Mounting A BBQ

S

Swee Pea

New member
I know this topic has come up. but... I am in the process of making a bracket for a COBB BBQ. The BBQ uses 8 coals but the unit itself remains cool so it can be handled and moved. Most of the cooking occurs over coals, cover on, but no flame. The unit itself can be placed on the deck with no problem.

I don't want to clutter the deck or bend over the grill. I devised a mount system for the gunwale. My question is .. when mounting the BBQ, how far from the gas vent should it be? I read somewhere that one owner of a propane grill mounted it over the gas tanks near the motor. Does the gas tank vent pose a serious threat to the operation of the BBQ? I don't want to blow myself into never never land. Any help will be appreciated.

John P
 
I mounted our propane BBQ over the motor well and really have no concern over the explosion hazard, barring a major gasoline leak. At which point, I hope I'd have the sense not to light the thing. Seriously though, I think as long as you are a reasonable distance from the vent (i.e.-not right on top of it) that you would be well below the lower explosive limit of a gas:air mixture and thus could grill away with impunity.
Al
 
Swee Pea


Here's my best-guess opinion on your questions!

Sounds like you have a very user-friendly and comparatively safe unit. Many on-board BBQ's are propane, and should therefore be mounted to the outside of the gunnel to prevent gas build-up in the event of a flame-out.

The gas vents usually don't present much of a real threat unless the tanks have been overfilled, and vented vapors and particularly liquid gas are being spilled from the vents, as would be especially the case in rough water.

However, I'd keep the hot coals away from the vents and the tanks, for that matter, as far as conveniently possible, say up around the forward part of the gunnel near the cabin bulkhead and at least 2 feet from the vents.

Some people mount BBQ's over the engine well, which is not bad for gaseous propane when the engine isn't running as the unburned propane gas from a flame out will run out the drains at the rear of the well.

Your real danger is the vents, along with the possibility that the BBQ might spill hot coals into the cockpit if disturbed or dropped when being moved for some unforseen reason. I'd design a mount that could be used on either side of the boat (to allow use when tied up to either side of a dock and allow entrance to the boat) and hold the BBQ out over the water.

Some ready-made mounts utilize fishing rod holders as bases to make dual use of the mounts, and the design could be copied if it works for you and your BBQ.

Best advice yet: Wherever you mount it, be sure you have the right kind of fire extinguisher mounted as close as possible nearby.

Hope this helps! Bon Apetit! Joe.
 
Swee Pea - John

I've got one of those round Magma Stainless Gas Grills on Captain's Choice and the bracket that the arm fits in is mounted on top of the Starboard Lazarette Cover. That way, I can swing it in to light/check it, out to BBQ. While it's near the vent from the Stbd Gas tank, gasoline fumes are heavier than air and should go down, rather than up. With any kind of air moving at all, it should never even be an issue.

If something gets out of hand (I've been known to offer a burnt sacrifice :amgry :amgry if I don't pay more attention to the BBQ than the vino) I can either flip the flaming food into the drink or pull the pin and write off the whole shebang! :smileo

Charlie
 
I have mounted my Magma grill to the handles on the port or starboard side of the cabin bulkhead exterior. That way it is over the side and any drippings do not get on the deck or gunnels.

Steve
 
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