The Galley

In boating terminology, galley essentially means kitchen. This is the part of the boat that contains the cooking and dining space. Many medium or large boats contain some form of the galley, although that might be little more than a small refrigerator and an electric burner or microwave. Galleys generally have to make the most out of a very small, irregular shaped space, and this can lead to some unusual layouts. You might find more pantry space under a panel on the countertop, or under the seats at the dining table.

Space Constraints

If you want to cook on your boat, you’ll have to start thinking about limiting your gear and learning how to make the most out of the confined space. Try to limit your cooking equipment to things that have many uses and are compact in size. You’ll probably have a much smaller sink to clean things with, so keep that in mind when menu planning. Large pots and dishes can be very difficult to clean in this setting. A wok is a great example of a piece of equipment that can be used for many things. It’s easy to boil things, stir-fry, or saute, meaning you won’t need three different pans.

You’ll want to split your grocery list up into ingredients that fit the amount of space you have to offer. For example, if you buy all frozen food but your freezer is the size of a shoebox, you won’t be able to take most of your food. Try to buy some frozen food, some refrigerate food, and some pantry food to make the most of your space.

Cooking Above Deck

Some boats, especially pontoon boats, offer enough space for cooking on deck. You can even get a rail-mounted grill. This is a good option for meal prep, especially if you are fishing and have a fresh catch to eat. Try to keep an eye on the weather if you’re planning on cooking outdoors because there’s nothing more frustrating than getting caught in a storm when you’re halfway through making your lunch.

Safety Concerns

One of the main concerns for anyone who wants to cook on their boat is safety. The first rule of cooking on a boat is that you should always be anchored or docked when you start the process. You’ll want to have several fire extinguishers at hand to put out any cooking fires that might start. If possible, do more of your prep work on shore before you leave. If you find yourself needing to cut things, just make sure that you always have a space to keep your knives secure so they don’t slide off your cutting board when they’re not in your hand. It’s best to avoid deep frying altogether because the combination of sloshing, hot oil and an open flame is extremely dangerous.

Cooking on your boat can be a good experience, and if you want to go on long trips, it’s a skill you’ll need to master. If you’re looking for a new boat with a better galley, stop by Water Werks Marine Group in Country Club Hills, Illinois. Our team of experienced boating professionals will help you find the boat of your dreams. We proudly serve the areas of Chicago and Waukegan, Illinois, as well as Valparaiso, Gary, and Michigan City, Indiana, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.