The Boat Galley

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.

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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

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.

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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

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

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

The Harbor of Hospitality is our favorite spot on the ICW. It's a hidden gem well worth any detour Hear about some of our reasons why.

Links:

Elizabeth City Rose Buddy Tradition - https://www.ourstate.com/rose-buddies-elizabeth-city/

Museum of the Albemarle - https://www.museumofthealbemarle.com/

Seven Sounds Brewery - https://www.sevensounds.beer/

MACU Docks - https://maritime-ministries.org/macu-docks/

Boat Galley ICW Quick Reference - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/the-boat-galley-atlantic-icw-cockpit-quick-reference-guide

Nica email - [email protected]

Carolyn email - [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