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I have a portable (charcoal) grill I use when there isn't any other option available - or when it is just my husband and I so we don't have to fire up the big grill.  I really like to use hardwood (hickory or mesquite are especially good!) in it, too.  It is only about the size of a small cooler, light but will open up so both sides can be used for cooking - or just one side if there aren't many people to feed.

My favorite picnic recipe is a pretty basic macaroni salid with lettuce, chopped tomato, cucumber and tuna in it.  I don't make it often because hubby doesn't like it.

I'm sure there will be more suggestions soon.

Eemma

If you can get a grill out there like Eemma said then you open up the posibilities to almost anything. Stuffed peppers might be a very simple thing for you to try. You can make the fill and stuff them before you leave, wrap them in some plastic wrap and grill them once on the island. Here's a recipe:

1 lb beef
4 large green bell peppers
1/3 cup chopped onions
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 14.5oz can petite diced tomatoes
1-1/2 cups instant brown rice; cooked
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 8oz pkg sharp cheddar cheese
1 15 oz can tomato sauce

Sauté ground beef, onions, peppers and garlic for 10 minute or until beef is browned and veggies are tender. Drain off excess fat and season with salt and pepper. Stir in tomatoes, rice, Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat, stir in 1 cup cheese. Stuff the mixture into your hollowed-out bell peppers and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. When it's time to cook, remove wrap and place on grill and cook on indirect heat until the peppers have solid grill marks (sear lines) and the stuffing is hot (around 15 minutes).

I have a portable gas grill that we take with us to the river--it uses the small propane tanks so you don't have to lug a 20# tank along. I think I only paid about $40 for it and you can easily put 6 or 8 burgers on it at once. The nice thing is, the legs fold up and it has a handle for carrying so it doesn't take up much space. We use it to grill steaks, pork chops, burgers, brats, etc.

Hi Capnash,

as a owner of a 65' sportfishing boat I often run into the same problem........ one of the most requested dishes is the chili bowls.

At home I make a crock of homemade chili, mostly with beef (steak) sometimes beans, sometimes pasta, also after summer I clean out our garden and pack it with veggies. I bring along cheese, onions, fritos, chopped peppers etc...

I also bring some hot dogs and buns for chili dogs, but the chili bowls are the real hit.

Hope this helps,

Robin

Black Pearl Sportfishing

Berth 55, Long Beach, CA



Used to have a 25' Baja loved it, I say take a dutch oven get a cookbook at Bass Pro shop or online, build a fire and have at it, lunch dinner or dessert and its pretty cool

We do the same thing during the summer. You gotta have a grill.  I buy pork baby back ribs from Sams Club.  The night before I season,cook  on a cokie sheet and BBq them in my oven, let them cool ,cut them up and put them in a container and reheat at the island.  Also make a head kabobs are great. For me ,planning ahead is your best bet.  Everyone at the island is always jealous of our great food!!  

 Good Luck,

      Sulieae

There are tons of opportunities here, as long as you have a cooler.  Sandwiches of all kinds, or have meats, cheeses, loaf of bread (people can make their own sandwiches)and I keep mayo, mustard from fast food restaurants to toss in the cooler.  These can be frozen ahead of time as well(mustard and mayo packets), if it hot and will be a minute before you do sandwiches.  You can freeze grapes in the freezer ahead of time and these make great snacks on a hot day.  Sliced apples, canalopes, strawberries, blueberries.  Chips and dips.  Dips can be put in ziplock bags and folded back to afford easy access.  Jugs of water and lemonade can be frozen in the freezer and put in the cooler to keep foods cold as well as drinking. No grill needed.  I prefer chilled meats, fruits, vegetables on hot days.  Not interested in standing over a hot grill and cooking on my day off. Don't forget veggies and dip are options as well. I try to build my cooler around as much frozen stuff as possible, so that at the end of the day, we have eaten and drunk the contents. I don't have to worry with melted icecubes and the mess, wipe out and be ready for next trip. (This also helps with food safety as well.)  I also do pasta salads, but with Italian dressing, not the ones mayo.

Wow, we have the same deal..what to eat when you are on the boat all day. I loved the ideas about pasta salad and all the sandwiches...hot dogs with Hormel chili no beans is our boat food. We have even heated up small  cans of beanies and weanies that the lil kids love. I like lighter fare so if anyone has ideas for that I would EMBRACE them!!!