Best Foods To Bring Aboard: A Boat-Friendly Guide

Planning a boating trip? It's important to bring the right food—something that won't spoil, doesn't need reheating, and won't make a mess. Here are some ideas for what to eat when you're out on the water.

Sandwiches and wraps

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

A classic, comforting, and nutritious option that is a favourite among kids and adults alike. They can be prepared the night before and stored in a cooler box.

Deli Meat Sandwiches

Deli meats such as roast beef, ham, or turkey are versatile options that can be paired with various toppings and condiments. Consider adding some cheese, lettuce, and tomato for a classic deli sandwich.

Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Chicken salad sandwiches are a tasty and refreshing choice, especially during the summer. You can prepare the chicken salad ahead of time and assemble the sandwiches on the boat.

Veggie Wraps

For a healthy and refreshing option, veggie wraps are a great choice. Use veggies that don't need refrigeration, such as peppers, cucumbers, and lettuce. Add some hummus or your favourite dip for extra flavour.

Walking Tacos

Walking tacos are a fun and unique option for a boat trip. Prepare the taco fillings, such as seasoned ground beef or chicken, and pack them in individual bags of tortilla chips. Cut open the chip bags, add your fillings, and enjoy!

Pinwheel Sandwiches

These bite-sized sandwiches are perfect for boating as they are easy to eat and can be made ahead of time. You can make them yourself or buy a pre-made platter from the grocery store.

Sandwich and Wrap Tips:

• Avoid using mayonnaise-based fillings or sides, as they may spoil faster in warm temperatures.
• Use frozen water bottles in your cooler instead of ice to prevent your bread from getting soggy.
• Wrap sandwiches individually or store them in airtight containers to keep them fresh and prevent mess.
• Get creative with your toppings and fillings to add variety to your boat trips.

Salads

Fruit Salad

Create a refreshing fruit salad with pre-cut and washed fruits such as strawberries, watermelon, grapes, and oranges. Whipped cream can be a tasty addition to this salad. Alternatively, you can serve fruit salad in a pineapple boat for a creative presentation.

Pasta Salad

Pasta salads are a good choice as they are filling and can be made in a variety of ways. Try a tuna pasta salad with mayonnaise, pickle juice, salt, and pepper, or a pasta salad with pesto mayo. These salads can be made ahead of time and stored in the cooler.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic side dish that can be purchased from a store or made at home. It is a tasty and refreshing option for a boat trip.

Chickpea Salad

For a vegan and gluten-free option, try a chickpea salad with a garlic vinaigrette dressing. This salad is crisp, satisfying, and protein-packed, making it a perfect choice for a boat picnic.

Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad

This light and fresh salad is perfect for a summer boat trip. Simply cube watermelon and sprinkle it with feta cheese and mint leaves.

Taco Salad Boats

For a fun and unique presentation, serve taco salads in romaine lettuce leaves instead of taco shells. Fill the lettuce boats with lean ground turkey, bell peppers, tomatoes, avocado, and shredded cheese. Drizzle with ranch dressing and serve with salsa on the side.

Cucumber Salad Boats

Halve cucumbers and remove the seeds, then fill them with your favorite salad. Try a BLT salad with cream cheese, crumbled bacon, shredded lettuce, and chopped tomatoes, or a country club salad with chicken salad, sliced red grapes, and chopped pecans.

Thai-inspired Salad Boats

For a tangy and refreshing option, try a Thai-inspired salad boat. Fill romaine lettuce leaves with a mixture of coconut, chopped nuts, grated ginger, finely chopped red onion or shallots, lime chunks, lemongrass, and fresh mint. Serve with a tamarind peanut sauce for a unique and tasty experience.

Fruit

When it comes to bringing food on a boat, it's important to consider items that can be prepared ahead of time and are portable and mess-free. Fruits are an excellent choice, offering a refreshing option on hot days. Here are some ideas for fruits to bring on your boating trip:

Pre-cut Fruits

Pre-cut and washed fruits are convenient and easy to pack. Strawberries, watermelon, grapes, and oranges are all great options to keep in a cooler. You can also get creative and make fruit salads or fruit bowls, such as a peach bowl with coconut ice cream or a melon ball berry salad with a tangy lime raspberry dressing. Just remember to avoid bananas, as some believe they bring bad luck on boats.

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits, such as watermelon jerky, are another excellent option for boating trips. They are easy to prepare, and you can make your own by slicing watermelon and drying it. This creates a sweet and healthy snack without any added sugar or preservatives.

For picky eaters, fruit-based snacks like fruit popsicles or fruit snacks can be a great alternative to fresh fruit. Fruit popsicles can be made by cutting up fruit, placing them in cups with lemonade, adding a popsicle stick, and freezing them. Fruit snacks can be stored in a cooler to avoid clumping.

If you're looking for a more substantial option, consider making fruit salads or breakfast bowls. Cantaloupe breakfast bowls, for example, can be made by combining yogurt, fruit, and other toppings of your choice in a cantaloupe half. You can also find recipes for stuffed pineapples or dragon fruit salads, which are healthy and refreshing.

In addition to fresh fruit, you can also bring fruit-based condiments like pineapple salsa. This adds a unique twist to your snacks and can be a great pairing with other foods like chips or tacos.

So, when packing fruits for your boating trip, consider a variety of options, including pre-cut fruits, dried fruits, fruit-based snacks, fruit salads or bowls, and fruit-based condiments. Not only will these options keep you refreshed, but they can also provide a healthy and delicious boost of energy during your time on the water.

Snacks

When packing snacks for a boat trip, it's important to consider practicalities such as the rocking motion of the boat and strong odours that may upset other passengers. It's also a good idea to prepare snacks in advance that can be easily stored and don't require reheating. Here are some snack suggestions for your boat trip:

Fruit

Cold fruit is a refreshing option, especially on a hot day. Pre-cut and wash fruits such as strawberries, watermelon, grapes, and oranges. You can also freeze grapes the night before and enjoy them as a crunchy, refreshing snack that helps keep other foods cold. Just remember to avoid bananas, as they are considered bad luck on boats!

Sandwiches

Sandwiches are a classic, quick, and easy option for boat trips. You can prepare them in advance and they are mess-free. Try peanut butter and jelly, or get creative with different toppings and fillings to suit your taste. If you're looking for something more substantial, wraps are also a great choice that can be made quickly and stored in a cooler box.

Trail Mix

Trail mix is a staple travel food that is easy to make, keeps well, and is perfect for munching on. You can customise it with your favourite nuts, dried fruits, and candies. It's a filling snack that will give you energy throughout your boat trip.

Muffins

Muffins, whether homemade or store-bought, provide a nice boost of energy and taste delicious. They are small and easy to pack, so you don't need to worry about bringing a cooler bag. You can also individually wrap them to keep them fresh.

Chips and Salsa

Chips and salsa is a simple yet classic option for snacking on a boat trip. It's a mess-free choice that can be easily enjoyed while taking in the scenery. If you're looking for something more substantial, you can pair it with guacamole or queso dip.

Energy Bites

No-bake energy bites are a convenient and tasty option for boat trips. You can make them with peanut butter and oats, or experiment with different ingredients like dried fruit or chocolate chips. They provide a boost of energy and help ground your stomach while on the water.

Popcorn

Light and fluffy popcorn is a tasty and simple snack option. It's grounding without being too filling, which is ideal for boat trips. You can also try flavoured popcorn or popcorn-based snacks, such as Pirate's Booty, for a fun twist.

Veggie Skewers and Dip

Veggie skewers are a healthy and boat-friendly snack option. Choose vegetables that don't need refrigeration, such as tomatoes, peppers, cauliflower, and cucumbers. Skewer them for easy dipping and save space in your cooler box. Hummus or salsa makes a great dip option!

Cookies

Cookies are a sweet treat that can hit the spot during a boat trip. They are easy to pack and share, and can satisfy your sweet tooth after savoury snacks. Chocolate chip cookies are a classic favourite, but feel free to bring your favourite variety!

Drinks

Staying hydrated is crucial when spending a day on a boat, so it's important to bring plenty of drinks on board. Here are some ideas for drinks to bring on your boat trip:

Water & Sports Drinks

Water and sports drinks are essential to staying hydrated, especially in hot weather. Pack plenty of bottled water, and consider bringing electrolyte-replenishing sports drinks as well. Iced tea is another good option, as it is refreshing and water-based.

Beer

Beer is a popular choice for boat drinks, as it is tasty, refreshing, and easy to find and carry. It's also usually the cheapest option when it comes to alcoholic drinks. Cans of beer are the most convenient choice, but you could also bring bottles or a mini kegerator.

Wine

If you're a wine lover, look for light whites and pinks, which are perfect for a hot day. You could also make a simple sangria by mixing wine with ginger ale or soda water, fruits, and sugar.

Cocktails

Blended tropical cocktails like margaritas and piña coladas are perfect for boat trips. You can mix them in pitchers in advance and store them in a portable travel cooler until you're ready to serve. If you're looking for something more sophisticated, try a Seafoam Sangria made with Hpnotiq Liqueur, or a Singapore Sling made with cherry brandy. For a classic, you can't go wrong with a mojito. If you want something with a nautical theme, try a "boat drink" – a mixture of rums and fruit juices, inspired by the Jimmy Buffett song of the same name.

Warming Drinks

If you're sailing in cooler weather, you might want something to warm you up. Irish coffee is a good choice, especially if you add a twist by using Kahlua instead of whiskey. For something non-alcoholic, bring ingredients for mulled wine: red wine, honey, oranges, cloves, cinnamon, and anise. Prepare it in advance, and simply heat it up when you're on the boat.

Frequently asked questions