The Boat Galley

Carolyn Shearlock & Nica Waters
  • 4.7 (129)
  • HOW TO
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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. 4D AGO

    The Hidden Costs When Buying a Boat

    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 possible--before they considered the extras. So what are these extras? And will they affect you? First, there is sales tax. It varies from state to state (or even by county). If he bought where we are, that would be 7.5%, or $22,500. Even though Florida caps sales tax at $18,000, that's still a big check to write. And what about insurance? Hull coverage is a percentage of the boat's value, and you must pay it every year. Of course, when buying a boat, you'll want to have a professional survey. Combined with the costs of hauling out, you're talking about thousands of dollars. That's for the basics. If you add in engine and rigging survey or oil analysis, you're looking at even more. If the survey reveals issues or you simply want to upgrade to make the boat fit you better, that's even more money--before even leaving the dock.   If you buy a larger boat, haulouts and marina stays will cost more over the life of the boat. And expect to pay 5 to 10% of the boat's value on maintenance every year. My friend did the review and realized that while they could probably afford the purchase, the ongoing costs would significantly affect their cruising plans. Don't get discouraged. Just look carefully at all the costs before you buy a boat. It's part of the delicate balancing act most cruisers make between money and satisfaction. For more details, listen to the complete podcast or read The Hidden Costs When Buying a Boat. Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Links:  Free Boat Buyer's Checklist - https://theboatgalley.com/documents-for-boat-buyers-owners/ 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

    9 min

  2. NOV 24

    Celebrating Thanksgiving on a Boat

    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 we've shared past Thanksgivings with on the that come to mind at this time of year.  Our first holiday aboard, we tied up to my family's dock and enjoyed a restaurant meal. We've celebrated the season in Trinidad, the Bahamas, off the coast of Beaufort, and drove 1000 miles the next year to celebrate with family. Last year, we celebrated Thanksgiving in the Bahamas again, and this year, we're in the Tuamotus.  We may not find the provisions we associate with the holidays. But I'm sure our potluck with friends in the next atoll over will be fun just the same. The food will be delicious and the company entertaining. I'm sure it will be a Thanksgiving to remember.  For more details, listen to the complete podcast or read the transcript.  Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Links:  Mustard carrot recipe -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2fpir4YqkU  Nica email - nica@fit2sail.com Carolyn email - carolyn@theboatgalley.com The Boat Galley podcast is sponsored by FastSeas.com. Plan your next passage using FastSeas.com. Whether you are after speed or comfort, FastSeas will find the optimum route to your destination. FastSeas - making weather routing simple. Use coupon code GALLEY for an exclusive 10% discount. Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: "Slow Down" by Yvette Craig

    6 min

  3. NOV 17

    How to Check in to a Marina

    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-minute details to help you tie up. It gives you a chance to ask for landmarks to help you find the slip or to get information about how to tie up. Will you be getting help to tie up? If so, in the United States, a tip is customary. After you're tied up, get back to the marina office to make arrangements to pay and provide documents. I preferred to clean up a bit before checking in. It's simply a sign of respect and helps things go smoother. I kept all my documents in one place so I was ready. It's why we developed the Boat Documents Organizer. Look for a link in the show notes. After checking in, get the lay of the land. Where are the showers? Laundry? What is the WiFi password? And, will the marina be hosting any special events? To get more details, listen to the full podcast or check out How to Check Into a Marina. Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 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 Documents Organizer - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/the-boat-galley-boat-documents-organizer-large-size Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: "Slow Down" by Yvette Craig

    8 min

  4. NOV 10

    Who's Got the Crud?

    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 from crowds makes it less likely you'll pick up bugs. Of course, it's no guarantee you'll stay healthy. So, if you do get sick, follow your usual actions on land. Rest, hydrate, and address your symptoms. If you live with a partner, isolate to the extent possible to keep you from both ending up sick. If you can avoid moving, do it.  Finally, if you are someone more likely to catch germs because of an underlying, chronic condition or just bad luck, choose cruising grounds that keep you near medical care.  For more details, listen to the complete podcast or check out the transcript on The Boat Galley website. Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links): Comprehensive Med Kit (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4p3AYPz 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

  5. NOV 3

    How to Make Cruising More Pleasurable

    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 the following: Get good rest. Comfortable bedding, good ground tackle, and the ability to stay cool will all contribute to a restful night's sleep. Have enough power so you can meet your needs and not feel restricted. Have reliable internet so you can be as connected as you want to be. Make meal prep easier by investing in quality equipment. Agree on standard operating procedures. Automatic habits are easier than reconsidering every move. Divide labor fairly. Everyone needs to contribute. Make sure that every crew member's needs are met. Spend time in your cruising community. Focusing on these goals will ensure cruising stays fun. To learn more, listen to the complete podcast or, if you prefer to read, check out Make Cruising More Enjoyable - Here's How (https://theboatgalley.com/make-cruising-more-enjoyable-heres-how/). Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links): Mattress topper (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4oLZoNo Mantus Anchors - https://www.mantusmarine.com/?affiliates=8 Caframo Fans (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3JEAMqN All Direction Wind Scoop - https://www.cruisingsolutions.com/products/breeze-bandit-wind-scoop-boat-hatch-breeze-catcher 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

  6. OCT 27

    Buying from the Ship in the Tuamotus

    A Tuamotus shopping experience where 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. The ship arrives once a month from Tahiti, offering the possibility of better prices than the store. We were most interested in buying beer. The ship offers vegetables, but even when they're cheaper than the store, they may not be in good condition after being handled at every previous port. The beer, however, was sold at the bargain price we had been hoping for. Offloading the ship offers both a work zone and a center of social activity. Just imagine a party with cranes and forklifts. A few things you must know include: You must bring empty bottles to exchange for the beer you buy. Contain them in a plastic crate. Some items are sold by the ship and some by the captain. They will tell you which is which and where to pay for your items. Check vegetables before you buy; they may not be very high quality. To get more details, listen to the full podcast or, if you prefer to read, check out "It's a Ship; It's a Store (https://www.fit2sail.com/countdown-to-cruising/2025/9/5/its-a-ship-its-a-store ). Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links): Shopping backpack (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4o7drgj Dry bag backpack cooler (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4njeV5V Reef-safe sunscreen (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4npQTGF Nica email - nica@fit2sail.com Carolyn email - carolyn@theboatgalley.com Today's episode is sponsored by Roam Devices. Their Marine Monitor is a premium boat monitoring system that allows you to stay informed with what's happening on your boat while you're ashore for just $349 and $5 per month. Never be caught off guard by a failing battery or burnt-out bilge pump —Your boat will text you as soon as anything starts going wrong! The Roam Devices app shows a real-time view of your boat's status and location with an awesome built in remote anchor alarm. RoamDevices.com - never worry about your boat from afar again. Use coupon code BOATGALLEY for an exclusive 5% discount.  Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: "Slow Down" by Yvette Craig

    11 min

  7. OCT 20

    DIY Tips for Making Boat Wiring Connections

    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 wires and one is challenging, start with the easy one first. Double the thickness of a tiny wire to make it easier to work with. Double-check your connections before crimping. Tape can help you line up wires, allowing you to use both hands for the crimper. Invest in good tools. It makes a difference. Make sure you're using the correct size wires for the load they must carry. To get the full details, listen to the complete podcast or, if you prefer to read, check out DIY Tips for Connecting Boat Wiring (https://theboatgalley.com/diy-electrical-connection-tips/). Links:  Essential Boat Wiring Tools - https://theboatgalley.com/boat-wiring-tools/ The Boat Galley podcast is sponsored by FastSeas.com. Plan your next passage using FastSeas.com. Whether you are after speed or comfort, FastSeas will find the optimum route to your destination. FastSeas - making weather routing simple. Use coupon code GALLEY for an exclusive 10% discount. Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: "Slow Down" by Yvette Craig

    7 min

  8. OCT 13

    Pas De Suckage

    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, you need to watch for coral heads. Sailing during the day with the sun behind you helps with that. But the protected waters are calm, and the sails have been relaxed.  Despite our experience, we see other cruisers motoring with no sails flying. Perhaps it takes them too long to deploy their sails? We have certainly benefited from sailing a small boat with a simple sail plan.  Cruisers talk about experiencing extreme highs and lows while cruising. Sailing in the Tuamotos has certainly provided plenty of highs.  Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Links:  Nica email - nica@fit2sail.com Carolyn email - carolyn@theboatgalley.com Today's episode is sponsored by Roam Devices. Their Marine Monitor is a premium boat monitoring system that allows you to stay informed with what's happening on your boat while you're ashore for just $349 and $5 per month. Never be caught off guard by a failing battery or burnt-out bilge pump —Your boat will text you as soon as anything starts going wrong! The Roam Devices app shows a real-time view of your boat's status and location with an awesome built in remote anchor alarm. RoamDevices.com - never worry about your boat from afar again. Use coupon code BOATGALLEY for an exclusive 5% discount.  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
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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
    814
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2016-2024 The Boat Galley
  • Show Website
    The Boat Galley

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