The organization of life on board the boat requires a special approach, especially when it comes to cooking and eating. A set of boat dishes These are not just kitchen utensils, but specialized equipment that must withstand constant pumping, salt water and temperature changes. Unlike household utensils, boat kits are designed with limited space and increased crew safety requirements.
Well-chosen kitchen utensils can turn a regular lunch at the anchorage into a full-fledged gastronomic event. Many beginners make the mistake of taking on board ordinary pots and plates that quickly become discarded or a source of danger. marine cookware (seaware) has design features that make it indispensable for long hikes and short forays on fishing.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the selection criteria, optimal materials and nuances of equipment that will help you to assemble the perfect kit. A competent approach to this issue will save space in the handoos and nerves during a storm. The only way to securely fix the dishes on the galley is the use of specialized fasteners or the presence of a flat, non-slip bottom with high sides at the dishes.
Criteria for the selection of materials for marine conditions
The first thing to look at when you're building a kit is the fabrication material. An aggressive marine environment, rich in salts and humidity, quickly destroys the wrong alloys. Conventional steel or uncoated aluminum will oxidize almost instantly, contaminating food and spoiling the appearance of the galley. stainless steel 304 or 316, which has a high corrosion resistance.
But steel has its drawbacks, and weight is the biggest one. For small PVC boats or inflatable sailboats, every kilogram counts. titanIt's lightweight, it's strong, it's completely inert to any chemical force, but it costs a lot more, and modern composites and quality food plastic are also popular, although they're less suitable for cooking than they are for storage or serving.
⚠️ Warning: Never use on board the dish with enameled coating, which has chipped. In conditions of constant vibration and impacts on the side, the enamel will quickly break off further, getting into food, which is unsafe for health.
Heat resistance is another important parameter. The dishes must withstand the open fire of a gas burner and the sharp cooling, for example, when you get a splash of water from the seaside, and the ceramics and glass here lose to metal, because the risk of breaking them when you roll too much. metal-alloy They are the leaders of the main cooking vessels (cooking tanks).
Optimal equipment of boat set
The composition of the ideal set depends on the number of people in the crew and the duration of autonomy. To take with you "just in case" extra items is a bad strategy, since space on the boat is limited.
Usually standard. boat-clothing It includes pans of different sizes, a pan with a lid, a kettle and individual appliances. It is important that all elements are stackable to save space. The caps should fit tightly or have special locks so that the contents do not slosh out when rolling.
- 🍲 Pot of 2-3 liters with a tightly closing lid for cooking soups and porridge.
- 🍳 Pan with non-stick coating and high sides, preferably with a removable handle.
- ☕ A teapot or boiler for boiling water with a volume of at least 1.5 liters.
- 🥣 A set of bowls and mugs of unbreakable material (plastic, melamine, titanium).
And cutlery, too, is a good choice for spoons, forks and knives, and it's best to choose from stainless steel or durable plastic, and wood appliances can swell with moisture and become moldy if not dried perfectly. Titanium instruments It is considered the gold standard for light travel, but requires careful handling.
☑️ Checking of completeness before exit
Locking systems and safety in the galley
Water safety comes first, and the kitchen is no exception. Even the best dishes will become a dangerous projectile if not fixed. When rolled or a sudden wave, an unsecured pot of boiling water can tip over, burns. So storage and use systems must provide a reliable fastening.
There are several ways of fixing. The easiest way is to use it. railing A more advanced option is a special tripod for stoves that hold the dishes even when they are tilted, and some pot models have special ears for navigator mounts, which allows them to be fixed directly on the stove.
| Type of fixation | Efficiency | Difficulty of installation | Applicability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relings (bortices) | Medium | Low. | Storage in closets |
| Sticker-stacking | High. | Medium | Cooking |
| Velcro straps/Magnets | Low. | Low. | Light objects |
| Lock-belts | High. | Low. | Transportation |
It is also important to consider the material of the surface on which the dishes stand: slippery plastic or lacquered wood increase the risk of falling.non-slip matsThey are cheap, easy to wash and can be trimmed to the size of any shelf.
How to make a fixer yourself?
To create a simple fixture, you can use a strong sling and carbines, run the sling through the handles of the pan and fasten the ends on the fixed elements of the galley structure, which will prevent the container from shifting when you roll sharply.
Care and storage in high humidity conditions
Wet sea air is the main enemy of all metal utensils. stainless steel It can become rust if you keep it in a closed, humid space for a long time without air, so the rules for cleaning dishes on a boat are stricter than at home.
After each use and washing, the dishes must be wiped dry, and you can't leave them dry in the conditions of poor ventilation of the hold, ideally if each item has its place in the ventilated drawer, and using silica gel bags in storage will help absorb excess moisture.
⚠️ Warning: Do not store clean dishes with dirty or wet rags. Food residues and dampness create an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply and produce an unpleasant odor that is difficult to get rid of.
For cleaning, it is better to use soft sponges and special products that do not contain abrasives, which can damage the protective oxide layer of the metal. If there is a light rust, it can be removed with special pastes for stainless steel, but it is better not to bring to this state. polishing They will extend your life for years to come.
Use vacuum bags for long-term storage of dry dishes, which will protect it from salt moisture in a storm and preserve the shine of the metal.
Specifics of choice for different types of floating vehicles
The choice of kit depends on the type of boat you have. For large motor yachts or sailboats with a full galley and a hard deck, the weight of the dishes plays a secondary role. Here you can afford heavier and bulkier sets of thick stainless steel, which ensure uniform heating of food.
The situation is quite different with floatboat PVC and kayaks. Every gram of weight is important here. A titanium set is perfect, albeit expensive, and Teflon-coated aluminum is a good compromise, and the main requirement is that it's compact so that it can be easily packed into a sealer.
For fishing boats, where you often need to warm up your food quickly, speed and ease of washing are more important. Disposable dishes may be an option, but they are not environmentally friendly. Reusable sets of durable plastic or melamine are convenient for serving, but you can only heat water in them, and then with caution.
- 🚤 For yachts: Heavy stainless steel, full kit, priority quality cooking.
- 🛶 For kayaks: Titan, minimalism, weight and packaging priority.
- 🎣 For fishing boats: Durability, ease of washing, resistance to impact.
And also, aesthetics: beautiful, uniformly designed dishes create a mood, but functionality must always prevail over appearance, and the bright colors of mugs and bowls will help you find them faster in the dark or on the motley background of the deck.
The main principle of choice: for large boats, functionality and volume are more important, for small ones - weight and compactness of the package.
Overview of popular brands and models
The tourist and boat equipment market offers many options, and brands that have proven themselves in extreme conditions are considered leaders in the production of specialized dishes. MSR, Primus, Sea to Summit and GSI OutdoorsThese manufacturers use proven materials and intelligent engineering solutions.
The budget segment is represented by a variety of Chinese counterparts and products of domestic brands. They can be quite decent quality, but require more careful check before buying. Pay attention to the quality of joints, handles and cap locks. Cheap plastic handles can melt or burst in the cold.
When choosing a particular set, look at the feedback from other water engines. Often, it is practical experience in real storm conditions that reveals hidden design defects. A good set will serve you for decades, becoming a faithful companion in all travel.
Can I use regular homemade dishes on a boat?
Technically possible, but not recommended: Houseware often has a sliding bottom, heavy handles that can catch on, and materials that are unstable to corrosion, and it takes up more storage space.
How to remove the smell of fish or burns from plastic containers?
Soaking soda or vinegar in a solution is effective, and you can also put a tablet of activated charcoal inside at night, and airing it outdoors for several days also gives a good result.
Do I need to take a separate set for washing dishes?
Yes, a folding container (pelvis) for washing dishes is a must, especially if you are in a protected area or just want to preserve the ecology of the pond.
What to do if the dishes are rusty?
Surface rust can be removed by special means (for example, paste for stainless steel) or folk methods (citric acid, soda). If the deep and metal began to crumble, the object is better replaced, as it can become a source of food contamination.
What is the best size for two pans?
For two people, the optimal volume is 1.5 - 2 liters. This is enough to make soup, porridge or boiling water, and the pan does not take up much space and is not too heavy when filled.