The Boat Galley cover art

The Boat Galley

The Boat Galley

By: Carolyn Shearlock & Nica Waters
Listen for free

About this listen

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.Copyright 2016-2024 The Boat Galley
Episodes
  • Redundancy in the Galley - The ABC's
    Aug 18 2025

    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 a crucial aspect of being a self-sufficient cruiser. But it's vital in the galley. If you always have these three spares aboard, you'll always be able to cook or eat.

    First, have an extra fuel source. Whether you use electric or some form of gas, have a backup. An electrical issue or running out of fuel happens at the most inconvenient time. Avoid it by being ready.

    Secondly, have spare equipment. If your stove fails, can you use your grill? Do you have a solar oven on board? Have you packed spare fuses to make a quick repair?

    Finally, always have spare food. In particular, that means having things you can eat without cooking. A can of beans may not be an inspired meal. But you'll be grateful for it if other options fail. Fruit and cheese will do in a pinch if you find yourself unable to cook your planned menu.

    Being prepared to have a redundant galley will save you money, make you more self-sufficient, and give you a sense of accomplishment while cruising. For more details, listen to the full podcast or read the transcript on The Boat Galley website.

    Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2

    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

    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Find the Safest Place for your Boat in a Hurricane
    Aug 11 2025

    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 know.

    Summary

    Many factors contribute to helping your boat survive a direct hit from a hurricane. But perhaps the most important factor is location.

    As we head into the heart of hurricane season, start thinking about where to put your boat before you face an incoming storm. Here's what I’ve learned about the best sites for helping your boat survive a hurricane. We have survived two direct hits and around a dozen other storms within fifty miles of our location.

    Most articles discuss the best lines, fenders, and chafe gear to use. And sure, that's important. But your boat is more likely to survive a hurricane if it's in a safe spot. A secure spot protects your boat from more than just wind. You must also consider waves, storm surge, rain, and flying debris.
    The best location protects from as many factors as possible.

    In addition, can you reach the place you have selected in time? And can you evacuate from there?

    Make sure you evaluate it in person. Don't forget to pick a backup spot.

    Tying up your boat properly only helps if it's in the right place at the start.

    For more details, listen to the full podcast or check out The Importance of Planning Where to Put Your Boat for a Hurricane.

    Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2

    Links:

    Comprehensive Hurricane Prep Course - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/hurricane

    All Access Pass (all courses for one low price) - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/all-access-pass

    Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7

    Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • 3 Factors of Departure Planning for Cruisers
    Aug 4 2025
    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 is far more complex than a trip by car. You can't simply decide when you'll leave and start out. There are actually three factors you need to think about when planning when to leave on the next leg of your journey. First, ask yourself when you need to arrive. Do you have to align your arrival with the tides? Or perhaps daylight? Then your calculations are a bit more complex and require some thought. Secondly, what is the weather? Do you need to arrive somewhere ahead of a weather front? Perhaps you need to leave an anchorage that is not optimal for the weather coming in. Finally, how will your boat's speed affect your timing? In addition, if you travel either faster or slower than expected, how will you adjust? For more details and real-life examples, listen to the full podcast or check out Timing Passes in the Tuamotus(https://www.fit2sail.com/countdown-to-cruising/2025/7/1/timing-passes-in-the-tuamotus). 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): Departure planning - https://fastseas.com NEW Boat Galley weather book - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/weather Nica email - nica@fit2sail.com Carolyn email - carolyn@theboatgalley.com 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
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.