The Boat Galley

Carolyn Shearlock & Nica Waters
  • 4.7 (127)
  • HOW TO
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY
The Boat Galley

Making boat life better, 5-10 minutes at a time. The Boat Galley Podcast contains quick bits of actionable information to help you learn all about boat life and going cruising.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

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

    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 your comfort zone when making these big life changes.  Summary Moving onto a boat and beginning cruising has a steep learning curve. It's not just beaches and cocktails. The challenges of living on a boat include adapting to small spaces, difficult storage options, lack of climate control, and providing your own electricity and water. So how do you cope?  Admit that you feel uncomfortable Find support from others Break learning into small steps by figuring out living on a boat in a marina before setting off One piece of advice from fellow cruiser and Boat Galley team member Katherine Gonzalez is to consider which of your land-based talents will benefit you in the new setting aboard. By breaking the learning into manageable steps and relying on the great cruising community, you'll enlarge your comfort zone in no time.  Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links): The Co-Captain's Log by Katherine Gonzalez (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3DrtxiK The Boat Galley - https://theboatgalley.com  Nica email - nica@fit2sail.com Carolyn email - carolyn@theboatgalley.com Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Today’s episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is sponsored by MantusMarine.com, maker of the Mantus anchor, now available in models with and without a roll bar. Proven to set reliably in the most challenging bottoms, the Mantus anchor digs like no other, making anchoring safer and boating more enjoyable. Mantus Marine brings to market practical, durable and affordable marine products, including: anchoring gear, scuba diving accessories, and rechargeable waterproof headlamp for hands-free lighting and solar charging Navigation light. Visit MantusMarine.com and see for yourself! Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

    10 min

  2. FEB 24

    The Great Mini Pot You Need for Your Boat

    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 space for one more pot, this is the one I suggest. Summary This flexible bit of galley gear is worth having on your boat if you can make room for it. Wihile it won't replace a skillet or conventional pot, it may replace a tea kettle, vegetable steamer, and even serve as a mini canner. The Kuhn Rikon Mini Pot holds 3 quarts and is narrow enough to sit even on a narrow galley stove top alongside another pan. It has a spout top for pouring out hot water and an insert for straining (or steaming). The top is made of glass, perfect for checking on food without wasting propane by lifting the lid. The pot and lid handles are coated with silicone. They stay cool enough to handle without a pot holder. And the high-quality stainless steel resists staining and pitting. Over the years, I've bought one three times (no, I never wore them out; I've left them behind for others to use).  Take a look. You might find this clever bit of boat galley gear as useful as I do.  Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links): Kuhn Rikon 4th Burner Mini Pot (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/433dRgd Provisioning, Meal Planning, and Food Storage for Boaters Course - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/provisioning-meal-planning-and-food-storage Eating Well with a Tiny Fridge Course - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/eating-well-with-a-tiny-fridge The Boat Galley Cookbook - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/cookbook The Boat Galley Cookbook (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4gVJDiD Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

    6 min

  3. FEB 18

    Transiting the Panama Canal

    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 world's most iconic waterways. Summary Yes, transiting the Panama Canal in a small sailboat involves logistics, paperwork, and lots of money. But it's also a unique visual and emotional experience. Completing the arrangements for a transit as an individual is easier now than it was a few years ago. The canal authority, for example, now accepts electronic payments. And no longer sends an agent out to measure your boat. Even so, we opted to hire an agent to make the process smoother for us. And we're convinced it was a good choice. Just renting the necessary lines and fenders removed a great deal of stress from the process.  We did a two-day passage paired with another pleasure craft and a commercial vessel. And the expererience, the history, and the lush views made it an event we'll never forget. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links): The Path Between the Seas by David McCullough (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/41mUUTp Erick Galvez (agent) - https://www.centenarioconsulting.com/  Nica's Video about the Transit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTRbHJFz6Uc   Nica email - nica@fit2sail.com Carolyn email - carolyn@theboatgalley.com Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Today’s episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is sponsored by MantusMarine.com, maker of the Mantus anchor, now available in models with and without a roll bar. Proven to set reliably in the most challenging bottoms, the Mantus anchor digs like no other, making anchoring safer and boating more enjoyable. Mantus Marine brings to market practical, durable and affordable marine products, including: anchoring gear, scuba diving accessories, and rechargeable waterproof headlamp for hands-free lighting and solar charging Navigation light. Visit MantusMarine.com and see for yourself! Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

    19 min

  4. FEB 10

    Best Waterproof Tablet Case for a Boat

    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 just use it for playing music or reading do you really want to risk ruining it? Podcast Summary In recent years, tablets have become common on cruising boats.  We found ours useful for navigation, trip planning, reading, and more. But your tablet is worthless if you can't keep it dry and working in a wet cockpit.  Even our own Boat Galley cruising guides come in PDF versions you can access easily from your tablet. They're handy for a quick lookup of a bridge opening or finding a place to take the dog off when you stop for the evening.  So what are the minimal features a tablet case needs to be worth bringing onboard? tech must be fully usable while contained in the case case must keep the tablet from overheating you must be able to charge the tablet in the case. case must be completely watertight in both wind and waves The one I think is the best option has two other features that I'm very thankful for: floats if dropped (no matter how much you stuff inside) easy to carry and hold onto So that is this amazing boat tablet case? It's the ugo wear waterproof tablet case. I used their phone case for years. And I've been just as happy with the tablet case since I've had one.   My iPad functions in every way right in the case. It pairs easily to Bluetooth so I can use WiFi and earbuds. I add an external battery pack to the case and plug it in.  Best of all, it never overheats. That is not true for other cases I've tried over the years.  The ugo case has both a shoulder strap an a smaller hand strap. I used the hand strap frquently for keeping it close at hand underway.  Extra pockets have room for money, credit cards, and small extras. With a little regular maintneance of the zipper, it seals up easily. And provides inexpensive insurance for expensive tech.  Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links): The Boat Galley Quick Reference Guides - https://products.theboatgalley.com/collections/quick-reference-guides The Boat Galley Quick Reference Guides (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3EvF8O3 ugo wear Waterproof Tablet Case (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3CurKt6 Gear Aid Zipper Cleaner & Lube (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4jNcTup ugo wear - https://ugowear.com/?aff=7 Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

    7 min

  5. FEB 3

    The Balancing Act - Pleasure vs Boat Work

    Deciding how to divide cruising time between work and pleasure is a real conundrum.  Another joint podcast wherein we answer a fantastic question about life balance from a follower.   Podcast Summary No one starts cruising so they can work on their boat all the time. Yes, it's important to keep your vessel in good repair. But you also need to learn how to balance fun with boat work. But just how do you do that? Here are a few tips: Cruiser and coach, Behan Gifford, suggests someone onboard becomes a "happiness engineer." They take on the responsibility for planning fun activities on a regular basis. Make sure you block out time on your schedule for both fun and boat chores. Fun is important. So besides scheduling time for it, leave money in your budget for it. Be sure to make time for fun when you're in particularly interesting spots. After all, you can make repairs nearly anywhere (once you have supplies). But some adventures are site specific. And, if you struggle to find time for fun and boat work, extend your stay. You can always slow down. Even if you prefer anchoring, an occasional marina stay can help you replenish your spirits. Beating weather may be a race. But balance it with a break when you're past the worst of it. Make sure everyone on the crew gets moments of fun, including pets and kids. Links:  Outboard Motor Troubleshooting Guide - https://bit.ly/42Di75K Nica email - nica@fit2sail.com Carolyn email - carolyn@theboatgalley.com Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Today’s episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is sponsored by Lunatec, makers of the hydration spray bottle, odor-free dishcloth and self-cleaning washcloth. Lunatec offers practical gear designed to save water and reduce waste. A water bottle that doubles as a garden hose? A dish cloth that doesn’t get stinky? Yes, please! Visit Lunatecgear.com to learn more; use code boatgalley to save 10% on everything. Lunatec: innovative gear for your outdoor adventures. Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

    11 min

  6. JAN 27

    Swapping Out Equipment in the Galley

    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't have?  Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links): Provisioning Course - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/provisioning-meal-planning-and-food-storage   Eating Well with a Tiny Fridge - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/eating-well-with-a-tiny-fridge   The Boat Galley Cookbook  - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/cookbook   The Boat Galley Cookbook (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/40z4jGG   Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

    6 min

  7. JAN 20

    Meet Carolyn and Nica!

    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 we got into podcasting together. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links):  Nica bio -  https://www.fit2sail.com/about-nica   About Nica’s boats - https://www.fit2sail.com/about-the-boat   About Carolyn - https://products.theboatgalley.com/pages/about-us  Lin Pardey and her Books (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4g59nby Nica email - nica@fit2sail.com Carolyn email - carolyn@theboatgalley.com Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Today’s episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is sponsored by MantusMarine.com, maker of the Mantus anchor, now available in models with and without a roll bar. Proven to set reliably in the most challenging bottoms, the Mantus anchor digs like no other, making anchoring safer and boating more enjoyable. Mantus Marine brings to market practical, durable and affordable marine products, including: anchoring gear, scuba diving accessories, and rechargeable waterproof headlamp for hands-free lighting and solar charging Navigation light. Visit MantusMarine.com and see for yourself! Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

    16 min

  8. JAN 13

    A Good Option for Boat Bedding

    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.  Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links): Cinch-Fit Sheets - https://bit.ly/4gQj2UC Shallow Pocket Sheets - https://bit.ly/4acca1m V-Berth Boat Sheets - https://bit.ly/3WDOWfl V-Berth Boat Sheets (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4hbsQbB Cinch-Fit Queen Sheets (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4gRAM21 Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Today’s episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is sponsored by Lunatec, makers of the hydration spray bottle, odor-free dishcloth and self-cleaning washcloth. Lunatec offers practical gear designed to save water and reduce waste. A water bottle that doubles as a garden hose? A dish cloth that doesn’t get stinky? Yes, please! Visit Lunatecgear.com to learn more; use code boatgalley to save 10% on everything. Lunatec: innovative gear for your outdoor adventures. Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

    7 min
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4.7
out of 5
127 Ratings

About

Making boat life better, 5-10 minutes at a time. The Boat Galley Podcast contains quick bits of actionable information to help you learn all about boat life and going cruising.

Information

  • Creator
    Carolyn Shearlock & Nica Waters
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    770
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2016-2024 The Boat Galley
  • Show Website
    The Boat Galley

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