Setting Cruise for Flavour: A Guide to Marine Grills

24 May 2024

A man grilling a skewer kebab on a boat.

For boating enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a delicious meal on the water after a refreshing day spent cruising or fishing on your Quintrex boat. But rough seas shouldn't mean sacrificing a perfectly grilled steak or a batch of juicy burgers. Marine grills offer a convenient and versatile way to bring the culinary delights of land onto the open water.

Built to Withstand the Wave

Unlike traditional grills, marine grills are specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of a marine environment. Here’s what sets them apart:

Durability: Marine grills are constructed from high-grade stainless steel or marine-grade aluminium that can resist corrosion from salt water, spray, and UV rays.

Ignition Systems: Standard electric ignition systems can be unreliable in a marine environment due to potential moisture issues. Marine grills often incorporate spark ignition or piezo ignition systems, which provide a more reliable way to light the grill regardless of wet conditions.

Fuel Efficiency: Space is precious on boats and so is fuel. Many marine grills are designed to be fuel-efficient, utilising propane or alcohol fuel for optimal performance without guzzling fuel resources.

Choosing the Right Grill for Your Boat

With a wide variety of marine grills available in the market, selecting the perfect one depends on your boating preferences and grilling needs. Here are some key factors that you should consider before you visit your local boat shop to buy one:

Boat Size: Larger boats can accommodate bigger grills with more cooking surface area. Smaller boats might require a more compact and portable design.

Cooking Capacity: Consider how many people you typically cook for on your boating trips. Choose a grill with enough space to accommodate your needs comfortably.

Fuel Type: Propane is a popular choice for its ease of use and clean burning. Alcohol grills offer a smokeless and odourless option, but fuel availability might be limited in some areas.

Features: Do you desire a grill with a built-in sear burner for that perfect steak crust? Do you need a side burner for preparing sauces or side dishes? Consider the features that would enhance your grilling experience.

Grilling on the Go

Beyond the core functionality, some marine grills offer additional features to elevate your culinary recipes:

Rotisseries: These attachments allow you to slow-roast a chicken or other meats for a flavourful and hassle-free meal.

Side Burners: This feature provides a dedicated cooktop for preparing side dishes or boiling water, expanding your onboard cooking options.

Infrared Cooking: Some high-end marine grills utilise infrared technology for even heat distribution and faster preheating times.

Safety First

Always prioritise safety when grilling on a boat. Here are some essential tips to remember:

Store fuel properly: Ensure proper storage and ventilation for your fuel canisters.

Check for gas leaks: Always perform a leak check before lighting the grill.

Keep a fire extinguisher nearby: Have a readily accessible fire extinguisher on board in case of emergencies.

Never grill while refuelling: Maintain a safe distance from refuelling areas while grilling.

Extinguish properly: Always turn off the grill and ensure coals are completely extinguished before leaving the boat unattended. 

 

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