The Boat Galley – Details, episodes & analysis

A meat favorite gets a makeover aboard. Here's how to make a crowd-pleasing vegetarian version of a classic meat dish, perfect for a boat galley! 

Summary

 Although the crew of Calypso isn't vegetarian, with limited cold storage, we eat like we are. And beans are a great meat substitute. The dried ones are especially fabulous on a boat.

You're probably familiar with the ubiquitous brown lentils. You can find them everywhere. Even the smallest shop in the Tuamotus has them on the shelves. But the best lentils for this recipe are the black ones. Although they are harder to find, we stocked up on them in Panama. What makes them so perfect? The flavor is delicious, but the texture is even better. 

Yes, many vegetarians rely on Texturized Vegetable Protein (TVP) for that mouthfeel. But lentils are cheaper and require fewer extra ingredients. 

My recipe is flexible, depending on the ingredients you have aboard. I've found it satisfies even the pickiest eaters. I saute assorted vegetables (onions, garlic, peppers, carrots, and zucchini are my go-tos). Add tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Add seasonings and canned corn before serving on top of bread. 

For more details and the complete recipe, listen to the full podcast or check out Sloppy Joes, the Lentil Edition.

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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):

Large Sauté Pan (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/44gr0Cu

TVP (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4a2HXEc

Petite Green Lentils (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/48VVfBa

Pardina Lentils (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3MjPB3a

Nica email - nica@fit2sail.com

Carolyn email - carolyn@theboatgalley.com

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

You may be tempted to stretch your budget to get a larger boat or more features. But wait. Have you considered the hidden costs you may pay when buying a boat?

Summary

When a friend started looking for a slightly larger boat, I began thinking about the hidden costs he'd have to pay. He found a larger catamaran that would cost around $300,000. Sure, it would be a stretch, but they thought it was possible--before they considered the extras.

So what are these extras? And will they affect you?

First, there is sales tax. It varies from state to state (or even by county). If he bought where we are, that would be 7.5%, or $22,500. Even though Florida caps sales tax at $18,000, that's still a big check to write.

And what about insurance? Hull coverage is a percentage of the boat's value, and you must pay it every year.

Of course, when buying a boat, you'll want to have a professional survey. Combined with the costs of hauling out, you're talking about thousands of dollars. That's for the basics. If you add in engine and rigging survey or oil analysis, you're looking at even more.

If the survey reveals issues or you simply want to upgrade to make the boat fit you better, that's even more money--before even leaving the dock.  

If you buy a larger boat, haulouts and marina stays will cost more over the life of the boat. And expect to pay 5 to 10% of the boat's value on maintenance every year.

My friend did the review and realized that while they could probably afford the purchase, the ongoing costs would significantly affect their cruising plans.

Don't get discouraged. Just look carefully at all the costs before you buy a boat. It's part of the delicate balancing act most cruisers make between money and satisfaction. For more details, listen to the complete podcast or read The Hidden Costs When Buying a Boat.

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

Links: 

Free Boat Buyer's Checklist - https://theboatgalley.com/documents-for-boat-buyers-owners/

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

How a blank book became a lovely way to remember guests who came aboard for a meal.

Summary

A guestbook is a great way to save memories of your cruise. But you can make it even more if you allow guests more time and space to comment.

We carried a guest book on our first cruise, from 1994 to 1997. In the back, we stuck an envelope to corral boat cards. I'm sorry we didn't bring it this time. But two new cruising friends showed us a better option when they brought their guest book to us to sign. The blank book had room for letters, drawings, and photos. We enjoyed reviewing it while we kept it overnight before making our entry. It seemed like a better form of guest book.

Although I'm sorry I didn't start sooner, I'm happy I've adopted this method in French Polynesia. It will make a wonderful reminder of memories in the future. 

For more details, check out Guest Books (https://www.fit2sail.com/countdown-to-cruising/2025/9/22/guest-books) or listen to the complete podcast.

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

Decorative blank book (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3VDnBc3

Blank book (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4nul2V4 

Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/46rxMXz

S/V Dovka - https://dovka.com

Nica email - nica@fit2sail.com

Carolyn email - carolyn@theboatgalley.com

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!

Prefer to read? Check out https://www.fit2sail.com/countdown-to-cruising/2025/9/22/guest-books

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

Music: "Slow Down" by Yvette Craig

Online paperwork for the win! A walk through of the cruising permit application for the Bahamas.

Links: 

Bahamas Customs Site Cruising Permit Page -  https://bit.ly/48zILMK

Blog Post - https://bit.ly/48G8UcI

Bahamas Cruising Permit Costs (Scroll to bottom of page) -  https://bit.ly/4aJbznR 

The Boat Galley Bahamas Reference - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/bahamas-cruising-guide

The Boat Galley Cruising the Bahamas course - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/bahamas 

 Nica email - nica@fit2sail.com

Carolyn email - carolyn@theboatgalley.com

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

Powdered milk is awful. Right? Well, there is one option you might want to try.

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

Nido Powdered Milk - https://amzn.to/41J6NCF

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

Looking ahead can be instructive in deciding whether a window is good enough or not. Sometimes you take what's not quite perfect.

Links: 

 Chris Parker Weather Forecasting -  https://www.mwxc.com

The Boat Galley Bahamas Reference - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/bahamas-cruising-guide 

The Boat Galley Cruising the Bahamas Course - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/bahamas  

Nica email - nica@fit2sail.com 

Carolyn email - carolyn@theboatgalley.com

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

It can be hard to find butter and cheese in some cruising grounds. You certainly want it to last once you find it. Here's how--whether you have a refrigerator or not.

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

Eating Well with a Tiny Fridge - https://resources.theboatgalley.com/products/courses/view/39

Lock & Lock Storage Containers (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/41BSP5K

Canned Butter (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3v44Fco

Bega Canned Cheese (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/48uF4rK

Cheddar Cheese Powder (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/48vNcbw

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

Budget size first, then dollars - A few things to think about when provisioning the boat.

Links:

Costco - https://www.costco.com/  

Nica email - nica@fit2sail.com

Carolyn email - carolyn@theboatgalley.com

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

Everyone's "to do" list for going to the Bahamas will be different. But here are a few things to get you thinking based on our second trip there.

Links:

Get Ready to Cruise the Bahamas Course - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/bahamas

Bahamas Cruising Guide - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/bahamas-cruising-guide

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

The stress of uncertainty is very real. A discussion of how hard it is to not quite be settled.  

Links: 

Nica email - nica@fit2sail.com

Carolyn email - carolyn@theboatgalley.com

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