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                          

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        

Do you have enough power available to run all the equipment you want to use on your boat? Here are some simple calculations to ensure you have all the power you need, when you need it.  Summary New cruisers are often surprised by how much electricity it takes to live comfortably on a boat. But you won't be caught short if you know how to make a few simple calculations. Let's talk about calculating your boat's power needs. The key steps for 12-volt devices include: Finding the power draw of the equipment, which is usually found on the package. If the power draw is expressed in watts, convert it to amps. Multiply the number of amps by the number of hours you expect to use it. If you're looking at items that run on regular household current through your inverter, you'll need to estimate a bit. Multiply the number of amps it draws by ten to approximate the 12-volt draw once it runs through your inverter--round up.  Once you know the power draw of the equipment you want to run, compare it against the battery capacity available to you.  For more details and real-world examples, listen to the complete podcast or check out How to Calculate Boat Power Requirements. 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    

How a blank book became a lovely way to remember guests who came aboard for a meal. Summary A guestbook is a great way to save memories of your cruise. But you can make it even more if you allow guests more time and space to comment. We carried a guest book on our first cruise, from 1994 to 1997. In the back, we stuck an envelope to corral boat cards. I'm sorry we didn't bring it this time. But two new cruising friends showed us a better option when they brought their guest book to us to sign. The blank book had room for letters, drawings, and photos. We enjoyed reviewing it while we kept it overnight before making our entry. It seemed like a better form of guest book. Although I'm sorry I didn't start sooner, I'm happy I've adopted this method in French Polynesia. It will make a wonderful reminder of memories in the future.  For more details, check out Guest Books (https://www.fit2sail.com/countdown-to-cruising/2025/9/22/guest-books) or listen to the complete podcast. Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links): Decorative blank book (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3VDnBc3 Blank book (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4nul2V4  Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/46rxMXz S/V Dovka - https://dovka.com Nica email - [email protected] Carolyn email - [email protected] 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! Prefer to read? Check out https://www.fit2sail.com/countdown-to-cruising/2025/9/22/guest-books Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: "Slow Down" by Yvette Craig    

Briefing boat guests will ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable aboard. If you are taking people out on your boat, a safety briefing is critical. Summary If you're taking guests out on your boat, one of the most important things you can do—before you ever leave the dock—is to give them a safety briefing. You'll want to cover anything they need to know to keep from being injured and to help them know what to do in an emergency.  Topics should include chain of command, safety gear, first aid and other emergency equipment. Hopefully, you'll never encounter an emergency. So don't forget to instruct guests on basic safety.  And you'll also want to cover everyone's role in mooring or docking. And make sure everyone stays hydrated and protected from the sun.    A good briefing isn't only about what you say. You'll also want to ask about your guests. Do they have any fears? Are they prone to seasickness? Do they have any health conditions you should know about?  Taking time for a good safety briefing will ensure everyone has a good time and stays safe. For more details, listen to the full pocast or, if you prefer to read, check out Safety Briefing for Boat Guests.   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          

Cabbage is the ultimate cruiser vegetable with endless options. Here are 10 ways Nica uses cabbage on board.   Summary  Cabbage is a perfect vegetable for cruising. It stores well, is nutritious, and can be used in so many different ways. You can eat it both raw and cooked.  Long after other vegetables have been eaten or spoiled, cabbage is still good. So what are some of those amazing options?  You can add it to a stew or casserole for more fiber. It fills out a stir-fry when other vegetables are in short supply. Cabbage is delicious in slaw, both with mayonnaise and a vinaigrette dressing. Of course, kimchi and saurkraut are delicious options. And you can roast it in your oven or on the grill.  So how do you make the most of it while cruising? First, don't cut into the head. Take individual leaves off, leaving the solid core. Second, store it in a cool, dark place. There's no need to refrigerate it.  Third, if it starts to rot (and you'll smell it, if it does), just cut off the bad part and continue to use the rest.  For more suggestions on how to use cabbage while cruising, 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 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 Cookbook - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/cookbook Storing Food Without Refrigeration -  https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/storing-food-without-refrigeration   Vegetable Bin (Amazon) -  https://amzn.to/46gMfnJ  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        

You need to ask about more than price when you're hauling your boat out at a yard. These are some questions to ask to avoid being unhappy and unable to relaunch your vessel. Summary:  You need to ask about more than price when you're hauling your boat out at a yard. These are some questions to ask to avoid being unhappy and unable to relaunch your vessel. That's why you must protect yourself before the boat is hauled. Remember to ask: Can you haul my boat? Some yards have limits. And it's not just size — some will say no to catamarans, no to sailboats, no to wooden boats, or even no boats over a certain age.  Does the yard require special prep? Do you have to come in at high tide or back into the lift well? Must you remove your roller-furling headsails first? Ask ahead.  Do they allow DIY work? Not all yards do.   Can the yard do the work I want done? If you're planning a specific project, confirm the yard has the ability and staff to do it.   Do they allow outside contractors? Some yards forbid both DIY work and outside contractors, requiring you to use their in-house staff. If they have a tight schedule or you don't like the work quality, you can end up stuck. How do they handle parts and supplies? Or do you have to use their parts shop and pay a markup? Can you stay on the boat while it's in the yard? Some don't allow it at all. Others charge a fee. And they often lack amenities or have restrictions. If you can't stay on the boat, you have to factor in the cost of accommodations elsewhere.   How secure is the yard? Will you and your belongings be secure? Finally, Get written quotes and read the bottom line carefully. What are the Payment terms? And how do they address work you're not happy with?  And finally, what is the yard's reputation? Ask around for current references. For more details, listen to the full podcast or check out What to Ask Before Hauling Out. 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    

In honor of episode 800, we revisit a favorite recipe from The Boat Galley Cookbook--homemade yogurt. All it takes is a few tools, a couple of ingredients, and some time. Try it!  Summary I first made yogurt from Carolyn Shearlock's recipe in the Boat Galley Cookbook. It's reliable and includes tweaks to make the process easier.  First, you need a yogurt starter. You can use existing, plain yogurt with live or active cultures. Check the ingredient list. You cannot use yogurt containing gelatin as a starter. You can also buy commercial starter packs. They are good to have on hand if you're cruising in places where yogurt is hard to find. Next, you need milk, fresh or powdered. If you're using powdered milk, make sure it's full-fat. For equipment, you'll want a wide-mouth thermos and a thermometer. I've made yogurt without a thermometer. But my results are better with it. The process begins by warming the thermos with boiling water. While it sits, mix the milk powder with tap water. Whiskthe milk mixture with your yogurt starter. Follow the instructions on your starter packet or use about 1-2 tablespoons of real yogurt. Empty the water from the warmed thermos, saving the water for another use. Add the yogurt mix to the warm thermos and let it sit for 5 to 10 hours. The timing is flexible. If you check the yogurt and it's not yet solid, recap the thermos and let it sit a little longer.  If you want really thick yogurt, you can strain out the whey. Strain it for several more hours to create yogurt cheese. Forfull details, listen to the complete podcast or check out Homemade Yogurt - A Few Tips! 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