Using BarBQ gas grill in fishing boat

[pecheux]

Hi Y'awl, A buddy of mine just bought a miniature barbq gas grill which he intends to use in his Princecraft boat (with me onboard) so we can have hot hambergers for lunch instead of a cold cut lunch. What worries me is that his boat has a 20 gal built in gas tank and that there thang must have a vent somewhere ... I suspect having a lighted barbq onboard can be a fire and/or explosion hazard. Can I have opinions on that matter (prior to spring fishing and barbq time ... LOL Tx

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Using BarBQ gas grill in fishing boat

I had fine luck using one of those on my boat all summer. I placed mine on the closed bow section of the boat and it worked great and all the food was superb as well. Nothing like grilled meats.

I think in this case a little common sense goes a long way. My boat holds 16 gallons, the vent is mounted on top of the transom by the filler bung.
Usually by the time we were done eating the grill had already cooled and was ready to re-stowed in its home under the engine hatch.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Using BarBQ gas grill in fishing boat

I find bbqs on a boat to be very very dangerous.I cant believe people use them.You can take all the precautions and a wake or another mishap can end your life.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Using BarBQ gas grill in fishing boat

One of the small propane ones, I see no harm in. Flame is contained. I would be sure there is something under it (like carboard or aluminum foil) to catch any dripping grease (if there is any) as to not mess up the boat. But I agree with cobra, common sense goes along way. I would not use near fuel tank vent. Be sure to allow plenty of cool down time before storing...

 

[dan t.]

Re: Using BarBQ gas grill in fishing boat

been using a Force 10 log style for over 10 years, 2 different boats, guess what, Im still here

 

[lowkee]

Re: Using BarBQ gas grill in fishing boat

That vent won't expel anywhere near enough fumes to be a hazard. It isn't an enclosed space, it is venting into open air, where there is a breeze. Just being able to smell a whiff of fumes doesn't mean you will explode when you have an open flame. Just imagine the gas stations which would be exploding everywhere if that were the case. Smoking would be banned within 1/4 mile of all gas stations in that world.

Relax, grill some burgers, have a beer, go boating.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Using BarBQ gas grill in fishing boat

i have a rail mount, it hang off the side of the boat. any grill when in use should be secured, so it can't move.

 

[scutly]

Re: Using BarBQ gas grill in fishing boat

my buddy has been using one mounted on a modified bait table sticking out of a rod holder for years. its my number one addition to my boat this winter. (xmas gift). hell, some of the nicer cruisers have grills built in to the cockpit wet bar area.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Using BarBQ gas grill in fishing boat

hell, some of the nicer cruisers have grills built in to the cockpit wet bar area.

They also have purpose-built propane storage lockers, sniffers and remote shutoff solenoids.

Okay, there's a risk in using propane on a boat. It's heavier than air and leaking propane will sink to the lowest part of the boat (like your engine bay). Potential "boom" event.

That said, I have no hesitation in using a camp stove and small propane cylinder in the cockpit of my boat. Volume is low, chance of leakage is low, and the propane comes off when I leave the boat (even that might be overkill). I'm seriously considering buying a Weber Baby-Q to use for grilling. They're getting good reviews from the cruiser crowd.

 

[rbh]

Re: Using BarBQ gas grill in fishing boat

hang it over the edge just to be sure, and that way you wont get any grease dripping on the carpet

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Using BarBQ gas grill in fishing boat

As JoLin said, unburned propane will settle into the bilge of the boat, where it will act loke gasoline fumes, and explode, if it gets a chance. I would thoroughly ventilate the boat after the grill has been turned off to make sure all fumes are out.

BTW, the older boat stoves burned alcohol, since the fumes are lighter than air. The newer ones burn natural gas for the same reason. If you can convert that BBQ to Natural Gas, it will be a lot safer. A lot of BBQ grills are easily converted with the addition of different orafices in the burners. You would also need a source of compressed natural gas (CNG).