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Outboard Troubleshooting

Outboard Won’t Start 101

Published on November 27, 2017; last updated on September 19, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

15 simple things to check if the outboard won’t start — along with how to fix them at least well enough to get home. No mechanical skills needed! [More] Outboard Won’t Start 101

Choosing a Dinghy

Published on June 7, 2016; last updated on April 4, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Your dinghy choice is almost as big a decision as your “big boat” when it comes to cruising enjoyment. What we just upgraded to and why . . . [More] Choosing a Dinghy

Necessary Dinghy Safety Gear

Published on May 9, 2016; last updated on April 4, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

A list of 17 important pieces of dinghy safety gear to always have with you. Learn why you need each one of these aboard. [More] Necessary Dinghy Safety Gear

Outboard Fuel Line Problems

Published on April 11, 2016; last updated on April 4, 2021 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. [More] Outboard Fuel Line 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 [More] Changing Lower Unit Oil in an Outboard

How to Use a Shaker Siphon to Fuel Your Boat

Published on September 19, 2015; last updated on August 30, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

How to use a shaker siphon to transfer fuel or water from jerry cans to your boat. Stop straining your back with this super-easy system! [More] How to Use a Shaker Siphon to Fuel Your Boat

Emergency Motor

Published on December 27, 2014; last updated on July 31, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Your dinghy motor can get the "big boat" to a safe place . . . not very quickly, mind you, but it'll do it with these two techniques.

Your dinghy motor can get the “big boat” to a safe place . . . not very quickly, mind you, but it’ll do it with these two techniques. [More] Emergency Motor

Your dinghy motor can get the "big boat" to a safe place . . . not very quickly, mind you, but it'll do it with these two techniques.

That Pesky Outboard Kill Switch Lanyard

Published on May 30, 2014; last updated on April 4, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

A simple way to wear an outboard kill cord so that you don’t accidentally pull it out and stop the engine but have it work when it should. [More] That Pesky Outboard Kill Switch Lanyard

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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

Simple Exercises to do Onboard

August 16, 2022 By Nica Waters

Hoping to stay fit while living (and cruising on a small boat)? Here are 3 easy exercises to try.  [More] Simple Exercises to do Onboard

DIY Dish Drain for a Double Sink

August 12, 2022 By Carolyn Shearlock

Looking for a way to dry dishes without taking up valuable space in your galley? Take a look at one half of your double sink. Here’s how to make it work.  Links: Nonstick Cooling Rack (Amazon) In-Sink Cutlery Holder (Amazon) Prefer to Read? Check out In-Sink Dish Drainer.

Why You Need to Prep Before Leaving the Boat

August 10, 2022 By Carolyn Shearlock

What happens when you leave your boat without prepping it first? Here’s what we found when a medical issue had us off the boat for over 2 weeks! [More] Why You Need to Prep Before Leaving the Boat

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