The Boat Galley

The last regularly scheduled episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is a discussion between Nica and Carolyn on how cruising has changed. Summary Today's episode of The Boat Galley podcast is actually a little different. Welcome to a conversation between Carolyn Shearlock and Nica Waters on changes to cruising in the past few decades. But first, we have some news for you.  We've enjoyed recording this...

Hunting for the elusive, Japanese glass fishing floats.  Summary: Fishermen around the world use floats of some kind to keep their nets suspended in the ocean. Originally, floats were often wood or cork. Today, they are frequently made of plastic or styrofoam. The choice of material depends on where you are.      We think the most attractive floats are made of glass. No longer in production, the l...

So, you've decided to buy a cruising boat. Congratulations! Which is the best fit for you? A catamaran or a monohull? Here are some thoughts from someone who has cruised on both. Summary Which is a better cruising vessel, a catamaran or a monhull? After cruising aboard both a 37-foot monohull and later a 34-foot catamaran, I've seen benefits and drawbacks to each. For life aboard, a catamaran is m...

A meat favorite gets a makeover aboard. Here's how to make a crowd-pleasing vegetarian version of a classic meat dish, perfect for a boat galley!   Summary     Although the crew of Calypso isn't vegetarian, with limited cold storage, we eat like we are. And beans are a great meat substitute. The dried ones are especially fabulous on a boat. You're probably familiar with the ubiquitous brown lentil...

You may be tempted to stretch your budget to get a larger boat or more features. But wait. Have you considered the hidden costs you may pay when buying a boat? Summary When a friend started looking for a slightly larger boat, I began thinking about the hidden costs he'd have to pay. He found a larger catamaran that would cost around $300,000. Sure, it would be a stretch, but they thought it was po...

Thanksgiving when cruising can be challenging. Today I look at past celebrations aboard. Summary:  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. This year, however, we're 5000 miles away from home. It could be easy to feel sad about missing family, but it also brings back memories. I associate Thanksgiving with a feeling of abundance. It's not just abou the food, but about the company. And it's the people...

If you've never checked into a marina or mooring field before, how do you learn? Here are the procedures and best practices.  Summary: When you're headed to a new marina or mooring field, prepare ahead of time by checking the layout. Visit their website or use Google Maps. Advanced familiarity will make the marina staff's instructions clearer later. Call when you're ten minutes out to get last-min...

    Dealing with a sick crew member aboard. Here are a couple of ways to address illness on the boat. Summary:  How do you manage if someone gets sick on the boat? The good news, based on my experience, is that it happens rarely. But, if someone on your boat gets sick, here's what you need to know. First, illness is rare. Cruising is a healthy way of life. Spending time in the fresh air and away f...

Cruising offers many challenges. But it shouldn't feel like a slog. And if it does, maybe a few simple changes will make it more pleasurable.   Summary All beginning cruisers look forward to the best part of the lifestyle . But living on a boat is also a challenge . The difference between having fun and a slog can be a few specific changes . Based on seventeen years of living aboard, I recommend t...

A Tuamotus shopping experience w here the ship is a store. Buying directly from the supply ship in Takaroa was a lovely cruising lesson    Summary Cruising offers opportunities to have many new experiences and to learn new skills. We recently learned how to "shop the ship" in the Tuamotus. Let me tell you about it. Friends near our anchorage introduced us to this new-to-us form of provisioning. Th...

If you make strong boat wiring connections the first time, you won't have to redo them later. Here are the best tips I've learned from years of doing wiring jobs on the boat.  Summary: You won't find these tips in any electrical manual. They are the things I wish someone had told me the first time I picked up a crimper. Here are the basics: Start with a clean work area. If you are crimping two wir...

  For those picture perfect days that defy description . . . , Or how the unexpected joy of sailing in the Tuamotus leads to a new term. Summary   Working on Calypso in the boatyard wasn't always fun. In fact, many days were pretty terrible. But sailing in the Tuamotos has given us amazing days with beautiful sunrises and great sailing. Some of the best sailing has come inside the atolls.  Yes, yo...

Do you have enough power available to run all the equipment you want to use on your boat? Here are some simple calculations to ensure you have all the power you need, when you need it.   Summary New cruisers are often surprised by how much electricity it takes to live comfortably on a boat. But you won't be caught short if you know how to make a few simple calculations. Let's talk about calculatin...

How a blank book became a lovely way to remember guests who came aboard for a meal. Summary A guestbook is a great way to save memories of your cruise. But you can make it even more if you allow guests more time and space to comment. We carried a guest book on our first cruise, from 1994 to 1997. In the back, we stuck an envelope to corral boat cards. I'm sorry we didn't bring it this time.  But t...

Briefing boat guests will ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable aboard. If you are taking people out on your boat, a safety briefing is critical. Summary If you're taking guests out on your boat, one of the most important things you can do—before you ever leave the dock—is to give them a safety briefing. You'll want to cover anything they need to know to keep from being injured and to help th...

Cabbage is the ultimate cruiser vegetable with endless options. Here are 10 ways Nica uses cabbage on board.   Summary   Cabbage is a perfect vegetable for cruising. It stores well, is nutritious, and can be used in so many different ways. You can eat it both raw and cooked.  Long after other vegetables have been eaten or spoiled, cabbage is still good. So what are some of those amazing options? ...

You need to ask about more than price when you're hauling your boat out at a yard. These are some questions to ask to avoid being unhappy and unable to relaunch your vessel. Summary:  You need to ask about more than price when you're hauling your boat out at a yard. These are some questions to ask to avoid being unhappy and unable to relaunch your vessel. That's why you must protect yourself befor...

In honor of episode 800, we revisit a favorite recipe from The Boat Galley Cookbook--homemade yogurt. All it takes is a few tools, a couple of ingredients, and some time. Try it!   Summary I first made yogurt from Carolyn Shearlock's recipe in the Boat Galley Cookbook . It's reliable and includes tweaks to make the process easier.  First, you need a yogurt starter . You can use existing, plain yog...

Farmers markets are a great provisioning option for cruisers. Produce is often fresher and less bruised. And if it hasn't been refrigerated, it will keep longer on your boat.   Summary Farmers markets are a great provisioning option for cruisers . Produce is often fresher and less bruised . And if it hasn't been refrigerated, it will keep longer on your boat.  As we head into peak harvest season i...

Always Be (able to) Cook, that is. These are t hree kinds of spares to make sure you have aboard  to be truly self-sufficient. Summary: Redundancy is a crucial aspect of being a self-sufficient cruiser. But it's vital in the galley. If you always have these three spares aboard, you'll always be able to cook or eat. First, have an extra fuel source. Whether you use electric or some form of gas, hav...

What is the safest place for your boat in a hurricane? Now is the time to decide, not when a storm is bearing down on you. Here's what you need to know. Summary Many factors contribute to helping your boat survive a direct hit from a hurricane. But perhaps the most important factor is location.    As we head into the heart of hurricane season, start thinking about where to put your boat before you...

    Three things to consider when planning to leave somewhere on your boat. Hint: Arrival time is often the key. Summary   Planning a trip by boat is far more complex than a trip by car. You can't simply decide when you'll leave and start out. There are actually three factors you need to think about when planning when to leave on the next leg of your journey. First, ask yourself when you need to a...

When you're just starting out, how do you find the support you need as a new cruiser? Well, I have a few ideas for you. There are great ways to build your support network--both practical and emotional--while cruising. Summary One of the biggest things that makes living aboard and cruising easier—by far—is having a support network. And I'm not just talking about having friends and family who don't...

Here are some pratical hints about applying for a long stay visa in French Polynesia: the three steps to follow so you can leisurely enjoy the islands. Note - this information is current as of July 2025. Summary If you're an American who wants to stay longer in French Polynesia than the standard 90-day visa allows, you must apply for a long-stay visa. However, unlike in some Caribbean nations, suc...

When working on boat projects, extra hands can help--especially smaller ones. But how do you deal with minor injuries that result? Summary For all the talk about the importance of mechanical ability and hand strength for boat projects, sometimes having hands small enough to get into tight spaces is even more crucial. And the minor injuries that come with those projects are part of boat life.  When...