Marine Grills
Shopping for a marine grill
by Dave Kelley
January 9, 2007
WHY YOU NEED ONE
Grilling is one of the great American pastimes, right up there with boating. So why not
combine the two and run the risk of big-time pleasure overload? It doesn't get much better than
cooking up a fish that you've caught only a few hours (or maybe minutes) earlier. Specifically
designed to cope with the rigors of on-water life, these marine grills can be permanently mounted
and are available in charcoal, electric and gas models, so you have many possibilities for showing
off your boat and your mad cooking skills.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Deciding whether to use a propane, electrical or charcoal grill is an important first step in
finding the right marine grill. Using a propane grill in a marine environment is convenient, since
you don't have to worry so much about a wind or a fire that's easy to maintain, and you don't have
to deal
with
still-hot charcoal when the cooking is complete. Be aware that all charcoal-burning grills emit
carbon monoxide and can never be used in an enclosed area, not even on board a pontoon boat with a
camper canvas. Whether the grill burns charcoal or propane, you'll want an all-stainless-steel
construction for weather and water resistance. Kettle grills are great for small feasts, but if
you're cooking for larger crews, opt for a hibachi-style grill with multiple racks (and multiple
burners, if it burns propane). Many manufacturers offer both rail-mounted and deck-mounted grills -
larger grills should be deck mounted for added stability and overall safety.
THE FINAL WORD
A grill is a great investment if your boat doesn't have a galley, since the grill can also
function as a stove and an oven. If you can afford it, buy a larger
grill. It's better to have unused rack space than to be unable to get everything on the
grill at the same time. A grill cover is optional but highly recommended; it will extend your
grill's life. Also, when buying a grill, go ahead and buy all the tools of the trade (tongs,
spatula, wire brush for cleaning the racks), and keep them on board so they'll always be close at
hand.