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 someone who has cruised on both. Summary Which is a better cruising vessel, a catamaran or a monhull? After cruising aboard both a 37-foot monohull and later a 34-foot catamaran, I've seen benefits and drawbacks to each. For life aboard, a catamaran is more comfortable. Even a shorter cat will feel larger. Beds are more likely to fit standard sizes, and the space can feel light and airy. However, storage is usually easier on a monohull. They have more built-in storage spaces. In addition, while no boat should be overloaded, catamarans are particularly sensitive to weight. If you fill a cat with too many spares and tools, it will affect performance.  Underway, cats are faster. Without a heavy keel to push through the water, they slip along. However, monohulls tend to point higher when sailing upwind.  A catamaran's shallower draft opens up more anchoring possibilities. With twin engines, it can do some tricky maneuvers. However, with a wider beam and higher windage, close-quarters handling can be challenging.  Monohulls with fin keels are easier to maneuver, while full-keels can be especially fussy backing into a slip.  Catamarans offer tons of space to entertain in the cockpit. But in poor weather, the deeper and more sheltered cockpit of a monohull will feel safer in rough or cold conditions.  Generally, catamarans are easier to board. A monohull with a sugar scoop completes well. But generally, cats are easier.  While the catamaran's two engines offer a backup if one fails, they also require double the maintenance.  Their saildrives provide less drag but also require more maintenance. For people who dislike heeling, a catamaran's stability offers a big selling point. However, the motion is more jerky underway. Different sailors prefer different motions, and you have to experience it to decide for yourself.  With a roomier deck, sail handling tends to be easier on a catamaran. However, the annoying "slapping" sound under the bridge deck can be irritating when the waves hit wrong. It even happens at anchor. Noise can be another difference. Catamarans can have an annoying slap under the bridge deck when waves hit just right. It can happen even at anchor. Don't forget to consider righting ability. A monohull will nearly always right itself. A catamaran, while it's less likely to capsize, will not turn itself back up.  Catamaran costs can be higher because of their width. Consider the difficulties of finding a spot in a marina or getting hauled out. Insurance may be more expensive as well. Extra equipment--davits, windvanes, solar panels-- works better on one or the other. Think about your needs carefully. Finally, catamarans are nearly always more expensive to buy and maintain.  So, which is better — a catamaran or a monohull?  Catamarans offer space, stability, and a shallow draft. A monohull offers simplicity, sailing performance, and a boat that will right itself if the worst happens. They both have benefits. The choice is up to you. To get more details, listen to the full podcast or check out Catamaran or Monohull (https://theboatgalley.com/catamaran-or-monohull-2/). Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 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    

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!  Summary    Although the crew of Calypso isn't vegetarian, with limited cold storage, we eat like we are. And beans are a great meat substitute. The dried ones are especially fabulous on a boat. You're probably familiar with the ubiquitous brown lentils. You can find them everywhere. Even the smallest shop in the Tuamotus has them on the shelves. But the best lentils for this recipe are the black ones. Although they are harder to find, we stocked up on them in Panama. What makes them so perfect? The flavor is delicious, but the texture is even better.  Yes, many vegetarians rely on Texturized Vegetable Protein (TVP) for that mouthfeel. But lentils are cheaper and require fewer extra ingredients.  My recipe is flexible, depending on the ingredients you have aboard. I've found it satisfies even the pickiest eaters. I saute assorted vegetables (onions, garlic, peppers, carrots, and zucchini are my go-tos). Add tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Add seasonings and canned corn before serving on top of bread.  For more details and the complete recipe, listen to the full podcast or check out Sloppy Joes, the Lentil Edition. 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): Large Sauté Pan (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/44gr0Cu TVP (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4a2HXEc Petite Green Lentils (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/48VVfBa Pardina Lentils (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3MjPB3a Nica email - [email protected] Carolyn email - [email protected] 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            

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  

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 - [email protected] Carolyn email - [email protected] 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      

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        

    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            

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                          

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 - [email protected] Carolyn email - [email protected] 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          

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      

  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 - [email protected] Carolyn email - [email protected] 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