Nothing beats spending the day on the water onboard the perfect pontoon boat. After a long day of leisure, fishing, watersports, or party, having the perfect pontoon boat grill will put the cherry on top. There are excellent grills on the market that are specifically constructed for pontoon boats with square rail mounts. The best pontoon boat grills, stay lit even when the boat is mobile, quickly and easily attach to the square railing, and stay strong and rust free for many years.
Why You Need A Pontoon Boat Grill
A pontoon boat grill makes your time on the water even more enjoyable. It lets you cook and enjoy meals while cruising, so you don’t have to worry about heading back to shore for food. Whether you’re grilling burgers, hotdogs, or fresh fish, it adds an extra level of fun and convenience to your outings. Imagine cooking up a delicious meal surrounded by the beauty of the water, making your day on the boat even more special.
With a grill onboard, you can easily feed friends and family, ensuring everyone has hot, fresh food without interrupting the day. It’s perfect for fishing trips, family gatherings, or even a casual weekend cruise. A pontoon boat grill helps create memorable moments and keeps everyone satisfied while you enjoy your time on the water.
Pontoon Boat Grill Types
When purchasing a pontoon boat grill, one must first decide whether to use gas, charcoal or electric (it’s said that charcoal gives the food better flavor while gas is more convenient).
Gas Grills
Gas grills come in two shapes: rectangular and circular. A rectangular grill has more space for food, thus, making it perfect for large gatherings. Circular grills are another great choice that be double stacked like an oven or stove.
Compared to charcoal grills, which can be challenging to ignite and take 15 – 20 minutes to heat up, gas grills start up easily and heat up quickly. Additionally, propane grills present no dangers from burning embers, and they don’t produce messy ash making them much easier to clean.
Charcoal Grills
Unlike electric and gas grills, a charcoal grill adds a special mild smoky flavor to meats. It’s advised to buy a charcoal grill that mounts to the boat’s handrail or rod holder and positions the grill over the water. That way any hot ashes or embers fall overboard instead of landing on the boat deck resulting in damage and unwanted maintenance.
Electric Grills
Just like propane grills, electric grills start heating instantly, and they don’t produce embers nor ashes. Another advantage of electric grills is that they cook without flames, which gives them the upper hand when it comes to safety. Therefore, electric grills are a perfect fit in marinas that prohibit the use of open flames. One big disadvantage of electric grills is that they require a source of A/C power. Unless you have a generator onboard, which is rare, you’re limited to cooking where shore power is available.
How-To Mount A Pontoon Boat Grill
Mounting a pontoon boat grill is simple, especially with the right equipment. Many boat grills come with special mounts that make installation easy and secure. The most common method is using a clamp-on mount, which attaches to the boat’s railing. These mounts are stable, easy to install, and can be removed when not in use.
Alternatively, you can choose a freestanding grill with sturdy legs that don’t need mounting. These are ideal if you want to move the grill around. However, be sure to place it on a flat surface to ensure safety. Some grills come with rail mounts that are permanently bolted to the boat’s railings, providing a more fixed and secure option. No matter the method, always make sure your grill is secure to avoid accidents.
Pontoon Boat Grilling Safety
Please follow these few precautions to ensure safe operation of a grill on your pontoon boat.
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- Position or mount the charcoal grill along the side so that no hot ashes or embers fall onto the pontoon boat.
- Place the grill away from seat cushions, towels, or other flammable materials.
- Only use charcoal lighter fluid as an accelerant. Only apply lighter fluid before lighting the coals. Never use gasoline and never apply lighter fluid after the fire is lit.
- Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
- Avoid grilling while the boat is moving to ensure stability and safety.
- Do not dump ashes or coals overboard when you’re done cooking. The grill cover is designed to suppress the fire and contain the ashes until you return to shore. Once on shore, you can properly dispose of the cool ashes.
- Check and comply with any boating or grilling rules for your area.
