Have you been lucky enough to get an invite on a boat? Or maybe you are a boat owner and need ideas for what to bring. Then, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you are boarding a sailboat, motorboat, pontoon, or yacht (can we be friends?), we have the best boat food.
Are you wondering what food I should bring on a boat? Maybe you are looking for a list of the best food for boats. We’ve got you covered.
Let’s go the The Chalkboard.
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What Food Should I Bring On A Boat? Here’s How To Pick The Best Food For Boats
Before we dive into exactly what you should bring, here are some things to consider when trying to figure out what food to bring on a boat. You want things that aren’t too messy. No one wants to clean up too much and no boat owner wants a stain on their interior to clean. Most captains like to keep their vessels in tip-top shape!
It’s also likely going to be warm outside so nothing that will easily melt like chocolate. Simple meals are best. Nothing too fussy or heavy. No one wants to eat a complicated meal on a hot day! Now that we’ve talked about what NOT to bring, here are some of the best food for boats.
What Snacks Should I Bring On A Boat (20+ Boat Snacks)
Sometimes you are so busy enjoying the day that you don’t want to stop for a big meal. That’s where snacks come in. They are perfect for grabbing and going or just munching on for a bit. Here are some ideas.
Snacks For Boating
- Frozen grapes
- Cantaloupe
- Honey Dew
- Watermelon
- Mandarins
- Yogurts in a tube (frozen)
- Apples
- Pears
- Chips
- Hummus
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Fig Bars
- Energy Bars
- Dried Fruit
- Roasted chickpeas
- Edamame
- Pineapple
- Blueberries
- Pretzels (A big tub is a great gift to bring the captain)
More Food For Boats – Dinners and Lunches
Keeping in mind that we don’t want anything too fussy or heavy, here are some great options that are filling enough for lunch or dinner that can be easily made ahead of time. Ancient grain salads really fit the bill as they are hearty, easy to prep the day before and delicious!
- Big Mac Salad
- Sandwiches
- Wraps
- Farro Salad
- Chicken Cutlets
- Grilled Chicken
- Macaroni Salad
- Chickpea, Parsley, Feta Salad
- Italian Tortellini Salad – Don’t put too much dressing on this!
- Edamame, Corn and Farro Salad
- Gnocchi Salad
- Tabouli Salad
- Buffalo Chickpea Salad
- Spinach Tortellini Salad
- Pasta With Chickpeas And Arugula
- Chicken Club Salad
- Egg Roll In A Bowl
- Quinoa Salad
- Avocado And Grilled Chicken Salad
- Ramen Noodle Salad
- Lunch Kebobs
- Chicken Cucumber Salad
BBQing on a Boat
Some boaters have small grills they use while onboard. If that’s the case then there are several more options for dinners and lunches. Be sure to choose leaner cuts of meat. High-fat meats may cause flare-ups which you do NOT want.
The Magma grill is very well-made and worth the price. This version is large enough to feed four to six people but still packs away easily with the carrying case that comes with it. Purchase it on Amazon and have it by the weekend.
- Hamburgers
- Chicken
- Sausage
- Hot Dogs
- Veggie Burgers
- Kebabs (make ahead and then grill)
- Shrimp
Even More Food For Boats — Breakfast Ideas
Maybe you are headed out early to fish or beat the heat. No need to skip breakfast, pack it to go. And don’t forget the coffee!
- Oatmeal (in a thermos)
- Muffins
- Bacon, Egg, And Cheese sandwiches
- Breakfast Burritos
Vegetarian Boat Food
Let’s not relegate our vegetarian guests to crudite platters. Here are some great boat food options for vegetarians that carnivores will love, too!
- Hummus and vegetables
- Chickpea Salad
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
- Mozzarella and roasted red pepper sandwiches with balsamic vinaigrette
- Tortellini Salad
- Veggie Burgers
- Vegetable Kebabs
- Roasted Eggplant sandwich with mozzarella and balsamic vinaigrette
- Pasta with pesto
- California Rolls
Items To Pack Besides Food For Boats
- Utensils
- Napkins
- Trash bags
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Condiments
- Bags for dirty utensils
- Water — lots of water
What Do You Think?
Are you heading out on the water this summer? What food for boats will you bring? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear!
Looking for more about what foods to pack for a ski trip or beach vacation, we’ve got that too!
Happy boating!
No plans on the water now? Pin this for later!
denise says
Just a kind suggestion especially for people that don’t know… avid boaters, especially when fishing, will lose their mind if they find a banana on their boat because it brings bad luck. The rest of the list was great though and gave me a few ideas for our next outing!
Kristen says
Haha! We don’t go with the no banana rule but we also never have much luck fishing so perhaps that’s why!