Top 5 Tips for Grilling on a Boat Like a Pro

If you’ve never grilled on a boat before, the whole concept can seem a little bit daunting. What kind of grill is best for using on a boat? Where can I fit all the stuff I’ll need to grill. What about waves? There are probably a lot of questions on your mind if you’ve never grilled on a boat or seen one before. Check out our top 5 tips for grilling on a boat and you’ll feel like a pro in no time.

1. Buy the right grill & mount.

Boat fires are a real thing and can quickly be a devastating disaster. Do not attempt to bring your backyard charcoal grill aboard your boat. You want to invest in a boat  grill like the Cabo Gas Grill or the Marine Kettle Grill  and properly secure it with a compatible rail mount or rod holder mount.

2. Prioritize safety.

Do not attempt to light your grill and cook in open water. Grilling on a boat should only be done when docked or anchored in calm water. Clean your grill regularly to prevent flare ups and be sure to always have a functional, appropriately sized fire extinguisher at the ready in case a flare up gets out of control.

3. Do your food prep at home.

You don’t want to be forming burger patties or cutting up raw meat for kebabs on the boat. Prep and marinate as much as you can at home so you are ready to go when you want to grill. With a food-grade cutting board set up on your fish cleaning station, you can manage some prep work but aim to do as much as you can ahead of time.

4. Bring back up fuel. 

There is nothing worse than attempting to fire up the grill and finding out that you are out of gas or even worse, starting to grill and running out of gas before your food is cooked through . Whether you choose a charcoal grill or a propane grill for your boat, carrying back up fuel is a smart idea. Mini propane tanks typically only last 1.5 to 2 hours of cook time but they are compact, lightweight, and easy to store, so we always recommend having a few extra on hand. 

5. Train yourself to flip towards the center.

There’s no such thing as the 5-second rule when your grilling overboard, one wrong move and your lunch becomes fish food. Train yourself to only flip your food toward the center of your grill and you’ll save yourself from losing your perfectly cooked food in the water.

Have a question about grilling on a boat or need help choosing the best grill and mount for your vessel? The product experts at Magma are here to help. Give us a call at (562) 627-0500 or fill out our contact form to get in touch.