Boating and Grilling
On-Board Boating and Grilling Tips for the Boat and Marina Owner
Boating and grilling can easily go together, provided you have the right grill and know how to stay safe.
Choosing Your Grill
Choosing the right grill means considering your budget, space, and grill types. Following are some tips for choosing the right grill and keeping things safe.
Propane grills are very popular because they heat quickly, can be stored easily, and are easier to keep clean than charcoal. Propane does have a propensity to ignite so make sure to follow all precautions*. Prices usually start in the $200 range.
Many swear the taste of food cooked over charcoal can’t be beat but charcoal grills present a couple of challenges for boaters. First, it takes longer to heat, making food prep time longer. Second, these grills tend to be bigger which makes them harder to store. They’re also harder to keep clean with the need to clean up the cooled, used coals*. These grills are typically the least expensive with the lowest end coming in around $100.
Many boat owners prefer to have a built-in electric grill. Obviously these grills require that you have access to electricity either via a generator or shore power. Some marinas and docks actually ban the use of charcoal and propane grills due to the open flame, which makes the electric grill the most versatile option. It’s also built-in so no need to worry about extra storage space. These tend to be more expensive since they’re built into the actual structure of the boat.
Be sure to look for gimbaled models, so that your hot grill rocks counter to your boat’s movement.
Now that you’ve found your perfect grill, brush up on your boating and grilling-on-the-boat safety tips.
Ten Safe On-Board Boating and Grilling Tips*
- Never grill while underway.
- When onboard, never leave a lit grill unattended, even for a moment.
- Never use gasoline or any other non-approved accelerant to light a charcoal grill on your boat.
- Read, understand, and follow the instructions that came with the grill. Make sure you have a working fire extinguisher readily at hand.
- Make sure embers cannot fall from the grill onto any part of the boat. This rules out grills with vent holes in the bottom.
- We do not recommend cooking with an open flame on the dock and most marinas do not allow open flames, or grills, for safety reasons. Check with the marina staff before lighting the grill, if they allow use of the grill rigorously follow guidelines provided by the marina.
- Always ensure that propane connections are tight, correctly attached, and leak free. If you suspect a leak, check connections with a soapy water solution. If bubbles form when brushed onto a joint, then you have a leak.
- Put out the grill as soon as you have finished cooking, and let it cool completely before you put it away.
- Make sure you detach and store portable grills before getting underway, or you might leave it behind in your wake.
- If using an open flame, make sure the grill is well aft and downwind of a bimini or sail cover.
SAFETY NOTE: Grilling with open flame should not be conducted on covered docks or anywhere near boats. Limit grilling to lanside events or open docks specifically suited to such events. If you are unsure, consult your local fire marshal when planning an event. Â
Marina Owner Ideas
For marina owners, boating and grilling presents an opportunity to sell pre-packaged grill ready foods like veggies, hamburgers, and hot dogs right in your ship store. Having charcoal and propane tanks on hand would likely also be a welcome convenience to your slip owners who love to grill. Don’t miss out on the great opportunities promoting safe boating and grilling could bring to your marina.
*Source: https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2023/june/grill-safety
Other sources:Â https://www.fisheriessupply.com/boat-furniture-and-outdoor-living/boat-grills
https://www.boats.com/resources/boat-grills-bbq-equipment-on-the-water/
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About MariCorp
Maricorp is one of the largest floating boat dock manufacturing and construction companies in the United States, specializing in galvanized steel floating docks and boat lift systems. With projects spanning coast-to-coast, Maricorp provides marina consultation and design, marine construction, marina repair and renovation, and boat dock disaster response and demolition.
*SAFETY NOTE: Grilling with open flame should not be conducted on covered docks or anywhere near boats. Limit grilling to lanside events or open docks specifically suited to such events. If you are unsure, consult your local fire marshal when planning an event. Â
