I shopped around for a boat grill. All those bow rail grills don't seem very practical. I read the recent fender basket string and am curious about everyone's opinions about the aesthetics of a grill on the bow rail. Is it better to have one on each side to balance the look of the boat? How many people grill on their bow anyway? Doesn't the meat fall in when walking those narrow side passages?
Grilling on the boat
- Thread starter JV II
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waterlogged
New Member
Grilling on the bow sounds way to risky for me. Most every movement on the boat is accentuated on the bow. Personally, I wouldn't do it. We have ours on the stern (gunwale in rod holders) . Either that or the swim platform is the best bet IMHO.
Aarrhh & Aarrhh
New Member
I tried mine on the bow a few times. It was terrible!!! Its way to easy to drop somthing and the grill sits to low. Also no place to put your plates and other cooking items. I added a mount next to the biminie attach point and now I grill in comfort next to the sink!!! I'm sure you know there are quite a few different mounts. I am using "D" right now and I am very pleased with it.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...true&storeNum=5004&subdeptNum=15&classNum=465
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...true&storeNum=5004&subdeptNum=15&classNum=465
sbw1
Well-Known Member
- Oct 10, 2006
- 8,185
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- This is listed in my signature
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- This is listed in my signature
We don't care for the looks or having grease spatter all over the gel coat anywhere on the boat. So we carry a small grill that uses charcoal and use that on shore. When on the hook, we use our microwave and serve foods that don't require grilling.
DragonAnchor
Member
I have a Magma Newport grill, its the rectangle kind, not the kettle.
I have Grilled on the bow of my 260 and 310, Much easier on the 310 as far as stability, easier on the 260 as far as getting food back to the cabin. Wind is a real factor up there in blowing things off and around - i.e. plates, napkins and prep type stuff
As far as looks go, you just take it down after its cooled, no need for dual grills.
On the 310, I bought magma's dual rod holder type mounts and mounted it on the transom, there was a nice spot there for it.
So now for the 290, the grill has 2 pins on the bottom so that it can sit inside 2 rod holders. I am having a table socket mounted in the swim platform on the port side away from the swim ladder. To that I will add a pole and a table top. I have found some nice teak table tops that I will drill 2 holes in, so that the grill will slide right in.
Grillin on the swim platform will be much easier and more stable. Also there will be a table top between the grill and the gelcoat. Though the grill does have a drip pan.
I will be posting some pics of the install when its done
I have Grilled on the bow of my 260 and 310, Much easier on the 310 as far as stability, easier on the 260 as far as getting food back to the cabin. Wind is a real factor up there in blowing things off and around - i.e. plates, napkins and prep type stuff
As far as looks go, you just take it down after its cooled, no need for dual grills.
On the 310, I bought magma's dual rod holder type mounts and mounted it on the transom, there was a nice spot there for it.
So now for the 290, the grill has 2 pins on the bottom so that it can sit inside 2 rod holders. I am having a table socket mounted in the swim platform on the port side away from the swim ladder. To that I will add a pole and a table top. I have found some nice teak table tops that I will drill 2 holes in, so that the grill will slide right in.
Grillin on the swim platform will be much easier and more stable. Also there will be a table top between the grill and the gelcoat. Though the grill does have a drip pan.
I will be posting some pics of the install when its done
Henry Boyd
Well-Known Member
- Apr 24, 2007
- 6,014
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- ‘09 Sabre 38 Hardtop Express “Serenity”
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- Volvo D6 w/IPS450 Pods
Mike,
We went the swim platform route on ours. Great location, but mainly because canvas & frame locations did not leave many choices. Photo attached The grill is a Magma Newport. The stand is made from a Garelick removable table leg. The leg is a two piece affair. A plastic ring is mounted to the platform. It has two keyhole mounting holes. The bottom of the table leg has two spring loaded pins with heads. The pins are inserted into the ring and turned to engage the head under the narrow part of the keyhole. The pins also have levers to adjust the tension. At the top of the table leg I used a straight Perko fishing rod holder mounted in a block of teak (for aesthetic reasons), and a matching Magama fishing rod mount. Obviously the grill has to be removed for any serious movement of the boat. The good side is that any droppings get washed off the first time you move the boat!
Henry
We went the swim platform route on ours. Great location, but mainly because canvas & frame locations did not leave many choices. Photo attached The grill is a Magma Newport. The stand is made from a Garelick removable table leg. The leg is a two piece affair. A plastic ring is mounted to the platform. It has two keyhole mounting holes. The bottom of the table leg has two spring loaded pins with heads. The pins are inserted into the ring and turned to engage the head under the narrow part of the keyhole. The pins also have levers to adjust the tension. At the top of the table leg I used a straight Perko fishing rod holder mounted in a block of teak (for aesthetic reasons), and a matching Magama fishing rod mount. Obviously the grill has to be removed for any serious movement of the boat. The good side is that any droppings get washed off the first time you move the boat!
Henry
Attachments
- Oct 3, 2006
- 4,404
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- 280 Sundancer, Westerbeke MPV generator
- Engines
- twin 5.0's w/BIII drives
Most people put the grill out when needed then store it when not needed. No need for two grills for looks.
Of the boats that I have seen with bow rail mounted grills they are not express cruisers. A center consul type boat with walk around would be better suited for a bow mounted grill. As you have discovered, you need to clamber around or over or thru something to get onto the bow. Also the bow rail in the sundancer series is less then ideal for a grill. Its too low.
We chose to mount ours on the starboard side. In our 280 the sink area is on the starboard side. If I had a current model 290 like yours I would choose the port side since the sink has been relocated there.
We have small kids so mounting on the swim platform increases the chances of the kids getting burned. Hanging over the side eliminated this worry for us.
Mount
Of the boats that I have seen with bow rail mounted grills they are not express cruisers. A center consul type boat with walk around would be better suited for a bow mounted grill. As you have discovered, you need to clamber around or over or thru something to get onto the bow. Also the bow rail in the sundancer series is less then ideal for a grill. Its too low.
We chose to mount ours on the starboard side. In our 280 the sink area is on the starboard side. If I had a current model 290 like yours I would choose the port side since the sink has been relocated there.
We have small kids so mounting on the swim platform increases the chances of the kids getting burned. Hanging over the side eliminated this worry for us.
Mount
Go Aweigh2452
Active Member
- Aug 8, 2007
- 1,163
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- its in my signature
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- 6.2 Horizon MPI w/guardian system
My magna grill mounts in a pole holder so I can choose which side to use. If docked, I normally grill on the dockside so I can grill from the dock or the boat. Also, at times the wind will indicate which side I should use. Don't want to either smoke out the neighbors or the Admiral below... So, it is a nice option to switch sides at times. (providing you have pole holders or rail mounts, etc. on either side...)
I've got the Magma grill mounted on my 240SD similar to Doug. I have the same mount as him. I put an extra rod so it sits out farther, but still just right for cooking from the swim platform.
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I was just being facetious about the sterio bow rail grills. Can you imagine? Meat to port, corn to starboard. There are all kinds of accessories that fit on the bow rail. You can put yur grills up there, a couple of fender baskets, stereo speakers, and a six pack of rod holders.
Seriously, all those boat grills show them on the bow rail. I look at the pictures and imagine the whole thing tipping upside down, dumping my dinner in the harbor and leaving deep grooves in my bow rail. I was considering installing rod holders for the grill, but that adds another several hundred dollars and holes in the boat to get me grilling. Then as Henry Boyd pointed out, the rod holder location interferes with the canvas. So, if it's raining, you have to open up the cockpit, get everything wet, in order to put some food on the table. I went with a portable to use on the swim platform. Maybe next season, I'll install a mount out there.
Then I thought maybe I need a bigger boat. That doesn't help either since the new boats have permanent grills integrated with the cockpit counter, under the arch and inside your camper canvas!
Seriously, all those boat grills show them on the bow rail. I look at the pictures and imagine the whole thing tipping upside down, dumping my dinner in the harbor and leaving deep grooves in my bow rail. I was considering installing rod holders for the grill, but that adds another several hundred dollars and holes in the boat to get me grilling. Then as Henry Boyd pointed out, the rod holder location interferes with the canvas. So, if it's raining, you have to open up the cockpit, get everything wet, in order to put some food on the table. I went with a portable to use on the swim platform. Maybe next season, I'll install a mount out there.
Then I thought maybe I need a bigger boat. That doesn't help either since the new boats have permanent grills integrated with the cockpit counter, under the arch and inside your camper canvas!
Nehalennia
Well-Known Member
- Aug 22, 2007
- 10,006
- Boat Info
- 2001 310DA twin 350 MAGs, Westerbeke 4.5KW
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- Twin 350 MAG V-drives
Like Chuck and Doug(Pres'), On Nehalennia II, I had the small mount on the Starbord side so I could swivel it overboard while slining sauce and burning meet.
On the new boat I want to get the rectangular grill, the bigger the better as long as I can find a place to stow it. I've also considered one of those smaller true tanks again if there is a safe place to mount it, along with a hose that eliminates the smaller green canisters
On the new boat I want to get the rectangular grill, the bigger the better as long as I can find a place to stow it. I've also considered one of those smaller true tanks again if there is a safe place to mount it, along with a hose that eliminates the smaller green canisters
wkearney99
Active Member
- Feb 23, 2006
- 583
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- 47'
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- Twin Caterpillar C-12, Twin Disc straight shaft inboards.
The magma rectangular one fits nicely in an duffel bag I picked up from REI. The medium-sized bag, sorta more like a gym bag than the classic end-closing duffel. I put mine in a white plastic tall kitchen plastic bag to catch any grease that might leak and then just stow it in the bag.
- Oct 3, 2006
- 4,404
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- 280 Sundancer, Westerbeke MPV generator
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- twin 5.0's w/BIII drives
Just wanted to add……we use the grill often. If you are like us, its worth getting.
I am sitting here;….. hungry.
I’m looking at Todd’s picture with the shrimp kabobs. Man, that looks good. Did I mention I was hungry?
We do the same. I spray butter flavored Pam on them. Then I sprinkle some garlic salt on top. Not too much, just a bit. Did I mention I was hungry?
On the hook I even cook breakfast on the grill. First its coffee followed by toast then onto bacon and eggs.
Oh, did I mention I was hungry?
Darn it Todd, that looks great! LOL
I am sitting here;….. hungry.
I’m looking at Todd’s picture with the shrimp kabobs. Man, that looks good. Did I mention I was hungry?
We do the same. I spray butter flavored Pam on them. Then I sprinkle some garlic salt on top. Not too much, just a bit. Did I mention I was hungry?
On the hook I even cook breakfast on the grill. First its coffee followed by toast then onto bacon and eggs.
Oh, did I mention I was hungry?
Darn it Todd, that looks great! LOL
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Henry Boyd
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- Apr 24, 2007
- 6,014
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- ‘09 Sabre 38 Hardtop Express “Serenity”
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Todd,
You should look into Coast Guard Regs with respect to storage of propane tanks and associated plumbing and protective railing/enclosures. Given the relationship of the transom lockers on Sea Rays and engine hatches I don't think a tank could be stored there (possible leaking into engine compartment). In which case the next available spot would be on top of the cabin ahead of the windshield in either an approved locker, or protective cage.
Henry
PS throw a couple on the barbie for me as well!
You should look into Coast Guard Regs with respect to storage of propane tanks and associated plumbing and protective railing/enclosures. Given the relationship of the transom lockers on Sea Rays and engine hatches I don't think a tank could be stored there (possible leaking into engine compartment). In which case the next available spot would be on top of the cabin ahead of the windshield in either an approved locker, or protective cage.
Henry
PS throw a couple on the barbie for me as well!
shrike
New Member
- Dec 10, 2006
- 69
Good point - but why not just make up a longer propane hose so your gas canister is truely portable, can put it on the floor..... and you can stow or remove after use?
Nehalennia
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- Aug 22, 2007
- 10,006
- Boat Info
- 2001 310DA twin 350 MAGs, Westerbeke 4.5KW
- Engines
- Twin 350 MAG V-drives
Doug and Henry, Thanks. Yes the admiral make us kebobs at home of Chicken, Shrimp and veggies in Seperate rubbernaid containers. She has them already marinating then sometiime frozen then added to the cooler. Well take on out to thaw depending on how long we're out. Having them prepared in advance is great. We haven't had the luxury of a fridge until now and so the admiral's looking forward to not having the mayonaise floating in a cooler or other foods like cheese in a ziploc bag.
In regards to the Propane tank, yes I'll check into the Regs. I had originally thought the transom locker would be a good spot but maybe with the Electrical connection right there it may not be wise either. I certainly don't want to hang the thing off the side of the boat like Eddie's RV.
it's early and I'm hungry now too.
In regards to the Propane tank, yes I'll check into the Regs. I had originally thought the transom locker would be a good spot but maybe with the Electrical connection right there it may not be wise either. I certainly don't want to hang the thing off the side of the boat like Eddie's RV.
it's early and I'm hungry now too.
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JOHN R.316
Member
No propane tank on board. Admiral against any open flame. I have George's Electric stand up grill. Works great.
Nehalennia
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- Aug 22, 2007
- 10,006
- Boat Info
- 2001 310DA twin 350 MAGs, Westerbeke 4.5KW
- Engines
- Twin 350 MAG V-drives
tell that guy to shut the lid :smt021
They ain't done yet:wow:
They ain't done yet:wow:
- Feb 4, 2007
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I pretty much grilled every weekend and I think I went through 2 of those green canisters. I bought them for $2 each. trying to find a place to put one of those tanks isn't worth the trouble. maybe if you're cooking for 10 people every week then I can see the point, or if you raft with big boat boaters cause they eat a lot.
