Larry created a lovely cutting board to fit into my galley sink, solid hardwood, with stainless rod supports. It works wonderfully, giving me extra working space, acting as a serving board for nibbles at cocktail time, hiding the dirty dishes, but it is relatively heavy and not everyone owns their own boat builder or has access to a woodworking shop, and some folks are not comfortable using a chopping knife on a lovely piece of wood. A very good alternative that is not only affordable but adjustable to fit snuggly into most the smaller sized sinks used in boat galleys is one we found in a RV supply store. The Sink Mate cutting board is made by CAMCO mfg. 800-334-2004 or www.camco.net and costs about $34.95 at places like Camping World.

Cotter pins, wire locking rings used to secure turnbuckles, they always seem to snag sheets and mooring lines. The usual solution is to wrap tape around them. After a few weeks of sailing the tape becomes frayed and rough looking. Removing the pins is often a difficult proposition so people often decide not to adjust the turnbuckles. Larry came up with a more user friendly, easier to remove solution. He used a tap to cut a thread into the pinhole. (If you are clever, you can use a reversing variable speed electric drill to do the tapping) He then used ½ inch long round head stainless steel bolts, which thread in and lock in place. This keeps the turnbuckle from loosening off, makes adjusting a one-tool job, looks very tidy and is snag proof.