The Basics of Living on a Boat

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

How to live on a boat—step-by-step, with the everyday systems, routines, and real-world know-how you need

$39.00 USD

Sale SOLD OUT

90-day free, no-hassle returns

Want All 11 Courses? Save $300+

This course is part of our All-Access Pass. Get all 11 courses—plus any we add later—for one low price. Learn more

View full details

Is The Basics of Living on a Boat right for you?

- You’re planning to live on a boat and want to understand how day-to-day life actually works
- You feel overwhelmed by everything you need to figure out—laundry, trash, provisioning, sleep, and more
- You’ve watched YouTube and read blogs, but still don’t know what really matters for daily life aboard
- You want clear, practical guidance so you feel prepared and confident when you move aboard

Feel confident and capable in your first months of living on a boat, with clear, real-world guidance for daily life aboard

After This Course . . .

You’ll feel confident handling daily routines aboard
From cooking and cleaning to laundry and trash, you’ll know what to expect and how to manage everyday life on a boat.
You’ll understand how to fit in with the cruising community
Know what’s expected at marinas, in anchorages, and when interacting with other boaters—without awkward guesswork.
You’ll know how to prepare your boat for full-time living
Get clear on which gear, spares, and systems matter right away—and what can wait.
You’ll be ready for the curveballs
Learn how to handle common emergencies, adapt to unexpected situations, and stay calm when things don’t go as planned.
You’ll have a solid foundation for living aboard successfully
Instead of learning everything the hard way, you’ll have a clear roadmap for a smoother, more manageable transition to life on a boat.

“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 in your first days aboard—and how to settle in

Essential gear and checklists for new liveaboards

How everyday boat systems like propane and heads actually work

What to know about daily operations such as 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 anchorages 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 as you age or while managing health needs

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. While you may not have seen us on YouTube, 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 major cruising magazines, and we’ve been interviewed by The New York Times and The Weather Channel.

Our courses aren’t just “what worked for us.” They’re built on decades of teaching, writing, and helping thousands of cruisers understand the practical realities of life aboard.

No clickbait, no hype, and no constant disaster stories — just clear, realistic guidance that helps you avoid common mistakes and handle daily life on a boat with confidence.

Does this course teach me how to operate my boat?

Not exactly. This course doesn’t cover steering, navigation, or operating the engine or sails. Instead, it focuses on the living aboard side of boating—how to use your galley, manage power and water, handle laundry and trash, sleep comfortably, and manage the day-to-day realities of life on a boat.

It’s about how to live on the boat, not how to drive 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 a great time to take this course. It helps you understand what living aboard really involves—so you can avoid common beginner mistakes, recognize potential issues before you buy, and know what to look for as you prepare for life on a boat.

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 two hours to go through the full course—but many people come back to it as new questions come up. Each section stands on its own, so you can jump straight to what matters most right now.

We recommend working through it in 15-minute chunks so you can absorb the information and apply it as you go.

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

Yes — your choice! You’ll get immediate access after purchase. Your login info will be 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 quickly realized how much practical knowledge no one explains. From figuring out propane stoves to handling laundry and everyday logistics without a car, she learned firsthand what it actually takes to live aboard day to day.

After 17 years of full-time cruising, Carolyn now teaches the real-world systems, routines, and lessons she wishes she’d known at the start—so you can skip unnecessary trial and error and step into life aboard feeling prepared and confident.

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.

Created by experienced cruisers, these courses are designed to give you clear, practical guidance—so you can move forward with confidence and fewer surprises.

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 email.

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

Raved About By Colin L. . . .

"A great, simple, and thorough course that shows you the practical things that will certainly fast track your entry into the cruisers way. Thank you!"

Verified Purchaser, The Basics of Living on a Boat

Thumbs-up icon with stars, representing customer testimonials praising The Boat Galley’s products and resources.

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 help you feel more prepared and confident about life on a boat, use our 90-day free, no-hassle return guarantee.