The Basics of Living on a Boat

Name: The Basics of Living on a Boat
Brand: The Boat Galley
SKU: UR
Price: 39.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Cut through the overwhelm with step-by-step advice that makes your transition to boat life feel possible—and exciting

$39.00 USD

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Is "The Basics of Living on a Boat" Right for You?

- You’re dreaming of living on a boat but don’t know what day-to-day life actually looks like
- You’re overwhelmed by everything you need to figure out—laundry, trash, provisioning, even sleep
- You’ve watched YouTube and read blogs but still feel unsure what really matters (and what’s just noise)
- You want clear, practical answers so you can feel prepared, not panicked, when you finally move aboard

Feel confident and capable as you step into liveaboard life with real-world guidance for your first months aboard

After This Course . . .

You’ll feel confident in your daily routines
From cooking and cleaning to dealing with laundry and trash, you’ll know what to expect and how to handle it aboard.
You’ll understand how to fit in with the cruising community
No more wondering what’s expected at marinas, in anchorages, or when socializing with other boaters.
You’ll know how to prepare your boat for full-time living
Get clear on what gear, spares, and systems really matter—and which ones can wait.
You’ll be ready for the curveballs
Learn how to handle common emergencies, adapt to unexpected situations, and keep your cool
You’ll have a solid foundation for success
Instead of learning everything the hard way, you’ll have a roadmap to make the transition smoother and more enjoyable.

“These courses broke everything down into steps I could actually follow.”

What We'll Cover in The Basics of Living on a Boat

31 topics • Last Updated: April 1, 2025

Getting Started

What to expect your first days aboard and how to settle in

Essential gear and checklists for new liveaboards

How boat systems like propane and heads actually work

What to know about daily operations like anchoring
Life Afloat, Day to Day

Sleeping comfortably, dealing with noise, and staying clean

How to handle provisioning, trash, internet, and laundry

Mail, office services, and living without a car

Navigating marinas and anchoring with confidence
Community and Challenges

Cruising etiquette and fitting in with other boaters

Handling emergencies like dragging anchors and breakdowns

Hosting guests aboard and navigating social expectations

Living aboard while aging or dealing with health needs

Frequently Asked Questions

I haven’t heard of you. Are your courses legit?

100% yes. You may not have seen us on YouTube—but our team has nearly 100 years of combined cruising experience.

We’ve taught at Cruiser’s University, the American Sailing Association, and major boat shows. You’ll find our bylines in all the major cruising magazines, and we’ve been interviewed by The New York Times and The Weather Channel.

These courses aren’t just “what worked for us.” They’re built on years of teaching, writing, and helping thousands of cruisers solve real problems and live their dream.

No clickbait, no “everything is perfect,” and no constant disaster stories. Just a realistic, practical look at life aboard—so you can skip the trial and error and get to the good parts faster.

Does this course teach me how to operate my boat?

Not exactly. This course doesn’t cover steering, navigating, or mechanical systems like the engine or sails. Instead, it focuses on the life side of boating—how to use your galley, manage power and water, do laundry, deal with trash, sleep well, and everything else that goes into daily life aboard. It’s about living on the boat, not driving it.

I’ve watched a lot of YouTube. How is this different?

YouTube can be great for inspiration—but it’s rarely organized, complete, or beginner-friendly. This course gives you a clear path through everything you need to know to make the transition smoother, with no fluff, no overwhelm, and no backtracking to figure out what you missed. It’s real-world advice you can trust, all in one place.

What if I don’t even have a boat yet?

That’s actually the perfect time to take this course. It’ll help you understand what living aboard really involves—so you can avoid beginner mistakes, spot potential problems before you buy, and feel confident about whether this lifestyle is right for you.

Is there a schedule? Do I need to show up at a certain time?

Nope! There’s no schedule, no set times, and nothing you have to “catch.” The course is entirely on-demand—just text and photos you can go through at your own pace, whenever it’s convenient for you.

How long will it take to complete the course?

Plan on about 2 hours to go through the full course—but you may find yourself coming back as new questions pop up. Each section stands alone, so you can jump straight to your biggest worries. We recommend reading in 15-minute chunks to let it all sink in.

Can I start the course right away? Can I wait?

Yes — your choice! You’ll get immediate access after purchase. Your login info appears on the confirmation screen and is also emailed to you, so you can start whenever it’s convenient for you.

Is it okay if my spouse, partner, or crew goes through the material too?

Yes — we actually encourage it! If someone routinely boats with you, it's helpful for everyone to have the same understanding. We just ask that you don’t share access with others outside your boating team.

How long do I have access? Is this a subscription or will I have to pay again later?

You get lifetime access with a one-time purchase — no subscriptions, no recurring fees. That includes all future updates, too!

Is the course video-based?

No videos. The course is entirely text-based, with helpful photos throughout. That makes it easy to read, even with limited internet or noisy surroundings.

Do I need internet access to take the course?

Yes, but you don’t need high-speed or perfect service. Because the course is all text and photos (no video), it loads quickly even with spotty or low-bandwidth connections.

Can I do the course on my phone or tablet?

Absolutely. The course works on phones, tablets, and computers—use whichever device is most convenient for you.

What if I’m not happy with the course?

Every course is backed by our 90-day hassle-free refund policy. If it’s not right for you, we’ll give you your money back.

What if I have another question?

Just ask! I’m Carolyn Shearlock, founder of The Boat Galley, and I’d love to help. Whether you're unsure if a course is right for you or have a question we didn’t cover, feel free to email me directly. You won’t get a bot—you’ll get a real reply from someone who’s been there.

Meet Your Instructor:

Carolyn Shearlock

When Carolyn Shearlock moved aboard her first cruising boat, she had no idea how much she didn’t know. From figuring out propane stoves to doing laundry without a car, she learned through trial and error. Now, with 17 years of full-time cruising behind her, she shares the practical tips and honest insights she wishes someone had given her—so you can skip the overwhelm and feel confident stepping into life aboard.

Why Choose Our Courses?

✔ Practical and Proven
No fluff, no filler—just clear steps that work for real cruisers.

✔ Learn Without Overwhelm
Breaks down big topics into easy-to-follow lessons you can actually absorb.

✔ Fits Your Life
No schedule, no deadlines. Learn when it works for you.

✔ Instant Lifetime Access
Start today. Come back anytime. Includes all future updates, free.

✔ Incredible Value
All the insight of seminars or coaching—at a fraction of the cost.

Made by experienced cruisers, these courses are like having a trusted friend show you the ropes—so you can move forward with confidence.

Trusted by over 8,200 cruisers (and counting)

How It Works

✔ Pick Your Course or the All Access Pass
Choose the topic you need—or get all 9 courses in one discounted bundle.

✔ Start Learning Right Away
Log in immediately from your order confirmation screen or email.

✔ Go at Your Own Pace
No schedules, no deadlines. Come back anytime, from anywhere.

Raved About By Josie M. . . .

"I am so glad I took this course! The knowledge I gained about cruising etiquette was invaluable. I already feel more secure about beginning our cruising journey."

Verified Purchaser, The Basics of Living on a Boat

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Our Guarantee

At The Boat Galley, we have one mission: to help you cruise with confidence.

As liveaboard cruisers, we understand the challenges and questions that come with boat life. That’s why we create practical products and courses designed to tackle the same issues we’ve faced ourselves—making your life on the water easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

Try our products and courses for yourself. If they don’t make your boat life better, use our 90-day FREE no-hassle return guarantee.