Let’s Talk About Grilling on Your Pontoon Boat

What are Pontoon Boat Grills

If you wanna take your time on a pontoon boat to the next level adding a grill is a game changer. Pontoon grills are made to handle the quirks of cooking on the water. They’re usually built tough to deal with wind waves and salty conditions. You can find them in different styles like propane electric and charcoal which makes it easy to pick whatever suits your cooking vibe. Whether you’re grilling fresh fish burgers or veggies a pontoon grill is a must-have.

For example the Magma Products Marine Kettle Gas Grill is designed to stay usable even when it’s windy thanks to its cool wind baffle system. Or check out the Crossover Single Burner Firebox that switches easily from grill to stove or griddle.

Why You Should Have a Grill on Your Pontoon Boat

Having a grill on board has so many perks:

• Versatility: Cook all kinds of meals from breakfast pancakes to evening barbecues while soaking in lake views.
• Convenience: Enjoy fresh meals without needing to dock the boat or head back to shore.
• Socializing: Grilling on the water brings everyone together often leading to impromptu get-togethers filled with laughter and good eats.
• Better Experience: The smell of grilled food in the air adds to the fun of your boating trip.

Just picture hosting a sunset dinner with some grilled shrimp skewers and a fresh salad while the sun sets—it’s totally doable with a pontoon boat grill.

The Different Types of Pontoon Boat Grills

Propane Grills

Propane grills are super popular among pontoon boaters for good reason. They heat up quickly and keep cooking temperatures consistent which is key when you’re trying to grill steaks or seafood while enjoying the waves. A popular choice is the Crossover Single Burner Firebox which can easily switch from a griddle to a regular grill.

Some benefits of propane grills include:

• Portability: Lightweight and easy to mount making them great for smaller boats.
• Quick start: With electronic pulse ignitions firing up your grill is a snap allowing you to get cooking fast.
• Handles wind well: Grills like the Marine Kettle Gas Grill are made to withstand windy days keeping your flames lit while you cook.

Electric Grills

Electric grills provide a solid alternative for those who want a simple cooking experience. They plug directly into your boat’s power system and work great when you’re docked. Even though they’re not as common on smaller pontoon boats they’re becoming more favored because of how easy they are to use.

Here are some plus points:

• Simple cleanup: Many come with non-stick surfaces making cleanup a breeze.
• Energy-efficient: No need to refill fuel canisters.
• Consistent heat: These grills keep an even temperature so you can perfect your cooking.

Charcoal Grills

If you’re a purist who loves that classic smoky taste you get from charcoal grilling then this is for you. Sure it takes a bit more time and effort to get started but the flavor payoff makes it worth it.

Here’s what to think about:

• Real flavor: Charcoal gives your food a flavor that many really love.
• Affordable: Usually cheaper than propane and electric options.
• Variety: There’s a good range of charcoal grills perfect for use on a pontoon boat.

Ultimately your choice of grill will depend on how you like to cook the available space and how you plan to enjoy your time on the water.

Things to Think About Before Buying a Pontoon Boat Grill

Size and Compatibility with Your Boat

Before jumping into buying a pontoon boat grill make sure to think about its size and how it will fit on your boat. You want a grill that works well without cramping your deck or messing with your boating time.

• Space Check: Measure the spot where you want to put your grill. Most grills come rectangular or circular so try to pick one that fits your area.
• Mounting Options: Brands like Arnalls provide brackets that let you secure your grill to your boat’s railings or other places giving you a solid cooking surface while you’re on the move.
• Portability: If you plan to grill off the boat also think about getting a lightweight and easily transportable model.

Cooking Power and Capacity

Next check out the cooking power and capacity of the grill you’re thinking about. Different grills come with various BTUs (British Thermal Units) which affect how much heat they produce.

• Cooking Surface: Larger areas are better for family outings or parties. A grill with around 100 to 160 square inches of cooking space is usually enough for smaller gatherings.
• Even Heat: Go for models like the Magma Marine Kettle or Newport Infrared Gas Grill which provide even heat to cook your food just right without hot spots.

Durability and Material Quality

Lastly you want to think about how durable the grill is before making your pick.

• Material: Stainless steel is a fantastic choice because it’s rust-resistant and can stand up to the tough marine environment. Considering the unique challenges of water exposure will save you from future struggles with wear and tear.
• Build Quality: Take a look at the overall quality of the grill. A sturdy build makes sure that your grill can handle the movement of the boat and windy days without any safety issues.

By keeping these points in mind you can find the right pontoon boat grill that makes your time cooking on the water that much better.

Top Pontoon Boat Grills Out There

Brand A: Crossover Single Burner Firebox

The Crossover Single Burner Firebox is a top pick for pontoon boat owners who want flexibility in their cooking methods. This grill can switch from a regular grill to a stove or griddle making it a great fit for all your cooking needs on the water.

Features:

• Made from marine-grade stainless steel so it can handle harsh conditions.
• Easy to clean with a high-quality stainless steel grate.
• Built-in wind deflector to keep flames steady.
• Comes with a handy fold-out prep shelf.

Pros:

• Great for a wide range of meals from fish to veggies.
• Sturdy and specially designed for life on the boat.
• Lightweight and easy to store and move.

Brand B: Marine Kettle Gas Grill

If you often deal with windy days while boating check out the Marine Kettle Gas Grill. This grill is built to perform well even when it’s gusty.

Features:

• Hinged lid that won’t slam shut plus a grease catch pan that acts like a wind blocker.
• A unique Tubo Venturi Tube for flexible tank and valve positioning.
• Compact size weighing just 7.73 lbs making it perfect for smaller boats.

Pros:

• Great for grilling almost anywhere.
• Stay-cool handle is safe even when it’s hot.
• Quick grilling without losing quality.

Brand C: Newport Infrared Gas Grill

If you’re after intense even heat the Newport Infrared Gas Grill should be on your radar. This grill combines the benefits of gas cooking with infrared technology.

Features:

• Dual element radiant plate for top-notch fuel efficiency.
• Turbo burner for quick heating and even cooking.
• Lockable lid with a viewing window for checking on your food easily.

Pros:

• Creates intense heat fast perfect for searing meat.
• Easy to clean with sectional grill grates.
• Built with a safety shell to keep flare-ups down.

In short each of these grills has something special to offer whether it’s versatility handling wind well or powerful infrared cooking. Choosing the right one will depend on how you plan to cook while out on the water but each one promises a fun grilling experience on your pontoon boat.

Setting Up and Safety Tips for Your Pontoon Boat Grill

Getting it Mounted Right

Getting your pontoon boat grill set up the right way is super important for both safety and cooking well. Start by picking a spot to mount it that’s easy to get to yet doesn’t get in the way of foot traffic.

• Strong Mounting: Use a reliable mounting bracket like those from Arnalls which are made for pontoon use. These brackets help keep your grill secure even when the water’s choppy.
• Smart Positioning: Keep it downwind of anything flammable and away from any fabric awnings. Make sure there’s enough room to move around it so you can avoid accidents from wind gusts or grill splatters.

Fire Safety Tips

Always remember to keep safety top of mind while grilling on your boat. Here are a few tips:

• Anchor or Tie Up: Always use your grill when your boat is anchored or tied. Grilling while moving can be risky and lead to accidents or losing food.
• Check Propane Connections: Make sure to check all connections before lighting the grill to avoid gas leaks.
• Don’t Leave it Unattended: Always watch the grill while it’s on. This is especially key if kids or pets are around.
• Cool Down Before Stowing: After cooking turn off the grill and let it cool completely before you put it away. This keeps you from burning yourself and cuts down on fire risks.

Maintenance and Cleaning Tips

Keeping your grill in tip-top shape requires some regular maintenance and cleaning.

• Clean After Use: Wipe down the grill with a steel scrubber or sponge meant for marine use to keep food residue and grease from building up.
• Deep Clean: At the end of the boating season give your grill a thorough cleaning. Take out and soak grates empty the grease tray and make sure everything is working well.
• Prevent Rust: Regularly check for any rust and use a good metal polish on parts that are exposed to the elements. This keeps your grill looking good and running well.

By following these setup and safety tips you can enjoy a safe and tasty grilling experience on your pontoon boat making each outing just that much more delicious.

Final Thoughts

Grilling on the water is such a unique experience. With sunshine and gentle rocking of the boat there’s nothing quite like cooking surrounded by nature. However picking the right grill for your pontoon boat can feel a bit daunting with all the choices out there.

The Joy of Cooking on the Water

Just think about it you’re anchored in your favorite spot enjoying a nice breeze laughter filling the air and you’re flipping burgers or grilling fish caught right from the lake. A good grill doesn’t just make a day on the water better it adds a whole new layer to the social side of boating. Cooking together builds bonds and makes unforgettable memories.

So when you’re looking for the best grill keep these key factors in mind:

• Cooking Method: Do you want that smoky charcoal flavor or the quick convenience of a propane grill?
• Size: Consider how much space you’ll need based on your group size and how much room you have on the boat.
• Material: Choose rust-resistant materials like stainless steel that can stand up to the marine life.

With this guide in hand you’ll be ready to grill tasty meals while enjoying all the beauty your pontoon boat brings to the table. Let’s dive into the different grill types that are perfect for your adventures out on the water!