Can You Grill On A Boat?

My family and I love grilling in our outdoor kitchen. So when we bought a boat, it was obvious that we were going to want to grill on it. We did a lot of research, got our grill and want to share with you what we learned

So can you grill on a boat? The answer is definitely yes. It is entirely legal to grill on your boat. There are a lot of grills on the market designed specifically for boats. 

There are many brands and many alternatives when choosing a grill for your boat. But the most important factor to consider is safety. Selecting a grill not appropriate for your boat can be very dangerous, and could end up with an unwanted fire on board. In this article, we are going to talk about all the options available to you as well as give you some very helpful tips.

Types Of Boat Grills

There are three different types of grills to choose from, charcoal, propane gas, and electric. It will depend on what works best for you and your boat. Remember you are having fun and relaxing on your boat, you want to pick a grill that is going to make your day on the water that much better.

1. Charcoal grill – Many people (me included) believe that the taste of the food over charcoal is the best. This type of grills will be the cheapest option. You can find charcoal, almost anywhere, which makes them very convenient.

On the other side, If you choose a charcoal grill you have to be very aware of the dangers of an open flame on your boat. There could be burning ashes flying around due to winds. Read the manufacturers recommendations before installing to avoid any chances of tipping over.

Keep in mind that it takes time for charcoal to be ready, and cooking time is also going to be longer. When you finish cooking you have to wait until the ash cooled then collect maybe you can wrap it in aluminum foil and throw away in the trash. These types are a little harder to store, and the charcoal has to be kept on a dry spot.

Pros

• • Great flavor
  • Inexpensive
  • Can find charcoal everywhere

Cons

• • Slow to get ready
  • Could be dangerous
  • Storage, charcoal has to be dry

2. Gass grill - This is one of the best options for grilling on a boat. Although the flavor might not be as good as with the charcoal grill, this grills often produce great results. These grills are a little more pricey than the charcoal but nothing too crazy.

Gass grills come in different sizes to choose from depending on your needs. They give you better control of the temperature and cook faster. Propane tanks are cheap, can be found almost anywhere and are easy to store.

When cooking with propane grill on your boat, you want to be on an open space. These grills get very hot very fast, don’t leave them unattended.

Pros

• • Good flavor
  • Reasonable price
  • Can find propane everywhere
  • Better control of temperature
  • Easy to store

Cons

• • None at the moment

3. Electric Grill - Unlike the other two options. there is no flame involved with electric grills making this the safest option for a boat. They can also be used in places were charcoal, or propane is not allowed like in a marina, dock, or a protected area. This type of grill is an excellent option for boaters.

It is not all perfect; you can’t run the gas grill from the battery. A source of AC power is required either an on-board generator or shore power. Price can also be an inconvenience for many people.

Pros

• • Very safe
  • No open flame
  • Can be used in more places

Cons

• • Price
  • Needs AC source

Storing Grill

Boat grill storage bags are available for most boat grills. After using your grill and waiting for it to cool off, place on the grill bag and put it away. 

If using propane tanks, make sure to store them in a safe location away from the extreme heat. You want to secure them, so they are not bouncing around or into each other. If you have these tanks on your boat for a prolonged period, inspect them for decay or rust.

If using charcoal, before putting the grill away, make sure the charcoal is fully extinguished and cooled. Wrap ash and pieces of charcoal in aluminum foil and throw it in the garbage. Store charcoal in a dry container in a dry spot. 

13 Grilling On A Boat Safety Tips

Here are 13 safety tips to help you enjoy an excellent meal on the water. Keep these simple tips in mind while grilling on your boat. Make sure everybody in your boat knows these tips.

1. Keep a fire extinguisher handy – you don’t want to be running around trying to find it if you need it.
2. Keep the grill clean – a lot of grill fires happen because an excess of grease accumulated on the grill and catches on fire.
3. Don’t leave the grill unattended – especially if boating with kids, remember how curious they can be.
4. Wear appropriate clothes and shoes – this is to protect your beautiful body from unnecessary burns.
5. Know and follow manufacturer safety recommendations – reed the manual and be familiar with all of your grills features and safety features.
6. Doble check propane connections – make sure they are tight and leak-free.
7. Grill on open areas – grills are built to cook in the outdoors. They generate a lot of heat and smoke.
8. Do not use the grill while the boat is moving – this is just not a good idea.
9. Make sure the grill is well mounted and stable – this is to avoid the chance of it tipping over and creating a fire.
10. Use the proper accelerant to light charcoal – using gasoline or another unapproved accelerant can create a fire or an explosion on your boat.
11. Let the grill cool completely before storing – do this to avoid damaging your boat or burning yourself or crew members.
12. Spray water bottle – have it handy to extinguish excessive flames when grilling.
13. Reduce excessive flames – trim excess fat from meats, if possible, avoid cooking burgers on boat grill.

Cleaning Grill

It is essential to keep the grill clean because a dirty grill will deteriorate faster and is a fire hazard. Besides, it is embarrassing to look at it.

After each use clean grill exterior with soapy water and a washcloth, remove any exes residue and clean grease tray.

After a weekend on the water, what I like to do take the grill apart spray it with easy-off and get the old pressure washer out and wash everything really good. once the grill is clean, dry it with a towel and store away for next time. 

By cleaning and taking care of your grill, you will prolong its lifespan and ensure it works properly when you need it.

Related Topics

Installing Grill On A Boat

Boat grills can be installed in many different ways. Some of them provide a guardrail attachment, Attachments for rod holders and pedestal mounts can be purchased as well. Determine the best location for your grill keeping in mind accessibility and practicality then get the proper parts and install it following the manufacturer’s recommendations.  Some popular grills also have legs and can be used on a tabletop.

Grilling On A Small Boat

Use a pedestal mount on the swimming platform of your small boat. This will put the grill on an open space away from seats. Choose the right size of a grill; remember you don’t have a lot of room.

Boat Grill History

In 1976, identical twin brothers, Jim and Jerry Mashburn, created Magma Products. They were two young California sailors who, besides their love of sailing, loved to barbeque. However, experiments with attaching grills to their boat proved unsuccessful. The porcelain metal grills available in the mid-1970s were just not up to the task. After a short time attached to the stern of Jim and Jerry’s boat, the grill rusted out and became completely unserviceable. Knowing the durability of stainless steel in marine environments, the twins set to work, making a stainless steel grill that would withstand the hardships of a saltwater environment. (source)