There are many options for food to take on a boat, and the best choice will depend on the facilities available on the boat, the length of the trip, and personal preferences. Some good options include sandwiches, wraps, salads, fruits, pre-cooked meals like grilled chicken, and finger foods like chips and dip. It's also important to consider foods that are easy to eat, non-perishable, and don't require much preparation. Avoiding messy or sticky foods, as well as those that melt easily, is also a good idea.

Characteristics of the best food to take on a boat

Sandwiches and wraps

When preparing sandwiches or wraps for a boat trip, it's important to choose fillings that are non-perishable and travel well. Some great options include peanut butter and jelly, deli meats such as roast beef or turkey, cheese, and vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. If you're looking for something more substantial, you could add grilled chicken, fish, or even fried chicken to your sandwich or wrap. Just be sure to avoid messy sauces or spreads that could make your sandwich soggy, such as mayonnaise.

To keep your sandwiches and wraps fresh, store them in a cooler or dry bag until you're ready to eat. You can also freeze water bottles and use them as ice packs to keep your food chilled without the risk of sogginess from melting ice.

In addition to sandwiches and wraps, there are plenty of other boat-friendly foods you can pack. Fresh fruit, such as apples, oranges, bananas, and watermelon, is always a hit. Dips like hummus or spinach dip, along with chips or pita chips for dipping, are also a great option. Trail mix, granola bars, and pretzels are easy to pack and provide a quick energy boost. And if you're looking for something more substantial, consider pre-cooked meals like pasta salad or grilled chicken, which can be eaten cold or heated on a boat stove.

Salads

One option is to make salad boats, where the salad is placed inside individual "boats" made from vegetables such as cucumbers or romaine lettuce leaves, rather than being served on a bed of lettuce. For example, you could make muffuletta salad boats by combining giardiniera, provolone cheese cubes, and chopped salami, or BLT salad boats with cream cheese, crumbled bacon, shredded lettuce, and chopped tomatoes. You could also make country club salad boats by combining chicken salad, sliced red grapes, and chopped pecans.

If you're looking for a more substantial salad, you could try a chickpea salad with a garlic vinaigrette. This option is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, and it's a good source of protein. Another option is a watermelon, feta, and mint salad, which is light and refreshing.

For a side dish, you could make a simple potato salad or a tangy coleslaw. Just be sure to keep these salads cool, either in a cooler or refrigerator, to prevent spoilage.

Dips

Spinach Dip

A classic dip option, spinach dip is a great choice for boating as it can be purchased pre-made and stored in a cooler. It pairs well with various dippers, such as chips, carrots, celery, and snap peas.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

If you're looking for something with a bit of a kick, buffalo chicken dip is a tasty option. This dip can be made ahead of time and chilled until you're ready to serve it. It's a perfect hearty option for a day out on the water.

Guacamole

Avocados are a good source of healthy fats, and guacamole is a refreshing dip option. Just be sure to keep it cool to prevent it from turning brown. Guacamole is delicious with pita chips or veggie sticks, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers.

Hummus

Hummus is a versatile dip that can be paired with a variety of dippers, including pita chips, rice crackers, and an assortment of fresh vegetables. It's a healthy and refreshing option for a boating trip, providing a good source of protein and fibre.

Boat Dip

For a fun, summery option, try the TikTok-famous Boat Dip. This dip only requires a few simple ingredients and can be made ahead of time. It's a great choice for a crowd, and you can adjust the seasoning to your taste. Serve it with chips and veggies for a delicious and easy boating snack.

Other Ideas

In addition to these dips, you could also consider bringing along some salsa, tzatziki, or a bean dip. For a sweet option, you could bring along some chocolate hazelnut spread or a yoghurt-based dip. Remember to pack your dips in airtight containers and keep them chilled to ensure food safety.

Fruits

When selecting fruits for a boat trip, it is best to choose low-maintenance options that can be peeled and eaten easily, such as bananas, oranges, tangerines, and clementines. Apples are also a good choice, as they can be washed before the trip and then enjoyed without making a mess. Grapes are another excellent option, especially if they are frozen, providing a refreshing snack on a warm day.

For those who want to avoid the mess of preparing and cutting fruit, dried fruit is a convenient alternative. Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, mango, and apricots are tasty, healthy, and easy to pack. Fruit snacks and fruit strips are also available, which are less sticky than fresh fruit and can be a good option for picky eaters.

Fruit salads are a great choice for boat trips, offering a variety of fruits in one dish. This option allows everyone to enjoy their favorite fruits, and it can be easily prepared in advance. It is important to note, however, that some boaters consider bananas to be bad luck, so if you're superstitious, you may want to leave them at home!

In addition to whole fruits, fruit cups packed in juice are a healthier option than those packed in syrup. Don't forget to pack a fork for these, though!

So, if you're planning a boat trip, be sure to stock up on some delicious and nutritious fruits to keep your energy levels high and your taste buds happy.

Pre-cooked meals

Pasta Salads

Pasta salads are a classic choice for boating as they can be made ahead of time and are easy to transport and serve. They are also versatile, as you can include a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, cheeses, and meats to suit different tastes.

Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken is another popular option for boating, as it can be prepared in advance and enjoyed cold or reheated. It's a good source of protein and can be paired with various sides, such as salads, sandwiches, or wraps.

Sandwiches or Wraps

Sandwiches and wraps are excellent choices for boating as they can be easily prepared and filled with a variety of ingredients. They are also typically non-perishable and can be eaten without utensils, making them a convenient and mess-free option.

Salads

Salads, such as fruit salad, pasta salad, and potato salad, are refreshing options for boating. They can be made ahead of time and transported in a cooler. While they may require utensils, they are a healthy and tasty choice for a boating trip.

Canned Goods

Canned tuna, chicken, beans, or vegetables are convenient options for boating as they have a long shelf life and can be used to create quick and easy meals. Don't forget to pack a can opener!

Finger Foods

For shorter boat trips or as snacks, finger foods such as cheese and crackers, vegetable sticks and hummus, granola bars, rice cakes, or trail mix are excellent choices. These options are typically non-perishable, compact, and can be eaten without utensils, making them perfect for boating.

Frequently asked questions