The answer to whether you should have a vacuum sealer on you boat is complicated. But hopefully I can give you a few ideas of what to think about before you decide for yourself.

Summary

Over the years, many readers asked me about vacuum sealers for boats. I had one aboard two different cruising boats. And although I liked mine, I still consider them a luxury item. 

Here's what you should know if you're thinking of buying one.

Vacuum sealers preserve food better than zipper bags. They remove more air, their bags are tougher, and they won't open unexpectedly if you seal the bags properly. If you're a weekend or part-time cruiser and use it at home, it's great for preparing meals or snacks in advance.

Full-time cruisers are more likely to use them at a big provisioning stop. And, if you catch more fish than you can eat right away, a vacuum sealer is a great way to ensure the fillets last and retain a good texture. 

But not all vacuum sealers work consistently. And that can drive you nuts on a boat. Especially if you're used to having one and can't replace it when it fails. 

A quality home-rated vacuum sealer costs around $150 and bags are upwards of 15 cents a piece. Small commercial units work better but are double the price. 

Finally, they do take some power (although for a short time). I used mine the most often in a marina, hooked up to shore power. If you're planning on using it away from the dock, make sure your inverter is large enough for the unit you buy. 

My final comment is that vacuum sealers are great on a boat if you get a good one. But they're still a luxury. And if money is tight, they might not rise to the top of your list. 

If you want a vacuum sealer for your boat, listen to the full podcast or read Do You Need a Vacuum Sealer on Your Boat on The Boat Galley website to learn the 5 factors you need to consider first.

Links:

Inverters 101 - https://theboatgalley.com/inverters-101/

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

Provisioning for a long passage is only one thing you have to do before setting out for distant shores. It's even more difficult when you're doing it in somewhere that's new to you. Here's how we managed the task on a 4-day timeline. 

Summary

We thought we had plenty of time to leisurely provision our boat before leaving for French Polynesia. We could focus on other boat tasks in the meantime. But receiving a visa ahead of time meant we had to get moving. 

So, how do you provision for a long passage on a short timeline? And especially when it's in a place you're unfamiliar with?

Although this wasn't a new activity, the short time meant efficiency trumped budget. We did not have time to travel all over the city to buy beans for ten cents less a can. 

What helped me stay organized? Making a list focused on our needs for the passage and what would be expensive at our destination. Using the Internet to decide where to shop--would they have what we needed to be worth the trip? Keeping in mind how much we could carry at a time. And finally, buying fresh items last.

I can't say I wasn't frazzled. But I got the job done. And in the time available. 

Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links):

Provisioning Course - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/provisioning-meal-planning-and-food-storage

The Boat Galley Website - https://theboatgalley.com

Nica email - [email protected]

Carolyn email - [email protected]

Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2

Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7

Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

A storm is headed your way and you have pets on board. Have you thought about what you need to do to keep them safe?

Summary

Storms require forethought when you live on a boat. But if you're cruising with a dog, cat, or other pet there are a few other things to consider. 

You want to be sure belongings are well stored away. Even a big dog could be hurt or startled by something falling off a table or counter. But for a tiny dog or cat, even a book could cause serious injury. 

If you plan to go ashore, take pets with you. If it's too rough for you, it's not safe for them to stay on the boat. If you have a cat who likes to hide, put them in their carrier so they're ready to go when you are. Don't forget to take food and water. 

You'll also want to account for pets in your ditch bag even if you don't intend to leave the boat. After all, conditions can change quickly. Different pets and different boats have different needs. But if you think about your pets before a storm hits, you'll be in good shape for whatever the weather holds.

Visit The Boat Galley website for more advice on cruising with pets and to read about how we kept our tiny pup Paz safe during a rough bar entry in el Salvador. 

Links:

Cruising with Your Dog course - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/boat-dog

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

What are the food logistics for a Panama Canal transit? With the potential for an expensive food delivery bill on the line, we give you the best tips to avoid a real budget buster.

 Summary

When we hired an agent to help us navigate our transit through the Panama Canal, we got a lot of answers. But the requirements for feeding the advisor who boarded to help us through the locks were vague. And we found little information on blogs and websites by fellow cruisers. So these are the requirements for ensuring the advisor's comfort. And how we dealt with them.

You must provide for the comfort of your advisor. This includes the availability of shade, a toilet, sealed water bottles, and hot meals. In addition, your advisor can arrange food delivery if they are dissatisfied with your offerings. 

The key was to prepare ahead as much as possible and to be flexible. I recommend offering options to the advisor. And, of course, snacks and coffee are always welcome. 

The podcast offers more details of how we managed to feed the agent during our canal transit. Or, if you prefer to read, follow the podcast link at The Boat Galley website for a link to a blog post with pictures. 

Links: 

 Pasta with Beans and Garlic Recipe - https://www.fit2sail.com/countdown-to-cruising/pastagarlicbeans 

 Canal Agent Erick Galvez - https://www.centenarioconsulting.com 

The Boat Galley - https://theboatgalley.com  

 Nica email - [email protected]

 Carolyn email - [email protected]

Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2

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

Good fans are a necessity when you're cruising in a hot climate. But which one will give you the most air movement for the fewest amps?

Summary

If you're cruising in the tropics, you'll want to know the best fans for living on a boat in hot weather. My choice is the Caframo, 12-volt, cage-free fan. It moves the most air using the fewest amps.  

This fan offers three mounting options, giving you maximum flexibility. We found that it lasted about five years with nearly continuous use in a very hot climate. Replacement parts are affordable and easy to find. It's worth keeping a few extra blades onboard, just in case.

We had over a half dozen fans aboard each of our previous boats, some hard-wired and others portable. They were vastly superior to Caframo's other model with blade guards, a lower life expectancy, and a higher cost.

Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links):

Caframo Two Speed Compact 12v fan (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3FlRubP

Caframo Two Speed Compact 12v fan (West Marine) - https://fave.co/3eakVfz

Caframo Two Speed Compact 12v fans, replacement blades and clip (Downwind Marine) - https://store.sandiegomarine.com/products/caframo--ultimate--2-speed-fans-15005.html

The Basics of Living on a Boat Course - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/unwritten-rules

All-Access Pass for Boat Galley Courses - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/all-access-pass

Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2

Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7

Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

Moving onto a boat is one thing. Starting to cruise is another. And both have steep learning curves. Nica and Carolyn suggest tips for getting out of your comfort zone when making these big life changes. 

Summary

Moving onto a boat and beginning cruising has a steep learning curve. It's not just beaches and cocktails. The challenges of living on a boat include adapting to small spaces, difficult storage options, lack of climate control, and providing your own electricity and water.

So how do you cope? 

• Admit that you feel uncomfortable
• Find support from others
• Break learning into small steps by figuring out living on a boat in a marina before setting off

One piece of advice from fellow cruiser and Boat Galley team member Katherine Gonzalez is to consider which of your land-based talents will benefit you in the new setting aboard.

By breaking the learning into manageable steps and relying on the great cruising community, you'll enlarge your comfort zone in no time. 

Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links):

The Co-Captain's Log by Katherine Gonzalez (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3DrtxiK

The Boat Galley - https://theboatgalley.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!

Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7

Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

The best galley gear takes up little room and can do more thn one thing. And the Kuhn Rikon 4th Burner Mini Pot exceeds all expectations. If you have space for one more pot, this is the one I suggest.

Summary

This flexible bit of galley gear is worth having on your boat if you can make room for it. Wihile it won't replace a skillet or conventional pot, it may replace a tea kettle, vegetable steamer, and even serve as a mini canner.

The Kuhn Rikon Mini Pot holds 3 quarts and is narrow enough to sit even on a narrow galley stove top alongside another pan. It has a spout top for pouring out hot water and an insert for straining (or steaming). The top is made of glass, perfect for checking on food without wasting propane by lifting the lid. The pot and lid handles are coated with silicone. They stay cool enough to handle without a pot holder. And the high-quality stainless steel resists staining and pitting.

Over the years, I've bought one three times (no, I never wore them out; I've left them behind for others to use). 

Take a look. You might find this clever bit of boat galley gear as useful as I do. 

Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links):

Kuhn Rikon 4th Burner Mini Pot (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/433dRgd

Provisioning, Meal Planning, and Food Storage for Boaters Course - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/provisioning-meal-planning-and-food-storage

Eating Well with a Tiny Fridge Course - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/eating-well-with-a-tiny-fridge

The Boat Galley Cookbook - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/cookbook

The Boat Galley Cookbook (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4gVJDiD

Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2

Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7

Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

Taking a 28’ sailboat from the Atlantic to the Pacific takes some doing! Nica gives the first hand account transiting the Panama Canal, one of the world's most iconic waterways.

Summary

Yes, transiting the Panama Canal in a small sailboat involves logistics, paperwork, and lots of money. But it's also a unique visual and emotional experience.

Completing the arrangements for a transit as an individual is easier now than it was a few years ago. The canal authority, for example, now accepts electronic payments. And no longer sends an agent out to measure your boat.

Even so, we opted to hire an agent to make the process smoother for us. And we're convinced it was a good choice. Just renting the necessary lines and fenders removed a great deal of stress from the process. 

We did a two-day passage paired with another pleasure craft and a commercial vessel. And the expererience, the history, and the lush views made it an event we'll never forget.

Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links):

The Path Between the Seas by David McCullough (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/41mUUTp

Erick Galvez (agent) - https://www.centenarioconsulting.com/ 

Nica's Video about the Transit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTRbHJFz6Uc  

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!

Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7

Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

The best waterproof tablet case for a boat is expensive insurance--especially if you use your tablet for navigation or trip planning. But even if you just use it for playing music or reading do you really want to risk ruining it?

Podcast Summary

In recent years, tablets have become common on cruising boats.  We found ours useful for navigation, trip planning, reading, and more. But your tablet is worthless if you can't keep it dry and working in a wet cockpit. 

Even our own Boat Galley cruising guides come in PDF versions you can access easily from your tablet. They're handy for a quick lookup of a bridge opening or finding a place to take the dog off when you stop for the evening. 

So what are the minimal features a tablet case needs to be worth bringing onboard?

• tech must be fully usable while contained in the case

• case must keep the tablet from overheating

• you must be able to charge the tablet in the case.

• case must be completely watertight in both wind and waves

The one I think is the best option has two other features that I'm very thankful for:

• floats if dropped (no matter how much you stuff inside)

• easy to carry and hold onto

So that is this amazing boat tablet case? It's the ugo wear waterproof tablet case. I used their phone case for years. And I've been just as happy with the tablet case since I've had one.  

My iPad functions in every way right in the case. It pairs easily to Bluetooth so I can use WiFi and earbuds. I add an external battery pack to the case and plug it in. 

Best of all, it never overheats. That is not true for other cases I've tried over the years. 

The ugo case has both a shoulder strap an a smaller hand strap. I used the hand strap frquently for keeping it close at hand underway. 

Extra pockets have room for money, credit cards, and small extras. With a little regular maintneance of the zipper, it seals up easily. And provides inexpensive insurance for expensive tech. 

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 Quick Reference Guides - https://products.theboatgalley.com/collections/quick-reference-guides

The Boat Galley Quick Reference Guides (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3EvF8O3

ugo wear Waterproof Tablet Case (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3CurKt6

Gear Aid Zipper Cleaner & Lube (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4jNcTup

ugo wear - https://ugowear.com/?aff=7

Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2

Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7

Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

Deciding how to divide cruising time between work and pleasure is a real conundrum.  Another joint podcast wherein we answer a fantastic question about life balance from a follower.

No one starts cruising so they can work on their boat all the time. Yes, it's important to keep your vessel in good repair. But you also need to learn how to balance fun with boat work. But just how do you do that?

Here are a few tips:

• Cruiser and coach, Behan Gifford, suggests someone onboard becomes a "happiness engineer." They take on the responsibility for planning fun activities on a regular basis.
• Make sure you block out time on your schedule for both fun and boat chores.
• Fun is important. So besides scheduling time for it, leave money in your budget for it.
• Be sure to make time for fun when you're in particularly interesting spots. After all, you can make repairs nearly anywhere (once you have supplies). But some adventures are site specific.
• And, if you struggle to find time for fun and boat work, extend your stay. You can always slow down.
• Even if you prefer anchoring, an occasional marina stay can help you replenish your spirits.
• Beating weather may be a race. But balance it with a break when you're past the worst of it.
• Make sure everyone on the crew gets moments of fun, including pets and kids.

Links: 

Outboard Motor Troubleshooting Guide - https://bit.ly/42Di75K

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 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