The Boat Galley

You don't have to learn to cook all over again to cook on a boat. And you can cook all the things you're used to making. But everything you do is affected by the motion of the boat — some days more than others! Carolyn Shearlock offers tips and tricks for easier and safer work in your galley. With ten years of living aboard and cruising on two very different boats, Carolyn understands the challeng...

Have you thought about what you'd do if you got seriously ill or had a potential medical issue arise while cruising? Not the immediate see a doctor part of it, but how you'd decide whether to stay where you are or leave as planned? It's something we all need to think about before it happens. What factors should we even consider? Veteran cruiser Carolyn Shearlock has faced these questions a few tim...

On one hand, cooking is cooking, no matter where you are. But cooking on a boat adds a few new challenges: a smaller stove and oven (or maybe even no oven), limited refrigerator and counter space, possibly no store nearby . . . and everything moves! Listen to Carolyn Shearlock's time-tested tips to make the transition easier . . . and safer. Carolyn has lived aboard two different boats for over 10...

Outfitting the galley from scratch can be daunting: there's a lot to buy and you want to buy gear that will work and last for years. But if you've never spent much time on a boat, how do you know what's best? Carolyn Shearlock, with ten years of cruising experience and the author of The Boat Galley Cookbook, gives tips for buying galley equipment that will last for years and other things to consid...

Buying pots, pans, dishes, storage bins and more for your boat's kitchen? The small spaces, lack of power, the motion of the boat and abundance of salty air can mean that old favorites just don't work. Carolyn Shearlock, author of The Boat Galley Cookbook, discusses important considerations when getting anything for your galley. Sponsor: Storing Food without Refrigeration ebook Coupon code: PODCAS...

The first night on the boat . . . what do you need? Even just to stay at the dock -- a good place for the first night while you're seeing how things work -- you're going to need bedding and at least a few things for dinner and breakfast, and maybe a celebratory drink or snack. What do you need to buy and what can you bring from home? Carolyn Shearlock, founder of The Boat Galley, discusses what yo...

Eight specific strategies to make that climb up the learning curve to "cruiser" just a little easier. Remember, this is supposed to be fun! We've all been there, and there are days when you wonder if it's worth it. Then magically, everything comes together and life gets a lot easier. Carolyn Shearlock's tips to make that learning process easier and far less stressful. Sponsor: Fastseas.com Music:...

You finally did it. Bought a boat. You're excited about it, but nothing is easy. Everything you do -- from where to put the dishes, how to start the engine, raising the sails, going through locks and bridges, and even just how the toilet works -- is new. It's exhausting. Carolyn Shearlock has some words of advice from ten years of cruising and buying two boats where every day was a learning experi...

It's easy to be overwhelmed by all the systems on a new-to-you boat and only learn how something works when you need to use it or it breaks. That can be pretty stressful, though, feeling that you can't do anything without an owner's manual in your hand. Carolyn Shearlock presents an alternative way to get to know your new boat inside and out, so you'll feel confident and stay sane. Sponsor: Storin...

  There is so much to learn about a new boat! Not just how she sails and/or motors -- and how to start the engine, check the oil and deploy the anchor -- but all the other systems as well. How do I turn on the bilge pumps? The hot water heater? The stove? What's an inverter? The list goes on and on. How do you learn it all without going nuts? Carolyn Shearlock details a proven method for learning...

It's easy to get caught in the endless discussion of what is BEST - best boat, best workout, best way of eating. In this episode of The Boat Galley Podcast, Nica Waters talks about a strategy that will help you get past the paralysis and get started, whether it's deciding on a boat or jumping into a workout program. Sponsor: Storing Food without Refrigeration ebook Coupon code: PODCAST - $1 off Mu...

There's always something that needs to be done on a boat: maintenance, repair or an upgrade. Many cruisers start out hiring professionals for this work, then slowly start doing more and more of it themselves. What is it about boat ownership that turns everyone into a DIY-er? Carolyn Shearlock discusses why she and her husband have tackled all sorts of jobs on their two cruising boats, even though...

The Sea of Cortez is a popular first stop for cruisers coming from the West Coast of the US (or you can buy a boat already there), while the Bahamas are popular with East Coast cruisers. Both are great and popular cruising grounds . . . and very different from one another. Carolyn Shearlock has cruised both and compares them in terms of weather, hurricane risk, sailing opportunities, snorkeling, h...

If you just bought a cruising boat and woke up the next morning wondering what in the world you were thinking, don't fret. It's a pretty common reaction that goes with buying your first boat! What gear do you need to buy? What repairs are needed? What upgrades do you want? How do I make sure to make the right choices? And so many more questions . . . Other cruisers gave the Shearlocks great advice...

Now that you've found a boat you want to buy, how does the transaction work? What about a loan? Survey? Insurance? Closing? What do you have to do? If you have a broker, what will they do? What about a documentation service? Learn the ins and outs of the whole process from Carolyn Shearlock, who bought her first boat the traditional way with a broker and documentation service and went the DIY rout...

Found a boat that sounds like it might be right for you? Planning to go see it — or several? What do you need to do to prepare for the initial inspection? And what should you be sure to do once you're there? Just as with buying a house, there are lots of things to look at and it can be overwhelming.  Carolyn Shearlock offers time-tested tips to find the perfect boat when looking at boats in person...

Starting to look at boats for sale? There are thousands out there, most listed on sites such as YachtWorld.com, SailboatListings.com, Craigslist and more. There are so many choices, it can be totally overwhelming. How do you wade through them and narrow it down to a manageable number to look at in person? Carolyn Shearlock lays out the method that ensured she and her husband only spent time and mo...

Thinking about buying a cruising boat? Dreaming of palm trees and white sand beaches, or the higher latitudes? Maybe coastal cruising, the Great Loop or an inland lake? It's an exciting time, but also a little scary. Where do you even start? How do you know what type of boat you want? Ten-year liveaboard and international cruiser Carolyn Shearlock offers clear guidance on the initial research need...