Entertaining family and friends on board is one of the most enjoyable aspects of boating. But in order to pull off that perfect get-together and keep things running as smoothly as possible, loading your boat up with the right equipment is critical. With this group of entertainment gear, you might as well do away with the old and stock up on the new. These selections are ideal for all kinds of boating socials, and because they're cleverly compact, there's room for it all.

Mobile Microwave
The convenience of cooking on and off of your boat is now possible with the WaveBox®. This portable, weather-resistant microwave performs like a traditional microwave, heating up soups, beverages, frozen foods, popcorn, pizza and sandwiches. You can choose between the WaveBox Original, a plastic-designed case, or the touch-screen-control WaveBox Extreme Duty, which comes in a metal shell case. Both include a CoolWave cooler that fits inside the microwave to keep your food and drinks refrigerated. The WaveBox is a triple-power delivery system that runs off either a 12-volt battery, 12-volt power socket - in most boats - or a standard AC outlet. Prices range from $179 to $199. (952) 944-0001, www.thewavebox.com.

Duffel Dining
For boaters that enjoy wining and dining, Wine Enthusiast's Two- or Three-Bottle Neoprene Wine Tote Bags make lugging around your finest wines more manageable. These sturdy, lightweight totes prevent bottles from clinking or shattering, and are insulated to help keep wines cool. You have the option to carry your bag using the padded, carrying handles or the detachable, adjustable shoulder straps. Each bag includes two gel packs and a front pocket to store any other items. Prices for the three-bottle bag start at $19.95, and the two-bottle bag starts at $14.95. (800) 833-8466, www.wineenthusiast.com.

Cool OFF
If you're doing a couple of days worth of hanging out with friends and family while boating, you won't have to worry about going back and forth to the store to get more ice for the drinks with Igloo's Ultra Cold Coolers. These coolers keep ice from melting for up to five days, and stay cold longer because both the lid and body are well-insulated. There's also an odor-resistant, refrigerator-quality liner included to make sure the cooler remains germ-free, which is especially important when hands are frequently reaching in. And don't worry about the lid closing on you or the kids, since the coolers come with Surelock® 95 hinges that hold the lid up and include a child-proof safety latch. If you ever need to hook up the hose, the cooler also has an attached, threaded drain plug. Prices for a 150-quart cooler start at $199.99, and a 50-quart cooler starts at $45.99. (831) 728-2700, www.westmarine.com.

Sizzling System
If you're boating with your buddies on one of those unexpected chilly days, warm everyone up in no time using Jetboil's Personal Cooking System (PCS). The PCS is a 15-ounce mini-canister that heats teas, coffee or soups in minutes, using its FluxRing™ technology, which directs heat straight from the adjustable burner to the cooking cup. The cooking cup features a drink-through lid with a removable, plastic cover that detaches and functions as a measuring cup, and an insulated neoprene cozy for easy handling and keeping drinks and food warm. Because of its lightweight design, the PCS can easily squeeze into tight spaces like kayaks, backpacks and even side pockets. Prices start at $79.95. (888) 611-9905, www.jetboil.com.

Water Worthy
What good is entertaining without good music? To guarantee the music never stops while you're boating, Prospec Electronics offers the SeaWorthy SEA MBB126 black box stereo. The MBB126 protects the circuit boards and other components in its system from leaks caused by unsealed panels, which can lead to permanent damage. The waterproof faceplate allows the stereo to be positioned anywhere inside the boat for easy mounting by simply screwing it in. It contains an auxiliary input and RCA output, and is compatible with most portable media, including MP3 players and laptop computers. Prices start at $139.95. (847) 662-9070, www.martinflory.com.

Famed Fare
Have your guests feeling like they're dining at a high-end, Caribbean resort with easy-to-prepare dishes from the Morgan Freeman & Friends: Caribbean Cooking for a Cause cookbook. The Academy Awards winner's cookbook is a tribute to the island of Grenada after Hurricane Ivan struck in 2004 and includes flavorful fare adored by celebrities such as Orlando Bloom, Katie Couric, Tom Hanks and Tim Duncan. If some of your boating pals are Kenny Chesney fans, finish off the meal with his favorite island dessert, the Key Lime Pie. The cookbook also features 100 colorful photographs, celebrity tales of dining on the island and recipes from distinguished resorts and chefs. Prices start at $35. Available in bookstores and online.

Instant Eatery
You never know when the opportunity for an onshore picnic or onboard entertaining may arise. With the Portable Bistro Set, you'll always be prepared to accommodate a group with comfortable places to sit and eat. This set includes a table and two relaxing, durable armchairs that are collapsible. Made from weather-resistant material, the Bistro Set is the perfect arrangement for serving food on or off of your boat. As an added bonus, the handy carrying case makes it easy to enjoy a meal on the lake or beach anytime. Prices start at $99.99. (831) 728-2700, www.westmarine.com.

Goodbye Garbage
Tired of unsightly trash bags ruining the atmosphere of your onboard fiesta? Try using one of Tempress Products' Stash 'N' Trash Bags to hold handfuls of garbage during the event. Stash 'N' Trash is a 14-inch-by-16-inch mesh bag attached to a stainless-steel bracket, which can be conveniently situated in the galley, cockpit or cabin. The bag features an elastic opening with a flap to keep trash from falling out and a zippered bottom to dispose of it. Prices start at $29.99. (877) 234-7466, www.tempress.com.