasts

Why Have a Bilge Alarm?

January 8, 2026

A bilge alarm tells you immediately if you have a problem.It may even save your boat. Read more to learn from our experience.

Couple staring at sailboat masts in marina - preparing to cruise and overwhelmed

Getting Ready to Start Cruising and Feeling Overwhelmed?

January 1, 2026

Are you getting ready to start cruising and feeling overwhelmed? It happens to all of us. Here are tips to make it easier.

glass float in net - hunting for glass fishing bloats

🎧Hunting for Glass Fishing Floats

December 27, 2025

Seashells are lovely but searching for glass fishing floats is far more challenging and a thrilling hobby for cruisers.

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