So my spousal equivalent bought a 24-foot pontoon boat and we took possession of it today. He has never really boated and I haven't since high school, which was a really really really long time ago. We did a practice run today and I was able to pull it into the slip without actually hitting another boat. Almost did, but not quite. Whew.
Anyhow, we're taking our family on it on Sunday to celebrate his birthday -- 5 daughters and 2 spouses -- and I need some ideas from boaters what to take for snacks and meals. Not only for this Sunday, but also for when we just have a few of the kids on it. Or for when I'm on it with friends and kids. I'm getting Jimmy John's this weekend, but what else can you haul on a boat to keep people happy?
Thanks mamas!
We do have plenty of room for a couple of coolers. And we do have life jackets, although we will need two more for Sunday. We'll be picking those up before we go out. I appreciate the tips. I am a camper, so I know what I like to have when I camp. But I was just looking for some fresh ideas for boat snacks. So far the ideas are great! Thanks!
I was out on my parent's boat last week and saw a couple boats with a grill that hooks on to the side of the boat. They were bbqing hot dogs, kabobs, even corn on the cob. Looked good!
There was also a pizza boat out on the lake that cooked pizzas and then smaller boats went out to take orders and delivering.
I just do the boring stuff like subs, chips, fruit, cookies. ;)
Double stuff Oreos. ?lol
We go out on our boat at least twice a week. The possibilities are endless! We have usually take sandwiches (my favorite is prefrozen Smuckers pb&j- it thaws out and stays cold) or cold fried chicken in a cooler with ice when we want a 'true' meal but mostly we take LOTS of water, gatorade, capri suns and individual chips/snack pack (cheese its, goldfish, slim jims, ect). We also take string cheese and go-gurts and fresh fruits and nuts (one of the kids' favorites is dried cherries mixed with walnuts).
Like I said...endless possibilites! Have lots of fun and congratulations on pulling the boat into the slip, I sure couldn't do it (or maybe I could....if my husband would let me try)!
We bring anything and everything! Anything that needs to be cold, we just stick in the cooler. I usually like to pack a substantial lunch for the kids (sandwich, fruits/veggies, yogurt) so they arent just eating junk all day.
Mommy likes chips, salsa and margaritas. :)
Have fun!
We take "fishing cookies", sugar wafers.
Cracker packs
water
jiuce boxes
gatorade
Ritz Bits packs
Goldfish packs
Animal Crackers packs
Dried mangoes
Gummies tend to melt as do fruit snacks of any kind, so does chocolate
Fresh fruit, except grapes, goes bad too fast
Cheese gets slimy in the cooler
If you take salty things, take water and gatorade
soda you know your friends like, that would be Dr Pepper for me
Go to Costco or Sams and just look at the inividual packaged foods.
My Mom always make lunch meat sandwiches on light rye. She'd put a little butter, lunchmeat, and cheese. She'd also make lunch meat roll ups. Tortilla, ranch, lunchmeat, cheese, lettuce. Roll and wrap in plactic wrap. We'd also take the individual bags of chips, cut up watermelon or cantelope, pop, and water.
I'm jealous! A pontoon is on our list when our boys are older!
Wellll...You don't want to take anything that would spoil unless you have a mini-fridge. I'd suggest things like carrot sticks, crackers, chips, maybe those 'snack packs' that has like ham/cheese on crackers type snack packs...most everyone likes those & they're not too messy to eat & clean up. If you're going actually 'eat' you may want to grill off the boat if there's any place you might could do that but I'd think that coolers w/lots of ice for your beverages & if you take something like carrots to snack on will help if you don't have a mini-fridge & don't plan on getting one. Hope this helps, good luck & have fun.
Anything you like or want!? Pontoon boats are pretty spacious so I am sure you have room for an ice chest...
What do you like to pack when you go on a picnic? Same principal!
Baby carrots, grapes, sandwich fixings, chips, crackers, cookies, water. I also tell guests that if they have a favorite soda or whatever to drink to feel free to bring it.
About the life jackets, our laws here may be different, but we have to have one extra life jacket available to throw to someone in distress.
if you are boating virgins you may want to pull up the boating laws for your state. here in california there are strict rules for boats, some size and type specific. you may be required to have a fire extinguisher on board. and certain boats have to have certain lights in certain spots. have fun!
I would keep a stash of Lance cracker packs on hand every time I went out on the boat--with guests or without. When you just want a nibble of something, nothing beats a a pack of those in your fav flavor (cheddar on wheat, nekot, peanut butter on ritz, etc). That and bottled water/soda cans in an ice chest.
Why don't you "fish" your way to the point and then grill/cook what you catch? we do it a lot of time we go out and its a lot of fun.. you better keep a fire extinguisher and have ample lighting done on the boat if your going on a night trip. You can also have one of those grills that attach to the boat? pack the fridge with beverages and fill up snacks and your good to go. When you get back from the trip, you might want to consider having a boat detailing http://www.detailxperts.net/boat_detailing service done.... will save you from tiring your self on the new boat.... Safety first!
Enough life jackets for every single adult and child on your pantoon. Trust me getting pulled over and ticketed really ruins the fun boat outing, plus it is unsafe.
As far as food, do you have room for a cooler? Bring along favorite drinks in a cooler. Also cheese, summer suasage, crackers, sandwiches/sus, chips, salsa, watermelon, strawberries, hummus, taco salad/dip, frozen cooked shrimp w/dipping sauce (it thaws a little and is perfect to eat half way through the trip), cold chicken, sliced tomatoes/peppers/cucumbers/carrots, cream cheese rolled up in ham.
