News — pontoon boat

Best Pontoon Boat Grill – Your Top Choices in 2018

The summer is my favorite time of the year. To me, there is nothing better than basking in the sun on a hot day, enjoying cold drinks and good company. But here’s the kicker: To make the day even better you must add food aspect to it. And not just any restaurant takeout food, but perfectly seasoned peace’s of steak, or fish, grilled on the best pontoon boat grill you can find.

I will settle for a lot of things, but when it comes to grills there is no settlement, I demand the best grill that I can afford.

You must be wondering why:

Well, I am not the greatest cook in the world, not even close, so having the right grill makes it important because it does the work for me. What I mean by that is that I don’t have to put as much effort into cooking in order for food to taste good.

Can it get any better than that? Of course, it can.

All you need is a boat. And not just any boat, you need a pontoon.

But aren’t we risking a fire on the boat that can bring down your investment and ruin your day beyond repair? No, not a chance. Not in this day and age.

And here is why:

Today we can actually have a fully functional grill on board of the boat. Isn’t that amazing? This has to be the best invention since Tesla defeated Edison with his AC power. Right?!

So how do you find the right boat grill for you? Here are a few things you have to think about.

Do You Know What to Look For?

Housing

The type of water you take your pontoon on will determine the type of grill you should consider getting. For salt-water, a 316-stainless-steel grill is always best. The reason being that it has a high tensile strength and is resistant towards corrosion.

This type is harder to find and pricier, but worth it.

If you are using your grill in freshwater, you can get away with using an 18-8 grade of stainless steel. This grade of stainless steel is more resistant towards corrosion, but not as strong as 316-grade.

What is most important is that no matter the type of grill, make sure it has a double liner. A double liner will protect the metal from getting discolored and guards against gas leaks. Also, a double-liner keeps the outside cool.

This is important to me because I don’t want my daughter burning her fingers, oh no.

Shape and Size

Recently, many boaters have started switching to a square and rectangular-shaped grills. This is because they offer more cooking space. I think that kettle shapes or dome shapes reflect wind easier and keep the heat reflection different.

It all depends on your personal choice.

When considering size, rectangular grills tend to be bigger. It is important you think about your needs as well as the size of your pontoon. You do not want to get a grill small enough that you cannot cook for the whole family or, a grill big enough that you do not have enough space.

Fuel Choice and Features

One aspect that is all up to personal preference is your fuel choice.

Some people enjoy the smoky flavor of charcoal and some people like the ease of use of propane. It all depends on what you want. Keep in mind, that charcoal grills are a little cheaper. But, you will be spending some money on charcoal on top of this.

Another matter of personal choice is the type of mount. Do you want a free-standing grill or a grill that requires mounting to a railing? Keep in consideration that not all freestanding grills can be used on a grill and not all mounting hardware can be mounted to the rail.

Another aspect that can make cooking on your boat a much easier process is having a push button ignition. It makes it easier and safer to operate.

Warranty

You should always pay attention to warranty, no matter what you are buying. Buying a grill for your pontoon is not an exception.

The warranty gives you peace of mind and guarantees that money spent will not be wasted.

Now that we know a little more about this subject, let’s discuss another very important aspect.

Safety!!

Some Safety Tips

• Always follow manufacturer’s recommendations, you are not grilling on land. Any mistake can be disastrous.
• Don’t be a rebel, rules are everywhere. If you are grilling at Marina, check to see if it’s allowed.
• Never grill with the boat in motion. A wave might knock your food off, or worse, a spark.
• Always inspect it before and after use. Be particularly careful with propane grills as those can sometimes leak. If you think there might be a leak, don’t use it. Fix it yourself or bring an expert to do it for you.
• Don’t leave your grill unattended.
• Watch for embers, stop them from falling out.
• Don’t add lighter fluid while the grill is in use.
• Avoid grilling around flammable materials.
• Have a fire extinguisher ready close by.
• Don’t forget to turn it off once done the cooking.
• Let it cool off, don’t store it away while still hot.
• Clean your grill after use, it’s easier to clean now than next.

For most people, these are common sense things that are easy to follow, but sometimes we go against our best judgment. There are of course many reasons for that, one being alcohol, but try to be as diligent as you can.

Don’t ruin everyone’s day because of recklessness, and don’t let anyone else ruin your because of the same reason.

Additional Common Sense Tips

• Coat the grates with oil before using to prevent food from sticking to it.
• Control grill temperature so you don’t burn your food.
• Use a meat thermometer if you have to.
• use different tongs for raw and cooked food. I learned this in the restaurant business.
• Don’t rush to cook the hood, give it time to cook properly.
• Allow your meat to get sear marks before turning it over.
• If you can, avoid lighter fluid with a charcoal to get the best flavor.

Ok now, let’s move on to the meat of the article.

Best Pontoon Boat Charcoal Grills

The best barbeques are made with charcoal, period. I don’t care how well you can grill, there is nothing that compares to the smoky taste that charcoal can give you.

However, all this great smoky taste comes with the price. It takes a long time to prepare something with charcoal.

• First, you have to light up the charcoal. I don’t like to use lighter fluid so the lighting time is a little longer.
• Then you have to wait for the grill to warm up.
• Lastly, you have to let the fire down a little because you don’t want to grill on high flames, it ruins the meat.

It is time-consuming, but I love it.

Now, here are the best charcoal BBQs on my list.

Magma Products Marine Kettle Charcoal

Magma is known for excellent grills and Marine Kettle Charcoal (Amazon Price) is no exception.

For starters, this is a good looking grill, especially when mounted on your boat. I love the mirror polished stainless steel construction look, it’s brilliant.

With the assistance of a mounting set, you can easily mount this grill anywhere on your pontoon.

This grill also comes in different sizes, depending on your needs.

• 13 Inches – 133 square inches of grilling space.
• 15 Inches – 155 square inches.
• 17 Inches – 177 square Inches.

I always go for the biggest one, you never know how much space you will need, but you know best what works for you.

The stainless-steel design also makes it easy to clean. The plastic handle allows you to easily lift the top part of the grill.

As stated with many other grills, it does not come with mounting brackets.

However, this is one of the most attractive and efficient grills out there!

Marine Kettle Pros & Cons

Kuuma 58110 Stow N’ Go 160

Another appealing pontoon grill is the Kuuma Stow and Go (Amazon Price). This grill is pleasing to the eye and can be mistaken for a household BBQ. It is constructed of 100% stainless steel and it is designed to use refillable gas tanks or disposable bottles.

This model does not require any assembly and is reasonably priced for the space that you get. With 160 square inches, you can easily cook meals for the whole family. It has a thermometer and igniter as well.

The biggest benefit is that it has a removable grease tray. With this, you can easily clean the grill and store it away.

Kuuma 58110 160 Pros & Cons

When it comes to the Kuuma, the best part is the company offers this grill in both gas and charcoal. This allows you the freedom to choose!

Magma Products A10-703C Cabo Adventurer Marine Series Charcoal

Another Magma has made the list, and it’s not the last one. Mirror polished stainless steel not only looks good but it’s built for maximum corrosion resistance in the harshest marine environments.

It features 9” x 18” or 162 sq. in. grilling surface. An oversized lockable lid with draw tight latch comes with two variable temperature control draft door assemblies. It also comes with durable heat resistant all-weather plastic handle with air cooled support. 

A lower grille can easily be removed for cleaning while it’s angled side walls keep briquettes in place.

Despite its good size, A10-703C Cabo Adventurer (Amazon Price) is surprisingly portable.

Cabo Adventurer Marine Pros & Cons

Best Pontoon Boat Grills That Run On Gas

Magma Products A10-918-2GS Newport 2 Infra Gas

A10-918-2GS Newport 2 infra gas (Amazon Price) is the best of it’s kind. It is portable, durable, allows you to hook up a gas tank easily, and has 162 sq. in. of grilling space.

What is even more impressive is the dynamic combustion system that will keep your grill lit during a very windy day. I have heard of people saying the grill stays lit even during 15-20 knot winds. That is absolutely impressive.

With enough grilling space, you can use this it on a stable surface. It has foldable legs to keep it steady.

One unique feature of this grill is that it has a window thru which you can see the inside. You can also warm it up beforehand to your ideal temperature, depending on what you are cooking thanks to the hermetically-sealed temperature gauge.

Newport 2 Infra Gas Pros & Cons

Magma A10-801 TrailMate Conniosseur Series Gas

The Magma A10-801 (Amazon Price) is smaller than the one above at only 108 square inches of cooking space. However, it also is a bit less expensive while offering many great features.

It comes with an attractive stainless-steel design and the ability to free stand. Also, the gas can be mounted to the side as a portable propane tank.

TrailMate Conniosseur Series Gas Pros & Cons

Magma Products A10-1225LS Monterey Infra-Red Gourmet Series Gas

Superior corrosion resistance and lasting beauty come from 100% 18-9 mirror polished marine grade Stainless Steel.

The Magma A10-1225LS Monterey Infra-Red Propane (Amazon Price) comes with new Infra-Red technology and incorporates an Anti-Flare screen system. This system creates intense evenly distributed heat which emulsifies food drippings and gives your food a great smokey flavor.

Additional features include secondary cooking area and sealed stainless steel thermometer. Also reliable piezo igniter, full-length handle, perfectly balanced lockable lid, and swiveling control/valve regulator for quick, safe fuel canister exchanges.

Magma Products Monterey Pros & Cons

How Do You Pick The Best Pontoon Boat Grill For Your Needs

There are a few factors you should be looking at:

BBQ on a Budget

Remember that you will use this grill only a few times during the summer, don’t be like me and overspend. Just because it looks good and has all these cool features it does not mean that it’s better than others. The bottom line is, a grill is a piece of metal used to make food.

Boat Grill Usability

How are you going to use the grill? Do you enjoy cooking or do you grill just to eat? If you enjoy grilling go with the charcoal, otherwise go with the quicker cleaner gas or electric options. Gas is probably better in case you do not have electric power on you on your boat, you don’t need to drag power generator around.

Portability

Are you keeping your grill on the boat or are you taking it home? If you are keeping your grill on the boat the size is not that big of a deal, but if you don’t you should go with something small. Even a medium size grill will be a pain to transport.

What Do I Think Is The Best Grill

As I said at the beginning of this article I’m a foodie and BBQ is my favorite. I really love that smokey flavor of well-grilled steak or freshly caught fish.

Naturally, the choice should be a charcoal. Most likely Marine Kettle Charcoal Grill because of the large size and good looks. However, there is a difference between a boat and a backyard.

Yes, I have enough time to prep the grill and make food but do I really want to do that on the boat? Do I really want to clean the grill after the food is ready or do I want to enjoy the time with your loved ones? And is charcoal safe?

When I put all that on the paper I had to say no to charcoal. It was too much work and not safe enough for me.

So I decided that the best pontoon boat grill for us is A10-1225LS Monterey infra-red gourmet gas grill.

Yes, it’s very pricey. And yes it’s gas, but it does give a smokey flavor to food. And I simply love that.

I love the fact that it’s large, easy to clean and can take larger propane bottle. And on top of all that it has a secondary cooking area. How awesome is that?

You might not agree with my choice and that is ok, we all have different preferences. Ultimately grill is not what makes you happy, it’s family and friends that gather around that grill.

Now that you know what the best pontoon boat grill is maybe it’s time to learn how to beach pontoon if you already don’t know that.

I want to hear what you guys think about these BBQs. If you have bought a pontoon boat grill, which one did you get and what do you think of my choice?

By: Goran

PONTOON BOAT ACCESSORIES MAKE BOATING MORE FUN

So now you have a pontoon boat. What next? Pontoon Boat Accessories! No matter what you are using your boat for, accessories are necessities. Let’s break it down.

First things first. Pontoon boat covers. You just paid a good price for your boat, you don’t want it to get ruined by the natural elements do you? Let’s say you don’t have a boat cover, when it rains, your boat gets wet and soggy. The sun beats down on your seats, tables, grilles, etc. causing fading and making your pontoon seat material brittle over time. Wind blows leaves, twigs, branches, berries, plant seeds and anything else you can think of, then when it gets wet from the rain, those things will stain the interior of your pontoon boat. Lastly rodents will get into all your stuff and start chewing on the fabric, plastic and wires causing even more serious damage. If you don’t protect your boat it will be in very poor and ugly condition within 2 years.

You probably spent upwards of $13,000 or more for that pontoon boat. If you pay that much, it just makes sense to take care of it. Buy a pontoon boat cover and be done with it.

Now on to fun fun stuff!

Pontoon Boat Seats are by far the most important accessory. I like nothing more than lounging around in comfort at any place on the boat. Plus they have swivel seats for the front of the boat so you can sit and fish in comfort and style. Add a trolling motor with a foot pedal and you’ve got it made! My dad bought an add-on to the swivel post for my mom that actually holds an umbrella over her head so she can be in the shade! Talk about spoiled.

If you are going to hold boat parties, which you will, you’ll need plenty of seating. That’s why pontoons are nicknamed “party boats”. Seating is prime, but think if you had some tables with built in cup holders right next to them. Now your on your way to being the pontoon boat that everyone wants to party on!

It doesn’t stop there, oh no. Add a barbecue grill on your pontoon and see your friends come out of the woodwork to stuff there faces full of great and beverages of their choice!

The list of pontoon boat accessories goes on and on. All of which will make you boating much more fun. if you want to check out more of my take on accessories, feel free to visit my blog. I go into more detail and much more funny stories there! Happy boating!

Source by Jason Nightingale

PONTOON PARTY IDEAS: MUCH MORE THAN JUST FISHING AND TUBING

Traditional pontoon boating pastimes like fishing, swimming, skiing, and tubing are always good for hours of summer fun. And the merits of just plain relaxing cannot be overstated. But seasoned boaters at times find themselves asking, “How can I shake things up and break from the norm?”

Because of their size and large decks (in some cases double-decks) pontoon boats are vessels meant for festive gatherings. Whether it’s an adults-only party or camping with the kids, pontoons provide a venue for a wide variety of good times on the water. Below are just a few creative ideas.

Floating Pontoon Dinner Party

Pontoons can be equipped with all kinds of grilling and food-storage artillery, so it’s easy to host a dinner party on the water. The possible themes are endless. You can choose an ethnic or regional theme like Japanese or Midwestern, or go nautical and serve “Flank Speed Flank Steak” and “Buntline Bunt Cake,” or just take an old standard like the simple fondue party and modify its traditions — anyone who loses bread in the pot buys a round of drinks at the dockside bar. There’s no shortage of ways to get creative.

You could also reduce your prep time with a potluck dinner party. Or, get everyone into the on-deck cooking with a floating competition à la Iron Chef.

Get Your Game On, Pontoon Tournament Style

Breaking out the cribbage board or chess set on the pontoon is often a spontaneous thing, but such games are also perfect for tournaments, which can serve as the focus of the gathering and keep conversations flowing and seats shuffling. The games help fill in conversation gaps and maximize the mingling.

Also, a simple invite to “spend the afternoon on the boat” can be aggrandized into the “Seventh Annual Lake George Pinochle Tournament,” for example. It becomes an event traditions can be formed around.

If you have a friend with a pontoon on the same lake, more extravagant tournaments are possible, such as bean-bag toss with cornhole boards placed on separate, anchored boats. (If you miss the pontoon with your toss you have to dive in and get it, of course.) For other games you can have winner- and loser-bracket boats.

(picture by Harrisboats)

Birthday Party On A Pontoon

In addition to being a respite for parents, pontoon boats make terrific kid-party venues. Don’t limit yourself when throwing a birthday bash on the water. Deck your pontoon in a fun theme like tiki Hawaii or pirate shipwreck to make your child’s birthday party a fantasy adventure. Kids having too much fun can slide down “the plank” if your boat has a slide.

Pontoon Club Gatherings

Any kind of club can convene on a pontoon boat, making the meeting all the more entertaining and memorable. Cruise the open waters as your book club discusses the most recent read. Or, get a beer and wine club together and sample cocktails under the setting sun. Where better for an environmental studies or bird-watching club to gather?

Pontoon Boat Block Party

Pontoon boaters tend to have several like-minded friends who frequent the same waterways or docking areas. A pontoon boat block party operates just like a regular block party, with the added fun of boat hopping to chat with the “neighbors.”

Kick the pontoon boat party up a peg by making it a progressive dinner party where boaters start on one boat for appetizers and aperitifs, then move on for the first course, then to another boat for the main course, and then to another boat for dessert.

A riff off that idea is to have each boat feature different cuisine from different regions of the country or the world, or for each boat to prepare a different seafood dish. The possibilities are endless.

Pontoon Camping Adventures

Pontoon boat covers provide plenty of protection for sleeping under the stars on the water. Grab a group of friends, a bag of marshmallows to toast over the grill, and some flashlights and spend the night sitting on the deck telling stories about what lurks beneath the surface. This is also a fun thing to do with the family or with children’s parties or scouting groups.

Personalize It

With limitless options for fun on the water, the most important thing is to make your pontoon party suit your style. Take these ideas and make them your own with twists that match your personality. Or, let this be the guide that sparks your imagination to develop your own uniquely branded pontoon extravaganza.

Post your pontoon event pictures to our Facebook or on your Instagram with hashtag #MariDeck. We would love to see your photos and will even share if they catch our eye.

By: HarrisBoats

Tips and Tricks for Fishing with Kids

Making lifetime family memories on the water is something that just can’t be beat, and what better way to make some of those memories than fishing with the kiddos out of your Starcraft boat?  For some people, this activity can seem daunting.  I got together with Team Starcraft Pro Fisherman, Greg Yarbrough and got some awesome tips and tricks for taking tykes fishing!

To start, safety , education, and engagement are key to a successful fishing trip with the kids.  I know, I know, it feels like people are constantly harping on boat safety, but it truly is an important aspect that we need to teach the kids so that it just becomes habit.  Did you know that on average, a child needs to be told something 200 times before it starts to stick with them? 200 times! That’s a lot of patience, and a lot of “don’t forget your lifejacket!”  And the key to making safety and fun a part of the adventure is ​engagement.