Boat Grills & Boat Grill Mounts

Boat grills are designed with boating in mind. They’re made of stainless steel and intended to stand up to the marine environment. They’re also designed to latch securely, helping to avoid damage when crossing rough water or large boat wakes. Normal grills will not stand up as well to the vibration and jostling of a moving boat. In addition to latching securely, boat grills are wind-tested for safety and cooking satisfaction. Read More

Boat grills are also designed with marine mounts in mind. This could be mounted within a rod holder, against a handrail, or on a vertical surface mount. Normal grills are not built to stand up to the moisture of boat use, especially salt water.

Their components will corrode and fail much faster than a grill designed with marine use in mind. Marine grills, unlike some other grills, are all designed with a hinged lid, designed not to open or fall off in rough conditions.

In addition to not being designed to stand up to the marine environment, normal grills aren’t designed to be mounted on a boat. Sitting a grill on fiberglass can cause cosmetic damage at best and present a fire hazard at worst.

When deciding on which grill to use exclusively on your boat, avoid trying to turn a normal grill into a boat grill.

There are a few options for which heating method to use for your boat grill: Read More

Charcoal Boat Grills

Charcoal is probably the least used method to grill on the water. Some grilling purists may prefer charcoal, but for boat use, it is best to use one of the alternatives. The hot coals involved with charcoal can cause damage to your boat should they fall on your deck. Since the coals take so long to cool, they can be a hazard to deal with after grilling. Wind can also cause problems with keeping the coals lit and can stir up flaming debris. In addition to all of the issues when the charcoal is lit, keeping it dry before being lit can also be an issue.

Propane or Gas Boat Grills

Gas is by far the most popular method of grilling on the water. Unlike your grill at home, which may require a huge propane tank, boat grills are designed to use small one-pound bottles. This makes fuel storage a breeze and reduces the risk of scratching your deck with a heavy fuel bottle. Turning off a propane grill is as simple as switching off the knob, and they cool quickly in comparison to charcoal grills. Gas grills are also very fuel efficient, with a one-pound bottle of fuel providing around an hour of cooking time. Replacing the fuel bottle on a gas grill only takes minutes, and requires no extra tools.

Electric Boat Grills

Electric grills are worth mentioning but are limited in their marine use. They require AC power, meaning only boats with generators or large banks of lithium batteries can power them. In addition to this, electrical components that are not designed for marine use tend to corrode and fail very quickly.

After choosing the heating element for your grill, next comes how you plan on mounting it. There are a few different types of mounts that may suit your boat, but keep in mind that your grill should have two feet of clearance from any combustible material. Read More

You should also consider if there is anything on board that may be damaged if subjected to heat. This includes cushions, gelcoat, or any wood finishes. There are a few mount options to pick from:

Rod Holder Grill Mounts

This style of mount is a perfect choice for cooking up your fresh catch! Rod holder mounts slide into your existing rod holders and then mount to your grill. They’re designed to compensate for the rod holder angle to hold your grill perfectly level. Some rod holder mounts come with a level lock system that allows you to swivel the mount however you choose. This allows you to mount the grill in any configuration, depending on the situation. Magma Grills makes a double-locking fishing rod holder grill mount that not only locks on top to allow for 360-degree angle adjustments but also can be tightened into the rod holder to lock into place.

Vertical Surface Grill Mounts

Vertical surface mounts can turn any vertical surface into a cooking area! They can attach to square rails and flat rails as well as bulkheads, transoms, or cabin sides. These provide adequate offset and can allow your grill to hang over the water while you cook. Vertical surface mounts are great for pontoon boats and attach very strongly to the square rails that surround the boat. Some vertical surface mounts are intended to be used with smaller grills. Larger grills may require two mounts used in conjunction. Keep this in mind while shopping for grill mounts.

Round Rail Grill Mounts

Round rail mounts allow for a variety of adjustments to fit your needs. They can fit standard marine handrails, ranging from 7/8” to 1”. Due to their pivoting arm, they can work on any angle handrail. These mounts are also intended for small kettle grills; larger grills may require two mounts.

Pedestal Grill Mounts

If none of the above-mentioned mounts work for your boat, but you have plenty of open deck space, a pedestal mount is the way to go. Pedestal mounts are freestanding mounts that mount directly to your deck. Some pedestal mounts are quickly detachable, allowing for the pedestal and grill to be removed from the deck when done grilling. These mounts typically have a higher load capacity and are suited to support the largest marine grills.

Onshore Grill Mounts

For the sailor or boater who needs their grill to work double duty, the onshore attachment for kettle grills is perfect. The onshore stand mount turns your boat grill into the standard beach grill or camping grill. After use, it folds down for flat storage without any tools. The onshore mount is perfect for sandbar, island hopping, and transient boaters.

Installing a grill or a grill mount on your boat is fairly simple. Any of the mounts that involve existing railing or fishing rods will only involve tightening some nuts and bolts. Installing a vertical surface mount into fiberglass or a pedestal mount will be a bit more complicated. Read More

When installing a vertical surface mount into fiberglass, be sure to check the area behind the mount to ensure there are no wires or hoses to interfere with. Pre-drill your fastener holes before installing the screws. If access allows, through bolt your mount with bolts and lock nuts. Be sure to seal any fastener holes, as failure to do so could cause water intrusion and lead to significant damage to your boat.

If you choose to use the pedestal mount, the installation and sealing are also important. Mark and drill your fastener holes and install your fasteners. Since the deck is much more vulnerable to water intrusion and core damage, make sure to seal any holes and run a bead of sealant around your mount if possible.

There are a few different brands of marine grills to choose from, but the most prevalent grilling name in the marine industry is Magma. Magma was started nearly 50 years ago by two brothers, Jim and Jerry Mashburn.Read More

The pair designed grills to stand up to the brutal saltwater environment and their company has dominated the industry since. Now they sell items ranging from outdoor boat pizza ovens, to fillet tables and back to their original kettle grill. Magma is a premier brand and their quality products have stood the test of time. Boats and grills are some of the finer things in life. Knowing what to look for in the perfect boat grill, and how to properly outfit your boat should keep your days on the water enjoyable!

Marine grills are widely available online, but be sure to buy from a reputable, marine-specific retailer that will provide knowledgeable service and stand behind their products. Boat Outfitters has a great selection of boat grills and boat grill mounts. They also have the sealants and tools needed to install your grill or grill mount.

Installation depends on the grill and how you choose to mount it. In most cases, installation is simple. Rod holder mount grills, for example, require essentially no installation. Just place them in a rod holder when you’re ready to use them. Rail mount grills are also very simple to install. Grills mounted to vertical fiberglass surfaces or pedestals require some drilling and sealing but are still simple to install.

Vinyl decking on boats refers to the use of vinyl material as a deck covering for boats. Vinyl is a durable, flexible, and low-maintenance material that is often used as an alternative to traditional decking materials, such as wood or composites.