The experts don’t recommend eating in your car if you’re driving, because it can distract you, but what about on a boat? For many of us, the idea of eating on a boat brings back memories of seasickness. For those who actually enjoy boating, however, eating on a boat is a pleasure that simply can’t be replicated by visiting a fancy restaurant. That being said, if you’re actually cooking on your boat, then there are some recipes that might not work out if the water is rough that day.

So what recipes should you be cooking? Is there a perfect recipe out there, or will almost anything do? Here’s what Formula Boats had to say. 

What’s so great about eating on a boat anyway?

Eating in unusual places has a certain allure for many people. Whether it’s tossing down a blanket on the bank of a beautiful lake or watching the sunset from the deck of your boat as you eat your favorite meal, it’s simply different than eating at the dinner table. It’s also a great way to make memories that you’ll never forget.

Perhaps that’s why so many people choose to dine on boats. It’s a given that you’ll eat on the boat if you live there, but if you’re only taking a boat out for the day, the appeal is still the same.

Eat what you catch

Part of eating on a boat is eating what you catch. Call it a rite of passage or proving that you can fend for yourself, but there’s definitely some attraction to catching your own food. 

It might be a pain having to clean the fish before you eat, but fresh seafood is amazing. Add in a few spices, and you can have a mouth-watering dish. 

The problem with this is that you might be hungry if you don’t actually catch anything. Not only is it embarrassing to admit the fish are actively avoiding you, but your stomach isn’t going to be very pleased with you. If that’s the case, then there are several recipes you can make onboard that are both easy and delicious.

Breakfast and brunch

If you’re going to be on the water early and are looking to eat breakfast or brunch, then there are several great recipes you can try. Many of them are drama free, and don’t require a lot of ingredients.

Belgian waffles are a great choice because there are a ton of ingredients you can add on. No matter what you and your guests like, you can customize the waffle to your taste buds. Plus, all those little squares will hold the toppings if the seas are a little rough that day. 

A Southwestern brunch that consists of huevos rancheros is another great choice. All you need is a microwave, eggs, and whatever else you decide to add in. 

Lunch on the water

If you’re out on the water at about midday, your stomach is probably howling. Sandwiches are a fast and delicious way to quickly silence the belly. While you could always just slap some mayonnaise and ham on a slice of bread, if you want to impress your guest, try lemon tarragon chicken sandwiches. 

If your guests are looking for something a little more sophisticated, a marinated sirloin salad is sure to impress. You can get your protein and greens all in one mouth watering dish.

A dinner you won’t forget

Sometimes, the day is just too amazing to turn in early. If you want to have dinner by moonlight on the lake, a dish of fettuccine with shrimp and fresh tomato basil sauce will set the mood. This dish will require that you actually have a stove, so it may not be available for everyone to try. 

If you have access to a grill, try tilapia with lemon and capers. It’s simple, but it might just become your new favorite boat dish.

Cooking on your boat

Unless you’re making sandwiches, you’ll need a kitchen on your boat. This might mean you’re buying a boat for the first time or upgrading to something a little bigger. 

Before you rush out to buy a boat, make sure you do your research. Learn how much maintenance a boat will require, whether it’s more suitable for saltwater or freshwater, and how much you’ll have to pay in insurance. Once you’ve figured out what you’re looking for, go for it. Owning a boat can add a lot of stress to your life, but it can also be very rewarding. The memories can’t be beaten, and you may find you’re more popular than ever now that you own one.