Glass Fishing Floats - The ultimate treasure from the sea
The Boat Galley
Hunting for the elusive, Japanese glass fishing floats. Summary: Fishermen around the world use floats of some kind to keep their nets suspended in the ocean. Originally, floats were often wood or cork. Today, they are frequently made of plastic or styrofoam. The choice of material depends on where you are. We think the most attractive floats are made of glass. No longer in production, the last glass fishing floats were made in Japan in the 1970s. When nets get lost or washed onto reefs, the floats continue their journey. We've been hunting for...
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Catamaran or Monohull - Which is Better?
The Boat Galley
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....
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Sloppy Joes, the Lentil Edition
The Boat Galley
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...
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The Hidden Costs When Buying a Boat
The Boat Galley
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,...
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Celebrating Thanksgiving on a Boat
The Boat Galley
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...
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How to Check in to a Marina
The Boat Galley
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...
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Who’s Got the Crud?
The Boat Galley
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...
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How to Make Cruising More Pleasurable
The Boat Galley
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...
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Buying from the Ship in the Tuamotus
The Boat Galley
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...
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DIY Tips for Making Boat Wiring Connections
The Boat Galley
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...
info_outlineYou 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.
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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