The Basics of Living on a Boat

✔ Master the practical aspects of daily life aboard a boat
✔ Understand cruising etiquette to avoid common faux pas
✔ Gain insights into provisioning, laundry, mail, and more
✔ Learn how to handle emergencies and unexpected challenges
✔ Build your confidence for interacting with other boaters

This course is packed with straightforward tips, step-by-step instructions, and answers to common (and uncommon!) questions about life aboard.

Foundations of Life Aboard

• Orientation and getting started
• New boat checklist to get you up and running
• Understanding propane stoves, daily checklists, and anchoring basics

Day-to-Day Essentials

• Sleeping well aboard: bedding and quieting halyards
• Internet, trash, recycling, and office services
• Provisioning without a car
• Laundry room etiquette

Community and Cruising Culture

• Etiquette in marinas and at anchorages
• Socializing with other boaters: tips for shyness, dietary restrictions, and tight budgets
• Understanding the cruising community and building connections

Unique Challenges of Life Aboard

• Living on a boat and cruising over age 75
• Handling emergencies: dragging anchors, spare parts, and more
• Traveling with a dog and navigating drone usage
• Living in foreign countries

This course also tackles the trickier questions, from dealing with dragging anchors to how to approach tight social situations.

Unlike courses that focus on boat operation or navigation, The Basics of Living on a Boat is specifically designed to help you master the lifestyle side of cruising.

✔ Targeted at new and aspiring cruisers, with no prior experience required
✔ Addresses real-life concerns with honest, practical advice
✔ Provides actionable solutions for challenges unique to life aboard

Get started right away—your login details will appear on the purchase confirmation screen and be sent to your email for easy access later.

✔ Go through the course at your own pace, as fast or as slow as you like
✔ Refer back to topics whenever you need a refresher
✔ Lifetime access means you’ll always get updates at no extra cost

This online course is entirely text-based, with photos and downloadable checklists. Everything is designed for practical use, even in areas with limited connectivity.

Carolyn Shearlock is a seasoned cruiser who lived aboard full-time for 17 years on both a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. These two very different boats gave her firsthand experience with the challenges and rewards of boat life.

During her 14,000+ miles of cruising in the Sea of Cortez, Pacific Mexico, Central America, Florida, and the Bahamas, Carolyn developed the insights and practical advice she shares in this course. As an instructor at Cruisers University, a contributor to top boating publications, and the founder of The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people turn their cruising dreams into reality.

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 30-day FREE no-hassle return guarantee.