From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the song by Harry Belafonte, see the Banana Boat Song.

For the Polish musical group, see Banana Boat.

A banana boat is also a long dish used for serving a banana split.

A banana boat (or water sled), often referred to simply as a banana, is an unpowered recreational boat designed to be pulled by a larger boat. Riders sit astride a large tube which is supported by two smaller tubes which provide balance and footrests, allowing them to experience some of the thrill of moving fast and close to the water much more easily and safely than by water-skiing or surfing and they are therefore a popular ride for children. Many large motor yachts or luxury yachts have a banana as one of their onboard "toys", but any powered boat can pull a banana, and they are sometimes available as a commercial ride at holiday resorts. Most models seat between three and ten people. Double models with two seating tubes side by side are available. Banana boats are often yellow and are sometimes actually moulded into the shape of a banana.

The movie Jaws: The Revenge features a scene where the shark attacks swimmers on a banana boat.

It is also commonly used as a term for immigrants from developing countries. To say one "came off the banana boat" can imply either illegal immigration, or stereotypical behaviour based on one's nationality. In this case the boat referred to is a boat importing bananas rather than an inflatable.

A banana boat is also the name of a popular snack in the United States. A slice of bread is spread with peanut butter, and then a banana is put inside and the bread is semi-rolled around the banana, thus resembling a boat.

It can also be a type of desert cooked in a campfire. It is made by peeling back one side of a banana and slicing down the middle. Then M&M's, peanut butter chips, or marshmallows are added inside of the banana. It is then wrapped in foil and is cooked in hot coals for ten minutes or until the chocolate inside is melted.