The Boat Galley

Adding Boat Storage Drawers

16 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We needed a storage system that was light, easy, and moveable. See the solution that worked for our catamaran.  Links (Amazon links are affiliate li...

Yacht Club Joys

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Learn 5 reasons we're so glad we became members. An onsite bar is not one of them!  Links: Fishing Bay Yacht Club York River Yacht Haven Latell Sails...

How to Polish Your Fuel

09 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Engines fail when fuel gets sludgy or contaminated by water or microbes. And always at the worst time. Learn how to clean our fuel—yourself!  Link...

Household "Ingredients" Aboard

05 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about 3 products we're using a lot these days - and they're not "marine." Don't tell!  Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that Th...

Keeping Track of Provisions

02 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When you're stowing provisions in every corner of the boat, it's easy to lose track. But do you need to store so much? Remember one thing before you...

Keep the Wonder

27 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone comes back from cruising sometime. What is worth continuing even on land?  Links: Nica email Carolyn email This episode of the Boat Galley P...

Keep Bugs Out of Boat Thru-Hulls

24 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With the boat on the hard, bugs are going to get inside and make a mess. Unless you follow these tips to protect your thru-hulls and keep them out. Li...

How Much Solar Does Your Boat Need

20 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Common advice tells you to calculate your likely electrical needs on the boat. It's a great starting point. But it doesn't cover everything you'll nee...

Practical Optimism

17 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A visit with cruising friends brings to mind a valuable and inspiring way to look at life, both afloat and on land. Links: George Town, Exumas  Nica ...

On-board Power Tools

13 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When space and power are at a premium, consider tools that cover a lot of bases.  Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Gall...

DIY Tips for Boat Stainless Steel

10 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You can save hundreds or even thousands on boat stainless steel projects by combining DIY work with professional help. Here's how. Links (Amazon links...

Give A Cruiser A Project

06 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's not distraction or getting sidetracked, it's the interconnectedness of every project on the boat that takes time. Don't be shocked! Links: Projec...

Don't Let Your Sunscreen Kill Coral

03 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You need to protect your skin from the sun. But chemicals in your sunscreen may be killing coral and harming fish. A few simple changes can help. Link...

Women Who Sail

30 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How Maiden (the film) brings to mind the importance of support. A rising tide lifts all boats, after all! Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, mea...

Sleep Better On Your Boat

27 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Everything goes easier when you're well rested. Learn what we did to make our boat bed more comfortable. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, mean...

Butyl Tape Made Easier

23 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Learn 3 hints for successfully bedding boat hardware with butyl tape. It's magic - with some caveats! Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning...

Help for Cruising In Cold Weather

20 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about 10 things that will help you stay warm while underway and sleeping on board. Cold weather cruising can be comfortable! Links (Amazon links...

What Do You Call Living On A Boat?

16 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Learn the one non-negotiable requirement to cruise - and some myths about the rest. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Gal...

Protect and Clean Interior Teak

13 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

While renovating the boat interior, I looked at several options for restoring our interior teak. Here's what I considered and what I finally chose. Li...

Don't Forget the Bahamas

09 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Memories of a special spot, shared to remind us of what is there. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns ...

Taking Your Boat to the Bahamas

06 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

12 things to have in place when planning to take your boat to the Bahamas. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podca...

Money What Ifs

02 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Running out of money is a scary concept. It's better to think ahead than to think it won't happen. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning th...

Check Your O-Rings

30 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We try to catch problems before they get worse. But one tiny o-ring escaped our notice. Hopefully our bad day will help you avoid your own. This epis...

9 Steps to Winterizing an Engine

26 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn the critical steps to prepping your boat's engine for frigid temperatures. You can't just throw a blanket on it! Links (Amazon links are affilia...

Choosing a Bilge Alarm

23 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When water starts coming in, you need to act fast to save your boat. A bilge alarm is cheap insurance. Here's what you need to know to pick the best, ...

How Long Should a Refit Take?

19 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Here are some questions to ask when hearing how fast someone else did boat work. Maybe you're not so slow after all! Links (Amazon links are affiliate...

Provisioning with Dehydrated Food

16 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When fresh food is unavailable or expensive, dehydrated options can help. Learn what to try and what to skip. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links,...

Marking Years

12 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Blend tradition and practicality with this new way of seeing anniversary presents! Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Gall...

Running New Boat Wiring

09 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Running new boat wiring can be the hardest part of any electrical job. But a few good tools and tricks can make it go much faster.  Links (Amazon lin...

The Beginning of the Lasts

05 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Hear how Nica tries to balance looking back and looking forward as her kids head off to college. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that...

Buying Your Perfect Boat

02 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What goes into finding the perfect boat? It may come down to making the one big decision that gets you out on the water and cruising. Links (Amazon li...

The Importance of Buying Local

28 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It's fun to try even familiar foods every place you go - you might just find a new favorite! Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The...

Finding Boat Parts

25 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

How do you find the boat parts you need while saving money? There's a search tool to help with that. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning ...

Cruising Northeast Vermont

21 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn 5 ways living in Vermont is like cruising. Frustrations and joys abound!  Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley...

Celebrating At A Distance

18 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

How do you recognize special moments with family at home while you're cruising? Or what if travel takes your family in different directions? It isn't ...

Interconnected Projects

14 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Replacing a windlass involves a lot more than spending money. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from...

Baking Holiday Treats on Board

11 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If you make a few changes, you can bake delicious holiday treats in a tiny boat galley. Here's what I've learned about holiday baking on a boat. Links...

Hands On Boat Projects

07 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Why do we like working on the boat ourselves? It's not only about the budget! Links: Email Nica: [email protected] Email Carolyn: carolyn@theboatgalle...

Quick Snacks for the Boat

04 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Cruising is a very sociable lifestyle, and you want to offer your friends something to eat. Here are some ideas for quick, appetizers you can keep on ...

Exercises to Travel With

31 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about 4 ways to get your sweat on, no matter where you are. No gym required!  Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Ga...

Quiet Those Halyards!

28 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You can't tighten your halyards enough to keep them from clanking. But here are a few easy solutions that do work. Links (Amazon links are affiliate l...

4 Tips When Leaving Your Boat

24 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn 4 things to consider when getting ready to leave the boat for a long time. It's not just about the food! Links (Amazon links are affiliate links...

Cleaning Your Boat's Bottom

21 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The first time we cleaned our boat's bottom, we made lots of mistakes. Learn from our newbie errors. Here are the tools and techniques you need to do ...

Living In Limbo

17 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Even very familiar spaces can feel wrong when you've been on the boat for a while. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Gall...

Light A Fire--The Easy Way

14 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Need to light a fire but don't have a long lighter? Or start a charcoal grill without lighter fluid? No worries. Here's how to do it. Links (Amazon li...

Practicing Self-Sufficiency

10 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Hear about 3 examples of relying on your ingenuity and items you have on hand. Practical tips to help you start practicing, even on land! Links (Amazo...

How To Keep Dish Rags From Stinking

07 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Stinky dish rags aren't inevitable on a boat. You just have to follow a few simple steps to keep it from happening. Links (Amazon links are affiliate ...

Provisioning Pitfalls

03 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about three ways your first provisioning adventure can be better than mine. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galle...

Fix It Before It Gets Worse

30 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You may be used to letting things wait until you deal with them later. When you live on a boat, that's a terrible idea. This episode of The Boat Gall...

Cruising Advice From Kids

26 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about ways to help your kids transition to life afloat; advice from 2 cruising kids. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The B...

Most Important Cruising Lessons

23 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The person who made me a successful cruiser wasn't a sailor, mechanic, or electrician. These are the vital lessons she taught me. Links (Amazon links ...

Getting Ready to Cruise

19 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes getting ready to go cruising doesn't exactly appear to be related to boating at all. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that T...

Making Boat Water Taste Good

16 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Boat tank water can taste "off" after a while. Filtering keeps it fresh and appealing to drink. Here's what you need to know!  Links (Amazon links a...

Cold Options

12 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When you're looking to buy a boat, understanding the difference between a fridge and an ice box is critical. They're not the same thing! Links (Amazon...

Which Stainless for the Galley

09 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You know that not all stainless steel is equal on a boat. It's true for the galley too. Learn how to buy stainless flatware that lasts and avoids rust...

Little Island, Big Memories

05 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Hurricane Dorian hit small islands hard. Here are some memories from Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos. Links: HELP FOR GREEN TURTLE CAY: https://www.go...

Holes In The Boat?

05 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A discussion of boat gear, fixing things, and aesthetic preferences. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast ear...

Buy the Right Gear to Save Water

02 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Fresh water is limited when you live on a boat. Do you know how to pick the galley gear that will help you conserve water? Links (Amazon links are aff...

Three Things I Wish I'd Known

29 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What's important to know about going cruising? It's got nothing to do with boat size! Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat G...

More Than One Way To Do Things

26 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Arguing over how to do things can bring tension on board. And sometimes there's a good reason to do things the same way. But not always. Figuring out ...

Plan Inspiration

22 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Hear about how we get ideas for cruising plans. Just look out the window and talk! Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Gall...

Watching the Weather

19 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Watching the weather is always important when you live on a boat. Every competent cruiser does it whether they are traveling or staying still. Sponso...

FastSeas - an Interview

15 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

An interview with Jeremy Waters, the creator of FastSeas. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qua...

Climbing The Learning Curve

12 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When you first start cruising , the learning curve is steep. But over time, you learn what works. It's what makes this life so interesting. This epis...

Choosing Time

08 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A philosophical conversation about the pressures of time on land vs on the water. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galle...

How Long Propane Lasts On Board

05 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

There's nothing worse than running out of propane in the middle of a meal. Here are some guidelines to keep it from happening to you. Links (Amazon li...

Pressure Cooker Trials

01 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Two pressure cookers, two fails. Is a pressure cooker critical for life aboard? Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley ...

Buying Provisions Without a Car

29 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Here are a few ideas for getting provisions back to your boat without a car. It doesn't have to be difficult. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links,...

Save Water: Use a Cup!

25 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A practical, actionable way to remember to turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth. No timing required! Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, ...

Women's Advice for Cruisers

22 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Blue Water Women offers the advice cruisers need—from women who have been there. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Gall...

Making Project Lists

18 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Hear about 3 tactics when creating your boat project list - it's all about the perspective you have! Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning ...

Aqua Map for Navigation

15 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I've heard great things about Aqua Map. And we recently figured out why it would be best for our Bahamas cruise. Links (Amazon links are affiliate lin...

Getting Cruising Food Just Right

11 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn 5 reasons it's tough to provision for a limited-duration cruise, and 6 tricks to making it all work out right. Links (Amazon links are affiliate...

Spotless Stainless—It Works!

08 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I tried Spotless Stainless on my boat. It worked as well as promised. And it didn't take lots of rubbing.   Links (Amazon links are affiliate link...

Cruising Through Memories

04 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Three islands, three sets of memories. What helps any experience stand out? Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podc...

From Ablative to Hard Bottom Paint

01 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

After over four years, we found ablative paint wasn't keeping our boat's bottom clean. So we switched to hard. Here's how. Links (Amazon links are aff...

Mocking Up New Spaces

27 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn steps to easily template for new bulkheads or furniture on the boat. Did you ever think that hot glue would be useful aboard? Links (Amazon link...

Keep In Touch Without Cell Service

24 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ahhh, technology! You can keep in touch with family and friends when you're out of range of cell towers. And it's easy and inexpensive. Links (Amazon ...

The Big Stock Up

20 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn 3 reasons why that initial provisioning run can be so daunting - and what to do about it! Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that ...

Storing Meat on a Boat

17 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn the best ways to keep meat on your boat. With a few tricks, you can eat well. And stay safe.  Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning...

Collecting Things

13 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We all like to pick things up while we cruise. How do we choose what we collect? Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley...

Stop and Look Again

10 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A maintenance job on our catamaran left us feeling stupid. Here's what we should have done. And what you can do to avoid the same problem on your next...

How to Stay on Budget

06 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Budgeting is more than keeping track of your spending. It's planning - and sticking to it! Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The B...

Keep Your Boat Drains Flowing

03 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ugh! A clogged drain. It's a big annoyance on board. Here's how to clear your boat drain without toxic chemicals.   Links (Amazon links are affiliate...

Conscious Consumerism

30 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learning how to resist the siren call of "buy now and buy often" is key to keeping life afloat simple. There are questions to ask to help you stay sim...

Hauling Out Your Boat

27 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A lot of things can go wrong when you put your boat on the hard—from the annoying to the disastrous. Here's what you need to know.   Sponsor: Se...

Three Tips for Making Friends Afloat

23 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn 3 tricks to making friends while cruising. There's no technology involved! Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley...

Making Recipe Substitutions

20 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You know just what you want to cook. But do you have all the ingredients? Here's how to make smart substitutions.   Links (Amazon links are affiliate...

Cruising Communications Systems

16 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Devon and Rich, from Sea-Tech Systems, share their story and tips about systems and business aboard! Links: Sea-Tech Systems: www.sea-tech.com Email D...

Stop Losing Your Stuff

13 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Don't worry when your boat gear goes missing. One helpful tip makes it more likely you'll find it again. Here's the low tech way to do it.   Links ...

Addressing My Big Cruising Fear

11 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn what Nica's scared of - and what she's doing about it. Don't pretend it's not real! Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Bo...

Store Less In The Fridge

06 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I have a few tricks to help you eat well underway without taking up too much room in your fridge. They're even better if you don't have a refrigerato...

The Magic of Making Bread

02 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Take flour, water, yeast, and salt and POOF. Edible yumminess. Why does this matter when you're cruising? Confidence, that's why! Links (Amazon links ...

Crossing the Gulf Stream

29 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If you don't prepare yourself, you could find yourself going far out of your way. Or not landing where you expect. Here's how to plan your Gulf Stream...

House Selling Decision

25 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

After you decide to go cruising, you get to figure out what to do with the house. There are some simple questions to help you with that call! Links: E...

Watermakers

22 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn why so many cruisers love watermakers and what's important to consider if you're about to buy one. Listen in as Carolyn Shearlock talks to Rainm...

4 Steps to DIY Mastery

18 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The story behind my most recent DIY foray - and why I think you can do it too! Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley P...

What's Your Fuel Range

15 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Your fuel range seems simple to calculate, but as Carolyn Shearlock describes, it's not as straightforward as it seems. Links (Amazon links are affili...

How To Decide About A Watermaker

11 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Understand 4 key points to ponder when deciding on whether or not you need a watermaker on board. Hint: it depends! Links (Amazon links are affiliate ...

Internet in the Bahama

08 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Six ways to get internet when cruising the Bahamas. The pros and cons of each. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley P...