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The Boat Galley

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DIY Tips

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.

Super Digest-It Safe Drain Opener

Published on September 11, 2013; last updated on September 29, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Uses good enzymes instead of harsh chemicals -- and it really works!

If you’ve got a clogged drain that the simple remedies — boiling water, vinegar, baking soda, plungers and so on — just won’t budge, you might try this. Chris and Melody on Vacilando found it by chance and swear it works — and isn’t nasty for the environment! [More] Super Digest-It Safe Drain Opener

Refrigerator Insulation Test

Published on June 1, 2013; last updated on February 24, 2022 by Carolyn Shearlock

Is your refrigerator or ice box losing its cool? Make sure all that nice cold air stays IN the refrigerator!

Is your refrigerator or ice box losing its cool? Make sure all that nice cold air stays IN the refrigerator! [More] Refrigerator Insulation Test

Check Your Refrigerator Seals

Published on May 31, 2013; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Refrigerator (or ice box) seals help keep the cold air from seeping out the cracks around lids and doors. But are yours really doing the job?

Refrigerator (or ice box) seals help keep the cold air from seeping out the cracks around lids and doors. But are yours really doing the job? [More] Check Your Refrigerator Seals

Cleaning in Tight Spaces

Published on May 29, 2013; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

How do you get gunk out of various nooks and crannies in the galley, around fiddles and other tight spaces? Make your own perfect tool out of an old toothbrush!

How do you get gunk out of various nooks and crannies in the galley, around fiddles and other tight spaces? Make your own perfect tool out of an old toothbrush! [More] Cleaning in Tight Spaces

Potato Masher = Bosun’s Chair??

Published on February 4, 2013; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Use your potato masher to retrieve a halyard up the mast instead of the bosun's chair . . .

Use your potato masher to retrieve a halyard up the mast instead of the bosun’s chair . . . [More] Potato Masher = Bosun’s Chair??

Keeping It Handy

Published on August 15, 2012; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Need a secure way to hold recipes . . . or instructions? Here's a simple and virtually free way to do it -- almost anywhere!

Need a secure way to hold recipes . . . or instructions? Here’s a simple and virtually free way to do it — almost anywhere! [More] Keeping It Handy

PVC Saw

Published on July 25, 2012; last updated on June 10, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

I've had to cut PVC for several galley projects and hated cutting it. Then I tried this saw. Four words say it all: HOT KNIFE THROUGH BUTTER.

I’ve had to cut PVC for several galley projects and hated cutting it. Then I tried this saw. Four words say it all: HOT KNIFE THROUGH BUTTER. [More] PVC Saw

Making Your Mark

Published on May 7, 2012; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Instead of trying to remember how everything works and the proper settings, why not just "make your mark?"

Instead of trying to remember how everything works and the proper settings, why not just “make your mark?” [More] Making Your Mark

Anti-Seize

Published on April 9, 2012; last updated on October 17, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Instead of looking for better ways of getting parts un-frozen, why not just avoid the problem in the first place! [More] Anti-Seize

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Welcome

Carolyn Shearlock

Hi! I'm Carolyn Shearlock. My husband and I have been cruising over 14 years and 13,000 miles, first on a Tayana 37 monohull and now 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 1,200 articles. The Resource Center has 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

Hauling Out? How to Protect Yourself

May 25, 2022 By Carolyn Shearlock

Hauling your boat out to make repairs? Here’s how to protect yourself from regrets. All it takes is a plan. [More] Hauling Out? How to Protect Yourself

Three Tips for Rafting Up

May 24, 2022 By Nica Waters

Good practices to consider when sharing an anchor  [More] Three Tips for Rafting Up

How to Test Stainless Quality

May 20, 2022 By Carolyn Shearlock

Don’t get stuck with poor quality stainless. Here’s how to know what you’re buying.     [More] How to Test Stainless Quality

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