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.

  Podcast Summary

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

 

 

 

 

 

It's unlikely you have as much gear in your boat galley as you did in your kitchen on land. So what should you do if a recipe calls for a tool you don't have? 

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   Eating Well with a Tiny Fridge - 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/40z4jGG  

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 little background on the voices you hear each week in a rare joint podcast where we ask each other questions about our cruising, our boats, and why we got into podcasting together.

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

 Nica bio -  https://www.fit2sail.com/about-nica 

 About Nica’s boats - https://www.fit2sail.com/about-the-boat 

 About Carolyn - https://products.theboatgalley.com/pages/about-us 

Lin Pardey and her Books (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4g59nby

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

 

 

 

 

Making the bed in your boat can be a nightmare if you don't have property fitted sheets. So waht are your options? Here's a good one we've found. 

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

Cinch-Fit Sheets - https://bit.ly/4gQj2UC

Shallow Pocket Sheets - https://bit.ly/4acca1m

V-Berth Boat Sheets - https://bit.ly/3WDOWfl

V-Berth Boat Sheets (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4hbsQbB

Cinch-Fit Queen Sheets (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4gRAM21

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not marine grade? Not a problem! 5 reasons we have generic 2x4 pieces aboard Calypso. 

Links:

Nica email - [email protected]

Carolyn email - c[email protected]

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

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

 

 

Boat work often involves spending time on your hands and knees. And whether your decks are fiberglass or teak, it will start to hurt. Here's one easy way to protect your knees.

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

Non-Marking Knee Pads (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3ZU7sRd

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

 

 

 

Being able to help with a humanitarian mission is a joy. Learn how carrying boxes of supplies to the Bahamas for a non-profit made our recent crossing extra special. 

Links: 

 Hope Fleet -  https://hopefleet.org 

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

 

 

 

All cutting boards protect your counter, keep your knives from getting dull, and guard against food poisoning. But on a boat, they also have to stay put. Here's my recommendation.

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

Oxo Good Grips Cutting Board 10" x 15" (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4gRx9sL

Oxo Good Grips Cutting Board 7" x 11" (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3Pfkxjn

Oxo Good Grips Cutting Board 9" x 13" (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/49FtsUC

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