If your idea of a good meal on a boating trip consists of a peanut and jelly sandwich shoved into your back pocket then read no further. For those who prefer to remain civilized and relatively well nourished after a hard day at the tiller or oars, then you may just want a few more ideas. A step upwards from the squashed peanut and jelly sandwich would be a picnic hamper lovingly (or hastily) prepared before leaving home.

This hamper would contain such delights as cooked chicken, salads of various kinds, crusty bread and chilled butter, a selection of exotic fruits and cheeses for dessert and maybe the odd bottle of bubbly – or wine, anyway. But firstly, where in your boat can you keep this hamper of yummy things cold?  If the temperatures soar and you have no shade on your boat, expect to get food poisoning from eating the chicken that’s been melting under the picnic cloth for several hours.

An Esky or some kind of cool bag or box is an essential piece of equipment on a boat. You can also use it to keep the fish you caught in good eating condition. If you’ve no room for it or for a small refrigerator, then stick with the peanut butter.

It may be that you intend to go ashore and purchase your meal or have a picnic on the beach. In the latter case, don’t rely on eating your catch of the day. There are those days when all you get on your hook is an old boot. If you plan on purchase, then be sure to take your money with you – and that there are mooring facilities where you intend to go ashore.

Since boating is often hard work, and sea air increases the appetite, be sure to have plenty of provisions with you. Those who have spent a day rowing into headwinds will have burned up a great many more calories than the normal 2,500; think more in terms of 5,000. And while salads are great for the passengers on a luxury yacht who have done no more than admire the scenery slipping by, those who have worked hard will be sure to appreciate a hot meal with lots of calories.

If you can’t have a fire on the beach to cook sausages and steak on, be sure to stock up on canned stew that can be heated up or eaten cold if necessary. Whatever you decide on, take a good deal more than you think you will need, especially if you have children. Take lots of water and other drinks too.

Now you know some good ideas for meals and foods onboard your boat.  For lots of additional ideas and tips, please visit our website:

http://boatingbasics.howto-you.com

where you can subscribe to our free 5-day e-course on boating tips, and purchase our book “Boating Basics”

Thank You for reading and listening!