Best Foods To Bring Aboard: A Boat-Friendly Guide

Planning a boating trip? It's important to bring food that's tasty, easy to prepare, and won't spoil. Here are some ideas for food to bring on your next boat excursion, whether it's a party, a family trip, or a romantic cruise. Firstly, finger foods and snacks are a must for boating, as they're easy to eat without making a mess. Think sandwiches, wraps, trail mix, and fruit. If you have a grill on board, burgers, hot dogs, and veggie skewers are great options. For a special treat, why not try making watermelon jerky? And don't forget to stay hydrated with plenty of water and maybe even some wine or beer.

Sandwiches

Types of Sandwiches

• Pinwheel sandwiches are a fun, bite-sized option that are perfect for on-the-go snacking. You can make them yourself or buy a pre-made platter.
• Wraps are another good choice for a boat trip as they are easy to eat and can be made quickly in large quantities.
• For a more substantial option, you could go for a classic sub, hoagie, or deli sandwich. These can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
• If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, you could try a grilled cheese sandwich. For an extra twist, add some grilled spam!

Ingredients and Condiments

When making sandwiches for a boat trip, it's important to consider the ingredients and condiments you use to ensure they stay fresh and tasty. Here are some tips:

• Avoid using mayonnaise-based sauces or fillings, as these can spoil quickly and are best avoided if you don't have access to refrigeration.
• Opt for fillings that are less messy and greasy, such as sliced meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
• If you want to add some moisture to your sandwich, consider using mustard, pesto, or oil-based dressings instead of mayonnaise.
• To add some crunch to your sandwich, pack some potato chips or crisps inside. This works especially well with wraps and rolls.

Preparation and Storage

To ensure your sandwiches stay fresh and tasty during your boat trip, here are some preparation and storage tips:

• Prepare your sandwiches the night before and store them in a cooler or cooler box. This will keep them fresh and reduce the risk of spoilage.
• If you're making multiple sandwiches, vary the types of bread you use to add some variety to your meal.
• To save space, avoid bringing a full bottle of ketchup or mustard. Instead, use small condiment packets or bring a small reusable container filled with your favourite sauce.
• Keep your sandwiches in a secure container or bag to prevent them from getting squashed or soggy.

Salads

Types of Salads

Fruit salads are an excellent choice for a boat trip as they are refreshing and easy to prepare. You can mix in some whipped cream for a decadent touch. If you're looking for something more savoury, potato salad and pasta salad are also great options that can be made ahead of time and kept in a cooler. Quinoa salad is another tasty and protein-packed option. For a classic option, you can't go wrong with a Caesar salad. Just be mindful that lettuce-based salads don't last as long, especially in the cooler, as the motion of the boat can cause the lettuce to bruise and rot quickly.

Salad Ingredients

When preparing salads for a boat trip, consider using ingredients that won't spoil quickly and are easy to eat. Pre-cut fruits and vegetables are a great option, and they can also be frozen to help keep other items in the cooler cold. Watermelon is a popular choice for a refreshing snack on a hot day. Grapes, strawberries, oranges, and pineapple are also great additions to a fruit salad. For savoury salads, pre-cooked chicken or tuna are excellent sources of protein. You can also add in pre-cut cheeses, such as feta, and vegetables like cherry tomatoes, celery, green peppers, and basil.

Salad Dressings and Toppings

It's important to consider how you'll store and serve salad dressings and toppings. Pre-packaged salads that include toppings and dressings can be convenient, but make sure they are well-sealed to avoid any spills or leaks. You can also prepare your own dressings and store them in sealed containers. Some popular toppings and additions to salads include dried fruit, bacon bits, croutons, nuts, and seeds.

Storage and Serving

To keep your salads fresh and safe to eat, store them in a cooler with ice or frozen water bottles. This will help maintain a cool temperature and reduce the risk of spoilage. It's also a good idea to bring plates, cups, and utensils for serving and eating your salads. If you're looking for mess-free options, you can use toothpicks or pre-package your salads in containers that can be easily disposed of after use.

Fruit

Pre-cut and Washed Fruits

It is recommended to pre-cut and wash fruits such as strawberries, watermelon, grapes, and oranges. These fruits are easy to eat, juicy, and provide a burst of flavour on a hot day. Keep them in a cooler to maintain freshness.

If you want to get creative, make a fruit salad by mixing different fruits together. You can add whipped cream on top for an indulgent touch. This can be a fun and colourful option, especially if you have kids on board.

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits, such as watermelon jerky, are also a great choice for boating. They tend to have a longer shelf life and don't require refrigeration. Watermelon jerky, in particular, is a unique snack that can be prepared the same way as other dried fruits.

Pre-freeze Grapes

For a hot day on the water, pre-freeze grapes in a large freezer bag. They will stay cool and refreshing, and you can snack on them throughout the day. Even if they defrost, they will still taste delicious.

In conclusion, fruit is a healthy and delicious option for a boat trip. By choosing a variety of fresh, dried, and frozen fruits, you can satisfy your sweet tooth while also staying refreshed and nourished during your boating adventure.

Dips

Spinach Dip

A classic dip that can be store-bought or homemade, spinach dip is a tasty and healthy option to enjoy on a boat. It pairs well with chips, bread, or fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and snap peas. This dip will add some greenery to your boating trip and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

If you're looking for something with a kick, buffalo chicken dip is a great choice. It's a perfect option for those who want a heartier snack with a bit of spice. This dip can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for different boating occasions. Like spinach dip, it goes well with chips, bread, or veggies.

Guacamole

Avocados are a nutritious and delicious fruit, and guacamole is an excellent way to enjoy them on a boat. This dip is best served cold and is a good source of healthy fats. It's a perfect match with tortilla chips, but it also tastes great with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers.

Hummus

Hummus is a popular dip that can be made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It's a healthy, protein-rich option that goes well with pita bread, chips, or fresh vegetables. Hummus is a versatile dip that can be customized with different spices and ingredients, such as roasted red peppers or jalapenos, to suit your taste preferences.

Boat Dip

For a summery taco-inspired dip, try the TikTok-famous Boat Dip. This no-cook dip only takes a few minutes to prepare and can be made ahead of time. It's a combination of sour cream, shredded Mexican cheese, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, and cilantro. Serve it with an assortment of chips and vegetables for a tasty and refreshing snack on your boating trip.

Other Dip Ideas

In addition to the dips mentioned above, there are plenty of other options to explore. Some other dips that are well-suited for boating trips include salsa, tzatziki, bean dip, artichoke dip, and French onion dip. These dips offer variety in terms of flavor and can be paired with a range of accompaniments.

Drinks

When spending a day out on the water, it is important to stay hydrated, so be sure to bring an abundance of bottled water and electrolyte-replenishing sports drinks. Iced tea is another good choice, as it is both refreshing and water-based. It is best to avoid drinking large quantities of sugary drinks, such as soda, as they can be diuretic.

If you're looking for something alcoholic, there are plenty of options. Beer is always a good choice for a day on the boat—it's tasty, refreshing, easy to find, and affordable. If you prefer wine, opt for light whites and rosés. You could also make a simple sangria by combining wine with ginger ale or soda water, fruit, and sugar.

For something a little more tropical, you could try a piña colada, a margarita, or a mojito. These drinks are often referred to as "boat drinks" and can be made in pitchers in advance and stored in a portable travel cooler. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you could even try a Seafoam Sangria—a combination of Hpnotiq Liqueur and your choice of fruit.

For cooler days, a classic Irish Coffee will keep you warm and energised. Instead of whiskey, you could use Kahlua for a milder flavour, or add a dollop of heavy cream for a latte-like experience. Alternatively, mulled wine is surprisingly easy to make and is the perfect companion for when the sun sets and the breeze picks up.

Whatever you decide to drink, remember to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated while you're out on the boat.

Frequently asked questions