Many cruisers now come equipped with grills, but for the boats that don't, installing a marine barbecue is a great addition to increase your boating pleasure. Selecting and installing a grill sounds easy enough. However, there are actually several decisions to be made, and mounting one on your boat can take thought and possibly some minor construction. But it's absolutely a worthwhile project, and soon you can enjoy the benefits of your new marine grill. This article features the installation of a barbecue grill supplied by West Marine (www.westmarine.com).

Step 1

The first step is to select a grill. There are many different brands and styles, and dozens of accessories to choose from. If you've previously owned a smaller, kettle-style unit and would like to upgrade to a larger unit to better accommodate large crews or attached flotillas, try one of West Marine's larger, rectangular stainless-steel barbecues. To be sure there's enough grilling space, choose one of the largest ones, similar to the model used in this demonstration. The unit selected has several convenience features such as piezo (match-free) ignition, slide-out grease tray, temperature indicator, nonheat conductive handle and a second-level warming rack. The heat output of this unit is a healthy 16,000 BTUs from either a screw-in gas bottle or onboard tank. Other accessories include a dock stand and attachable serving trays.


Step 2

Before selecting the mounting system, determine where to mount the grill. It should be in a convenient yet secure location. Depending on the unit you choose, there are several different types of mounting systems. These include single- or dual-surface mounts and flat- or square-rail mounts. In this demonstration, an existing swivel mount (from an older grill) is already attached to a square rail, which is a plus because it will allow the grill to swivel out over the water when cooking, then swivel back on board when finished. A dual-surface mount kit (two posts) that's designed for this type of grill is purchased for this installation. Trips to the local store where the grill is purchased can be invaluable because the staff can be helpful with not only your model selection but also in helping you plan your customized mounting system.


Step 3

First, create a flat surface to rest on top of the existing swivel mount. In this example, two 5-by-12-inch boards are cut and placed on top of each other for extra stability. Cut the flat surface using a skill  saw with a paneling blade. Polyethylene marine lumber board, obtained from West Marine, is the material used for the board in this installation. Wood is an alternate, but polyethylene is designed to resist staining and discoloration, and it withstands potentially harsh marine conditions and doesn't absorb water. Most importantly, it won't rot or delaminate. Attach the base plates for the mounting kit to the lumbar board using the template provided. Then, attach the board to the swivel mount with four stainless-steel bolts, and secure it using nuts with plastic hook washers. This will result in a professional-looking, stable swivel-mount system.


Step 4

The grill is basically ready for use at this point. But with such a nice unit, you'll probably be concerned about protecting your investment, so first, add a cover. The woven acrylic cover selected is custom- contoured to fit this model. It's water-repellent and mildew-resistant, and it has UV protection and dual-Velcro straps for securing it to the grill. If your boat is moored at a marina, you may be concerned about theft. Purchasing a 5-foot vinyl covered cable and a padlock is a good idea. You can secure the cable by wrapping it through the handle, around the grill and snugly around a rail. Consequently, you can keep the grill attached year-round. Installing a marine barbecue grill is a relatively easy project that's certain to provide enjoyment for years to come.