River Life: Grilling on a Pontoon Boat With the Black Anacapa

A pontoon is built for long, slow days on the water. Room to spread out, shade, and nowhere you have to be. The thing that usually cuts the day short is food. A grill on the rail fixes that. Beach the boat on a sandbar or anchor up along the bluffs, light the grill, and lunch is ready without heading back to the dock.

We spent a day on the river with the Black Anacapa mounted to the back rail of a pontoon. Here is how it was set up and what we cooked.

Why a grill belongs on a pontoon

Pontoons have more deck space than almost any other boat, and most people on board are there to hang out. Food is part of the day. A rail-mounted grill keeps the cooking outboard, away from the seating and the canvas, and the cooler can hold drinks instead of premade sandwiches.

How we mounted it

The grill rode on the round stainless rail at the back of the boat, clamped on with a Dual Horizontal Round Rail Mount. Two clamps grip the rail so the grill stays put, and it releases without tools when you want to take it off.

A few things to check on your own boat:

• Rail type. Round rails take a round rail mount sized to the rail. Measure the outside diameter: standard rails are 7/8 or 1 inch, oversize are 1-1/8 or 1-1/4 inch, large are 1-1/2 inch.
• Flat or square fence rails. If your pontoon fence is flat or square, the Single Side, Bulkhead or Square/Flat Rail Mount is the one to use.
• Location. Mount at the stern or a back corner so heat and smoke go over the water and away from passengers.

Why the Black Anacapa works on the water

• Built for it. A black powder coat finish over a 304 stainless steel body, with a 304 stainless interior.
• Stows closed. The locking lid stays shut while the boat is moving, so the grill can ride on the rail between stops.
• Room to cook. The 9 x 18 inch grate held four burgers and a couple of chicken breasts at once.
• Simple fuel. Runs on 1 lb propane canisters, or adapts to an on-board LPG system.
• Easy cleanup. The radiant plate snaps out for cleaning back at the dock.

Off the boat, the same grill goes on a hitch mount or the Quad Pod Stand for tailgates and camping.

Before you leave the dock

• Mount the grill and check that it is level and tight.
• Bring two propane canisters and store the spare upright and secured.
• Prep food at home: patties formed, chicken seasoned and bagged.
• Pack tongs, a spatula, plates, paper towels, and a trash bag.
• Have a fire extinguisher on board where you can reach it.

A river-day lunch: burgers and grilled chicken

This is what we cooked, and it covers everyone on the boat.

Serves 4 to 6

• 1-1/2 lb ground beef, 80/20, formed into 4 patties at home
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
• 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, salt and pepper for the chicken
• Buns, sliced cheese, lettuce, tomato, and whatever sauces your crew likes

1. At home, toss the chicken with the oil and seasoning in a zip bag. Season the patties with salt and pepper and stack them between sheets of parchment. Keep everything in the cooler.
2. Preheat the grill on medium high for 10 minutes with the lid closed.
3. Put the chicken on first. Grill 5 to 7 minutes per side, until it reaches 165°F inside.
4. Add the burgers about halfway through. Grill 4 to 5 minutes per side, to 160°F. Add cheese in the last minute.
5. Toast the buns for the last 30 seconds, then build the burgers and slice the chicken for sandwiches or salads.

Tips for grilling on a pontoon

• Cook beached, anchored, or at a slow drift. It is easier and safer than cooking while the boat is moving.
• Keep the lid closed. River wind pulls heat off a grill fast.
• Watch the wake. Keep a hand nearby when other boats pass.
• Never leave it unattended. Turn the grill off when you are done and let it cool before you close it up for the ride home.
• Rinse after. On brackish or salt water, rinse the grill and mount with fresh water when you get back.

Frequently asked questions

Can you put a grill on a pontoon boat?

Yes. A rail-mounted propane grill is one of the most common pontoon upgrades. Mount it outside the seating area so heat and smoke go over the water.

What is the best grill mount for a pontoon?

It depends on the rail. Round rails take a round rail mount sized to the rail diameter. Flat or square fence rails take a side or flat rail mount.

Is it safe to grill on a boat?

Yes, with a marine grill that is securely mounted outboard, a fire extinguisher on board, and someone watching the grill the whole time it is lit.

Can I leave the grill on the rail while the boat is moving?

Once it is off and cooled, yes. Close and lock the lid and make sure the mount is tight. Do not cook while underway.

Can I use the same grill on my boat and at home?

Yes. The Anacapa comes off the rail mount and works on a hitch mount, the Quad Pod Stand, or its own fold-away legs.

More boat cooking ideas: grilled fish tacos on the boat and our tips for grilling on a boat.