The Boat Galley

Goodbye For Now

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Glass Fishing Floats - The ultimate treasure from the sea

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hunting for the elusive, Japanese glass fishing floats.  Summary: Fishermen around the world use floats of some kind to keep their nets suspended i...

Catamaran or Monohull - Which is Better?

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 so...

Sloppy Joes, the Lentil Edition

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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!  S...

The Hidden Costs When Buying a Boat

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 buyin...

Celebrating Thanksgiving on a Boat

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanksgiving when cruising can be challenging. Today I look at past celebrations aboard. Summary:  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. This year, h...

How to Check in to a Marina

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Who's Got the Crud?

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

    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 ...

How to Make Cruising More Pleasurable

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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.  Summ...

Buying from the Ship in the Tuamotus

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A Tuamotus shopping experience where the ship is a store. Buying directly from the supply ship in Takaroa was a lovely cruising lesson   Summary ...

DIY Tips for Making Boat Wiring Connections

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Pas De Suckage

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

  For those picture perfect days that defy description . . . , Or how the unexpected joy of sailing in the Tuamotus leads to a new term. Summary ...

How Much Power to Run All Your Boat Gear?

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Guest Books Aboard

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Briefing Boat Guests for Safety

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Creative Cabbage Uses for Cruisers

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cabbage is the ultimate cruiser vegetable with endless options. Here are 10 ways Nica uses cabbage on board.   Summary  Cabbage is a perfect vege...

What to Ask Before Hauling Your Boat Out

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How to Make Homemade Yogurt on a Boat

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ingred...

Farmers Markets are Great for Cruisers

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Redundancy in the Galley - The ABC's

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Always Be (able to) Cook, that is. These are three kinds of spares to make sure you have aboard to be truly self-sufficient. Summary: Redundancy is ...

Find the Safest Place for your Boat in a Hurricane

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 kno...

3 Factors of Departure Planning for Cruisers

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

    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 ...

Finding Support While Cruising

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Getting a Long Stay Visa for French Polynesia

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 island...

Caring for Minor Injuries During Boat Projects

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Add Corn Tortillas to your Boat Pantry

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why should you add corn tortillas to your boat pantry? Well, they're nexpensive, ubiquitous, and long-lasting. Corn tortillas from the grocery store a...

How Long Do You Have to Prep for a Hurricane?

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When a named storm is forecast for your area, how long do you have to prepare your boat? Listen carefully for the tips few realize make the difference...

Making Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos on your Boat

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sweet potato black bean tacos are the perfect boat recipe--ideal for when stores are slim. Versatile and easy to customize, one secret ingredient mak...

A Cool Way to Enjoy Happy Hour on a Boat

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cruising in hot weather? Why not cool off by enjoying happy hour in the water? Here are a few tips to keep it fun and safe. Summary Our cruising groun...

Grocery Shopping in the Marquesas

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Grocery Shopping, Marquesas-style. Here are three  things to know about restocking your food supply in the Marquesas. Summary Before we arrived in ...

Monitor Your Boat From Afar - Review Of The ROAM Device

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you have to leave your boat, are you confident all is well aboard? You can be with the Roam Device, an affordable and easy remote boat monitor syst...

No Foreign Land - A Great Cruiser Resource

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Everything you need to know about this cruiser-based, crowd-sourced, social app. We rely on it every day! Summary When you've arrived at a new anchora...

Best Marine Weather Apps

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I'm frequently asked for the best marine weather apps. Cruising the Florida coast and Bahamas, I've found a few favorites. Summary Apps are helpful. B...

How to Capture Rainwater from your Cruising Boat

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Here's why you should collect rain water on your cruising boat, even if you have a watermaker. And a few tips to tell you how to do it. Summary  C...

Galley Straps on a Boat - Do They Help or Harm?

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some cruisers think galley straps are a great safety item. I disagree. Here's why. Summary An important feature of a well-designed cruising boat galle...

Doing Laundry in a Bucket When You Live on a Boat

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When you need to do laundry on the boat and there's no laundromat nearby, one unexpected tool will make the job easier. Here are the steps to having ...

Recovering from Surgery When You Live on a Boat

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Preparing for surgery when you live on a boat? Then we have some tips to help from when my husband Dave had a hip replacement while we were living abo...

Pacific Passage Highlights

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Distilling a 4200-mile Pacific passage into memorable sound bites isn't easy. But certain experiences definitely stand out. Here are some favorite ...

Vacuum Sealer on Your Boat - Yes or No?

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The answer to whether you should have a vacuum sealer on you boat is complicated. But hopefully I can give you a few ideas of what to think about befo...

Provisioning for a Long Passage in Unfamiliar Places

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Provisioning for a long passage is only one thing you have to do before setting out for distant shores. It's even more difficult when you're doing it ...

Keeping Pets Safe on your Boat in a Storm

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A storm is headed your way and you have pets on board. Have you thought about what you need to do to keep them safe? Summary Storms require forethough...

Feeding the Panama Canal Crew

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What are the food logistics for a Panama Canal transit? With the potential for an expensive food delivery bill on the line, we give you the best tips...

Best Fans for Living on a Boat in Hot Weather

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Good fans are a necessity when you're cruising in a hot climate. But which one will give you the most air movement for the fewest amps? Summary If you...

Enter the Discomfort Zone (when moving onto a boat and cruising)

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Moving onto a boat is one thing. Starting to cruise is another. And both have steep learning curves. Nica and Carolyn suggest tips for getting out of...

The Great Mini Pot You Need for Your Boat

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The best galley gear takes up little room and can do more thn one thing. And the Kuhn Rikon 4th Burner Mini Pot exceeds all expectations. If you have ...

Transiting the Panama Canal

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Taking a 28' sailboat from the Atlantic to the Pacific takes some doing! Nica gives the first hand account transiting the Panama Canal, one of the wo...

Best Waterproof Tablet Case for a Boat

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The best waterproof tablet case for a boat is expensive insurance--especially if you use your tablet for navigation or trip planning. But even if you ...

The Balancing Act - Pleasure vs Boat Work

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Deciding how to divide cruising time between work and pleasure is a real conundrum.  Another joint podcast wherein we answer a fantastic question ab...

Swapping Out Equipment in the Galley

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's unlikely you have as much gear in your boat galley as you did in your kitchen on land. So what should you do if a recipe calls for a tool you don...

Meet Carolyn and Nica!

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A little background on the voices you hear each week in a rare joint podcast where we ask each other questions about our cruising, our boats, and why...

A Good Option for Boat Bedding

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Making the bed in your boat can be a nightmare if you don't have property fitted sheets. So waht are your options? Here's a good one we've found.  Li...

The Case for Carrying a 2x4

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

  Not marine grade? Not a problem! 5 reasons we have generic 2x4 pieces aboard Calypso.  Links: Nica email - [email protected] Carolyn email - ...

Protect Your Knees When Doing Boat Work

30 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Boat work often involves spending time on your hands and knees. And whether your decks are fiberglass or teak, it will start to hurt. Here's one easy ...

Hope Fleet

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Being able to help with a humanitarian mission is a joy. Learn how carrying boxes of supplies to the Bahamas for a non-profit made our recent crossin...

A Great Cutting Board for the Boat Galley

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

All cutting boards protect your counter, keep your knives from getting dull, and guard against food poisoning. But on a boat, they also have to stay p...

More Weather Considerations

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's not only about the weather in the next 2 days that matters . Or how weather windows to the Bahamas in November of 2024 were challenging!  Link...

Holiday Baking on a Boat

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sorry, it's just not possible to do all the holiday baking on a boat that you may have done on land. But that doesn't meant you don't have plenty of f...

Fill ALL the Tanks

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Leave fully topped off. You'll thank yourself if you do! A discussion of all the fluids we fill before leaving on a cruise.    Links (Amazon link...

Pot Restraints for your Boat Galley

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to stay safe while cooking onboard, you'll want to understand how to use pot restraints. Here are a few tips to get you started. Links: ...

Provisioning for A Holiday at Sea

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Finding the right food to make it a celebration underway. Making a meat-centered Thanksgiving with no freezer takes some planning. Here's how we'll ...

Why I Love My Silicone Spoon Spatula

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Good galley tools can make lots of jobs easier. And one of my favorites is heat proof, good with nonstick pans, and great for getting the last little ...

The Boat Packing Dilemma

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Or how often do you really need to sort your things before going cruising? I share our process of iteration when deciding on what goes and what stays...

Protect your Boat's Maintain-ability

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It can be tempting to fit equipment anywhere you can shoehorn it in. But if you can't get to it for routine maintenance or repairs, you'll regret it. ...

Ziplock Love

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Reusable plastic bags of all kinds have a home on our boat. These are the three different kinds of reusable plastic bags we carry onboard. Links (Ama...

Making the Switch to Electronic Flares

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Flares are vital safety equipment. But traditional flares require some skill to use, shine for a short time, and are difficult to dispose of if yours ...

Immersion Blender Love

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Small appliances make life better in the galley.  Understand the considerations needed when deciding what electrical galley tools to have on board. ...

Great Bowls with Locking Lids for Cruisers

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

No one wants that potluck dish you made to end up in the bottom on the dinghy. What's the solution to spilling food? Here are some great bowls with lo...

Simple Enchilada Sauce

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Spices, garlic and onions, and canned tomato sauce come together in an excellent, customizable, enchilada sauce that will spice up cruising dinners i...

Cheese Grater for your Boat Galley

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Your box grater from your land home might not fit on your boat--literally. But I have a good option for you to consider for your galley. Links (Amazon...

Cruising Meal Planning Made Simple

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Meal planning while cruising can feel daunting. 4 simple questions make this task much more doable. There's also an example shared!  Links:  Nica...

Storing Provisions on a Catamaran

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Storing supplies on a boat is quite the puzzle. You need to balance accessibility with several other factors. And on a lightweight catamaran, managing...

Best Saw for Cutting PVC

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

PVC is handy for many boat projects. It's lightweight, available everywhere, and doesn't rust. But how do you cut it without going nuts? Here's my fav...

Landlubber Questions

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Getting at the heart of cruising life. A weekend getaway with friends netted a surprisingly in-depth round of questions about the sailing life. Links...

Elizabeth City, North Carolina

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Harbor of Hospitality is our favorite spot on the ICW. It's a hidden gem well worth any detour Hear about some of our reasons why.  Links: ...

Boatyard Considerations

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

    Choosing a boatyard is choosing a neighborhood AND a neighborhood garage. Understanding what's important to you matters. Here are 5 aspects ...

Small Catamarans for Cruisers

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Catamarans make great cruising vessels. And if you stay on the small side, they can even be affordable. Here are 10 to consider. Links: Cruising Catam...

Living with a Cat on a Boat

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For many cruisers, a boat just doesn't feel like home unless there is a cat onboard. Here are some great tips I got from a cruiser with a cat if you w...

Cat Island, Bahamas

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A destination not many people get to, Cat Island is filled with surprises. Put it on your itinerary for a Bahamas cruise!  Links:  The Boat Galle...

Storing Wine on a Boat

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A glass of wine is a great accompaniment to a sunset seen from your cruising boat. But wine is tough to store. Unless you follow these tips. Links: S...

Prepping to Store the Boat

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Leaving your boat for an extended period takes some work. Here are three things to remember.  Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that T...

Silicone or Nylon Tools? When to Use Each.

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you're using nonstick pans in your boat galley, you need to be sure you don't mar the finish. That means you're probably looking at nylon or silico...

Boat Work in Exotic Locations

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes the cliche is really what happens! Why some boat projects are better done at anchor. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that ...

Boat Dog Food Considerations

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Good food keeps your boat dog healthy. But there are other things to consider when selecting food for your dog when you love aboard. Keep listening to...

It's a Wrap!

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dealing with plastic trash on board. Here are my best  tips for garbage management while cruising remote islands. Links (Amazon links are affiliate ...

Tips for Using Your Boat's Fire Extinguisher

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A fire emergency onboard is NOT the time to figure out how to use your fire extinguisher for the first time. Here are some tips that  just might save...

Using the VHF Radio

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The VHF is an important, often overlooked, piece of safety gear aboard. Here are six tips to help you get comfortable using it. Links (Amazon links a...

How to Keep Spices Fresh in a Boat

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Spices and seasoning mixes keep your boat galley meals from getting dull. That's what it's important to keep them fresh. Keep listening to learn how. ...

How to Save Water While Washing Dishes

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Every bit of water consevation helps on a boat. Here are 5 tips to save water when washing dishes. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning th...

Efficient Food Storage Containers for a Boat

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Boat galley storage containers don't only have to keep food fresh. They also have to waste as little space as possible. Here are some to consider. Lin...

Hobbies Aboard

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Finding space, both mental and physical, is not always easy. Here's a discussion of our onboard hobbies, and how they make life better!  Links (Amaz...

A Great Tool for Scraping a Boat Bottom

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Scraping your boat's bottom is never a fun job. But the right tools can make it go just a bit faster. Learn about about the tool another boatowner int...

Favorite Pancake Mix

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Easy, tasty shortcuts like a good mix make special pancake mornings happen more frequently. Just add water!  Links (Amazon links are affiliate lin...

The Rabbit Hole of Projects

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How anchor gear meshed with food storage. A glimpse into how projects morph into each other on board. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meanin...

DIY Tips for Baking Bread on a Boat

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Intimidated by baking bread on your cruising boat? You don't have to be. Here are 5 tips to ensure you always have delicious bread--even when you're f...

Tips for Using a Gimbaled Stove

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A gimbaled stove can take some getting used to. But every sailing cruiser who likes hot meals will rely on theirs. Here are some pro tips on using you...

Five for Four

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Fitting extra people aboard? No problem! Here are the details for how we made a four-bunk boat sleep five people.  Links (Amazon links are affiliat...

Keeping Track of Boat Stores

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's important for weekend cruisers to know what they already have onboard before provisioning. Here's a simple method for tracking your boat stores. ...

The DIYers Dilemma

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Understanding the tradeoffs inherent in boat projects can go a long way. Ask yourself about time, money, or quality. Which is the sticking point?  ...

Using Boxed Milk Onboard

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Milk is highly perishable--a nightmare for cruisers, right? Well, there is one way to keep milk good on your boat. Links (Amazon links are affiliate l...

Cruising to a Calendar

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How to make sailing to a schedule less onerous. Here are two tips (and a bonus!) to ease the stress of meeting a deadline on the water. Links:  ...