i can see your point; if u are playing on a land-heavy map, you can postpone some naval techs.I hate barb galleys. I often ignore seafood city locations and go for other sites instead till I can build triremes. Sometimes the barb galley chases the AI work boat around your whole continent eventually pillaging all your resources.
but why ignore seafood city locations?if u find a location which has 2clams, 1 fish and 1cow, just don't miss it.
just research fishing and sailing. not in very early game but just after initial tech path (after monarchy or writing for ex), u can have them.
in such a city, u just build a lighthouse and no fishing boats, then enjoy the commerce from clams. the city will grow fast and bring good commerce even if the clam doesn't have fishing boats.
if u've got bored by barb galleys disturbing your boats, u can do this. just build work boats after trireme and so u don't waste any hammers