If you have to leave your boat, are you confident all is well aboard? You can be with the Roam Device, an affordable and easy remote boat monitor system.

Summary

John Herlig from The Boat Galley team recently installed the Roam marine monitor hub on his 1967 Rawson 30 sailboat, currently anchored in Florida while he is away from the boat. He found the installation and setup of the Roam device faster and easier than expected.

The device monitors vital boat systems and connects to a cell network to send data to the cloud. Users can access data from an app on their phone. 

The price is affordable at around $350 if you order directly from RoadDevices.com. Monitoring costs $60 a year. (See a special offer from Roam in the links below.)

John was able to set up his unit quickly and installed it in his battery locker. Basic features include GPS monitoring, a high water alarm, cabin temperature and humidity, and battery voltage. You can add additional monitors if you wish, but John's needs were simple.

He has two favorite features of the unit: 1) remote battery monitoring and 2) GPS location to track the boat's swing at anchor. The battery monitoring feature gives John peace of mind after an earlier event where his flooded lead cell batteries went dry in the heat and humidity and stopped charging. If the batteries drop below a set charge, the system sends an alarm, even if the app is not open on your phone. 

The GPS location tracker creates position dots that populate every time it takes a reading, about every three minutes. You can use historical datasets to see if your boat has moved from its expected position. 

John plans to set up the bilge alarm sensors when he returns to his boat again. The system can also monitor if a hatch is open, if humidity is high, or the state of the shore power connection. 

He found it easy and affordable. To learn more check out the transcript or listen to the full podcast.

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

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

Roam Devices - https://roamdevices.com

John Herlig's website - https://avedelmar.com

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

Everything you need to know about this cruiser-based, crowd-sourced, social app. We rely on it every day!

Summary

When you've arrived at a new anchorage, how do you figure out how to find necessities? Especially if you're out of range of The Boat Galley cruising guides? After all, there are places where cruising guides don't exist. Luckily I have a great resource to share. 

Cruising is more than dolphins and beautiful sunsets. Sometimes, you gotta get stuff done, like buying groceries or diesel. Or maybe you're just craving a restaurant meal or want a fun day off the boat. 

You have a few options for finding information. You can read guides and hope the information isn't out of date. You can review Google Maps. You can even dinghy around to other boaters and ask. They're all helpful resources. And the last might even introduce you to a new friend.

We rely on the app NoForeignLand.com. No information is hidden behind a paywall. There are no pop-up ads. You can support them on Patreon. But they don't sell user's information. Social features include tracking other boats. Information is provided by cruisers for cruisers.

One feature even allows you to call for information from others directly on the app. Created by cruisers for cruisers, the information is relevant to our needs. I highly recommend it, no matter where you're traveling.

For more details, listen to the full podcast or check out No Foreign Land - An Excellent Resource for Cruisers.

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

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

 NoForeignLand - https://www.noforeignland.com  

Boat Galley Cruising Guides -  https://products.theboatgalley.com/collections/quick-reference-guides 

Nica email - [email protected]

Carolyn email - [email protected]

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

I'm frequently asked for the best marine weather apps. Cruising the Florida coast and Bahamas, I've found a few favorites.

Summary

Apps are helpful. But don't forget to look out the hatch to see what's happening in your area. 

If you need more information, here's what we relied on while cruising Florida and the Bahamas.

Windy is great for a color-coded, big-picture view of the wind, wave, and rain forecasts. The motion feature shows changes over the hours and days. We've found Windy pretty accurate. It does require internet access to use.

Radar programs come and go. So I can’t recommend a specific one. I prefer ones that show how fast the storm cells are moving and in what direction.

Everything Hurricane Tracker offers is available on the (US) National Hurricane Center website. What Hurricane Tracker does brilliantly is to make the information easy to access. This is critical if you either have slow internet or pay by data used.

For each storm (and Invest and Potential Storm), Hurricane Tracker has all the NHC maps, satellite images, and the official forecasts and analysis. It’s quick and easy to tap or click from one to another. Its ease of use is why I'm willing to pay for lifetime access.

Marine Weather Center is the “proper” name for what most East Coast and Caribbean cruisers call “Chris Parker’s weather.”

Chris and his staff are full-time marine forecasters for this area and provide subscription forecasts by SSB and email. Subscribe via SSB to talk with him during his designated times for your location. But we use email for time to digest the information.

Chris is a former cruiser who understands weather as it applies to boats. And he's trained other forecasters to do the same. Forecasts are quite accurate. They tend to err on the side of caution. 

To read and for cost information for the apps or information about apps for other cruising grounds, visit Favorite Weather Apps or listen to the complete podcast.

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

Links:

Windy - https://www.windy.com (also avaialable for iOS and Android)

Hurricane Tracker - http://www.hurrtracker.com/Main/web-app.html

Marine Weather Center - https://www.mwxc.com/signup.php

The Boat Galley podcast is sponsored by FastSeas.com. Plan your next passage using FastSeas.com. Whether you are after speed or comfort, FastSeas will find the optimum route to your destination. FastSeas - making weather routing simple. Use coupon code GALLEY for an exclusive 10% discount.

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

Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

Here's why you should collect rain water on your cruising boat, even if you have a watermaker. And a few tips to tell you how to do it.

Summary 

Catching rainwater on the boat? Is it worth it even if you have easy access to water in your cruising locale? We think so.

In the Marquesas, where we're currently cruising, we find taps providing water in every settlement's port. It's not always potable. But it's suitable for showers and laundry. We also have a small watermaker onboard.

Even so, we still gather rainwater aboard Calypso. A heavy rainfall fills our collapsible water jugs in 20 minutes with a little effort and no electricity.

Our watermaker uses 10 amp hours of electricity to produce three gallons. That's electric that we could use for making bread, accessing the internet, or other luxuries. 

Collecting water also means we don't have to be stingy with washing laundry. And can take longer showers. Every day.

Calypso's awning was designed to collect water with quick-connect fittings that we direct to a bucket. Even without an awning, you can collect water running off your bimini. Or collect it directly from the sky. 

For more details, listen to the full podcast. Or check out Water Catching FTW for pictures of our setup.

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

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

Spectra Watermaker - https://defender.com/en_us/spectra-watermakers-ventura-150d-watermaker-with-analog-control-panel-vt-150-d-12v 

Water Disinfecting Guidelines - https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/emergency-disinfection-drinking-water

Collapsible Water Jugs (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4mbM5Fi 

Siphon Tube (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3GOrTcB

Nica email - [email protected]

Carolyn email - [email protected]

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

Some cruisers think galley straps are a great safety item. I disagree. Here's why.

Summary

An important feature of a well-designed cruising boat galley is safety for the cook--ensuring they aren't tossed around the boat in rough seas. Many cruisers think galley straps solve the problem. But I believe they can make things worse--particularly the ones I saw on my friend's boat.

What are the major issues?

1) Straps confine the cook in front of fire and hot pans with no ability to move away.

2)Straps don't help if you need access to other areas like lockers or the sink.

3) You need two hands to clip yourself in, making it difficult when you need something elsewhere in the galley.

But other options might work for you, depending on your galley shape.

In a U-shaped galley, a strap across the opening can keep you from being thrown too far without confining you against the stove. L-shaped galleys might benefit from a diagonal strap. And in a long galley, a strap along the length might help.

I prefer other methods of wedging myself in while cooking. But if you go for a galley strap, keep these concerns in mindto keep yourself safe. For more details, listen to the full podcast. Or check out Is a Galley Strap a Good Idea? for more information and photographs.

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

Links:

 Catalina 34 Project Page - http://www.c34.org/projects/projects-galley-safety-strap.html

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

When you need to do laundry on the boat and there's no laundromat nearby, one unexpected tool will make the job easier. Here are the steps to having clean laundry aboard--no washing machine required!

Summary:

As budget cruisers in the 1990s, we did nearly all laundry on board. Today, we intend to splurge on laundromats. However, not everywhere has them. Or the cost can be high, like in French Polynesia where we are now. 

So what do you need to wash clothes on board? My supplies include two buckets, cold water detergent, fresh water, and a clean (unused) toilet plunger.  

Here's my method:

Fill a bucket 2/3 full. Pour in detergent and swish until it dissolves. Add clothes and use the plunger for about twenty minutes per piece of laundry. Wring out soapy water before rinsing in fresh water. Then wring clothes thoroughly to help them dry faster.

Pin clothes to your lifelines (watch for rain) until dry. And that's it.

Smaller loads are easier to wash in a bucket than large ones. So don't wait too long between washes. 

Check out my recommended products in the links. Listen to the full podcast for more information, including a tip about how much detergent to use in a load. 

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

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

Clean buckets (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/42Jd7eh

Dirty Labs Non-Toxic Detergent (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3EFqJzj

Dirty Labs Non-Toxic Detergent - https://dirtylabs.com/products/signature-bio-laundry-detergent

Plunger (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3RFlylT

Laundry Plunger (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3RCEhi4

Nica email - [email protected]

Carolyn email - [email protected]

The Boat Galley podcast is sponsored by FastSeas.com. Plan your next passage using FastSeas.com. Whether you are after speed or comfort, FastSeas will find the optimum route to your destination. FastSeas - making weather routing simple. Use coupon code GALLEY for an exclusive 10% discount.

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

Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

Preparing for surgery when you live on a boat? Then we have some tips to help from when my husband Dave had a hip replacement while we were living aboard Barefoot Gal.

Summary

So how do you make arrangements when you live on a boat full time and have to schedule a surgical procedure? 

There are three components important to consider:

1) How long will it take for you to recover from your procedure? You need to get a realistic assessment from your doctor. And remember, when you're asking questions, they may not understand what it's like to live on a boat.

2) Where is the safest place to keep the boat during recovery. Dave's surgery fell right during hurricane season. So hauling the boat and putting it on the hard was the best choice for us.

3) Can your emergency plan handle all the expenses? For us, this meant hauling and storing the boat. We also rented an apartment for several months (3 months longer than the doctor predicted). And we had to put items in storage. 

Luckily, we had time to make a plan for Dave's surgery. But if you have a large enough emergency fund, even an emergency should be okay.

Listen to the complete podcast for more details or check out Managing Surgery When You Live on a Boat.

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

Links:

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

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

Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

Distilling a 4200-mile Pacific passage into memorable sound bites isn’t easy. But certain experiences definitely stand out. Here are some favorite moments from our 33 days at sea.

Summary 

Sitting in a rolling anchorage is a great time to review Pacific passage highlights. After 32 days at sea and 8 hours heaving to so we could anchor during daylight there are so many epic experiences to reflect on.

On our passage, I wrote daily emails. Follow the link below for access to all of them. They include observations of conditions and the moon and stars. But here, I'm just focusing on the highlights.

One major highlight was crossing the Equator. Why should crossing an imaginary line feel so momentous? I don't know. But talking to other cruisers, I know we're not alone. 

We also saw an epic pod of commuting dolphins. I say commuting because they didn't play in the bow but kept moving. Other wildlife included a visiting bird, determined to be a swallowtail gull. 

Near the equator, the moon rises as the sun is setting. So we could see the sun going down over our bow as the moon rose over our transom. 

Before the seas became rough, we caught a large mahi-mahi that kept us fed for two days. 

While not a highlight, the chafe of our main halyard added some excitement to the passage. Using the topping lift to carry the main was a temporary fix until we used it as a messenger line to secure a replacement halyard. 

Other highlights included ticking off milestones--our first 1000 miles and crossing the equator. I enjoyed watching our self-steering unit (we called it Larry) do its work. 

Of course, even routines are momentous underway, including our traditional Sunday pancake breakfast. With 30 knots of wind, it was exciting. But it was a good reminder of how we're adjusting our ideas about acceptable conditions. 

We completed our passage of over 3000 miles at 5.5 knots on average, faster than many cruisers on boats longer than our 28-foot Calypso.

In the end, we were generally comfortable, ate well, and got enough rest. I hope to see you in an anchorage. Look for Calypso. And check out the links to find pictures and more details of our passage.

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

 Links: 

 The Boat Galley Cruising Guides - https://products.theboatgalley.com/collections/quick-reference-guides 

Daily Emails - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ffv_dDmAQiqo013OHaZPhUpQJbkQx5b3?usp=sharing 

More Details & Photos - https://www.fit2sail.com/countdown-to-cruising/2025/4/11/highlights-from-a-pacific-passage 

 Nica email - [email protected]

Carolyn email - [email protected]

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

Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

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