Grilling on a boat combines two of life's great pleasures: Boating and cooking out. The fresh sea breeze and the gentle rocking of the boat under the warm sun make for a BBQ experience unlike any other. And scientists agree* that food grilled on a boat just tastes better.
Whether you’re anchored at a peaceful cove or enjoying a sunset while moored, your Pursuit boat is the perfect place to fire up the grill and cook lunch or dinner or anything else. And so, we've written this comprehensive guide to get you grilling on your boat, complete with boat grilling ideas, practical preparations and thoughts, and a brief look at the actual cooking process.
(*not really, but probably)
Boat Grilling Ideas
The key to a successful boat BBQ is in the preparation. For recipes, think about simplicity and quick cooking times. Kebabs are a fantastic option; you can prep them before setting sail and they’re easy to cook. Consider marinated shrimp or chicken skewers, with bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for a colorful and tasty meal.
One of the great benefits of grilling onboard is that you never have to eat the same protein twice! Fish freshly caught off the side of your Pursuit boat or lobster dived off the bottom, can be grilled to perfection. For fish, a simple recipe is to season the fillets with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Wrap them in foil and place them on the grill. Within minutes, you’ll be enjoying the freshest fish possible.
When it comes to produce and proteins, opt for hearty vegetables like asparagus, corn on the cob, or stuffed bell peppers that can stand up to the grill's heat. As for proteins, aside from fish, thinner cuts of meat like flank steak or chicken breasts cook quickly and are less likely to dry out.
How to Cook on a Boat: Practical Steps and Considerations
Grilling on a boat requires more attention to detail than grilling in your backyard. Here are some practical steps and considerations to ensure your safety and delicious outcomes:
. Planning and Preparation is Key
Even though your Pursuit Boat is thoughtfully designed to make the best possible use of the available space on board, space on any boat is always at a premium, so prepare as much of your meal as you can before you leave the dock. Marinate meats, cut vegetables, and have everything ready to go in separate containers.
. Keep it Simple
As we wrote in our previous blog on cooking onboard your boat, the best approach to cooking on board is to keep your meals simple. This reduces cooking time, makes meal prep simpler and, if you're really strategic about it, can also save on fridge and freezer space onboard.
. Get the Right Tools
Just like a backyard grill, you need the right tools if you're going to successfully maintain your position as king or queen of the grill. For that reason, if you don't already have a grilling set onboard, be sure to pick one up before leaving the dock. Grilling sets are available from most major retailers and some are even marketed as being made of marine-grade stainless steel, to help prevent or slow down corrosion while they're on board.
Before you even start though, be sure you're familiar with how the grill works. Have you read the instruction manual? Know how to use your grill safely and effectively before doing anything else.
. Secure Your Grill
If you own a Pursuit Boat, then this advice may not apply to you if you own a model that has the benefit of a built-in electric grill. For everyone else though, note that before you begin, the grill should be securely mounted to your boat to prevent any movement. Many grills can be attached to the rail or a rod holder, for example. Just ensure it’s not close to any flammable materials, particularly things like biminis, boat fabrics, and clothing.
. Check the Wind Direction
Always be aware of the wind direction. You want to avoid smoke blowing into the boat's cabin or causing flames to become unmanageable.
. Boat Stability
Ensure that your boat is stable before starting to grill. Therefore, it's usually best to only grill while your boat is anchored or tied up. Take the opportunity to put on some relaxing tunes and soak up the moment. This is your time to kick back and - for a few hours at least - forget about that difficult client, or James in Accounting, or that problematic project.
. Safety Equipment
Have a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit readily available in case of emergencies. If you have the space, a fire blanket is always good to have. We know you probably won't need them, of course, but it's always best to be prepared.
Now that we've got everything ready and the boat is tied up or anchored, it's time to start cooking.
The Cooking Process
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Before you begin, click the BBQ tongs together twice. That's the universal BBQ rule.
Since boat grills are often smaller than the backyard grills many of us are used to using at home, you may need to cook in batches if necessary. This could involve some planning. If kids are on board, consider cooking their food first to keep them happy and keep the tantrums to a minimum.
While cooking, don't ever leave the lit grill unattended.
On electric grills, which are typically installed on Pursuit Boats, we recommend adding some water to the drip tray. One cup of water should be more than sufficient. Even though an electric grill is technically flame-free, bits of food that fall through to the drip tray can still heat up, burn, and catch fire there if the tray and its contents are dry.
After grilling, switch the grill off as soon as you're finished, and then let it cool completely before closing the cover/stowing it away. If your grill is a non-electric type, be sure to store and safely dispose of any coals once back on land.
Finally, regularly clean the grill, taking care to remove grease and fat buildup. This reduces the chance of fire and dangerous flare-ups. Ideally, your grill should be cleaned after every use.
Closing Thoughts
Grilling on your Pursuit boat offers a delicious and memorable way to enjoy your catch of the day or even to simply entertain friends and family with a yummy flame-cooked meal amidst the beauty of open waters. By having the right equipment, preparing properly ahead of time, and following the practical steps we've suggested, you can ensure that your grilling experience is smooth sailing every time.
If your current boat doesn't have a convenient electric grill onboard, then as you can see, you're missing out and it's time to upgrade to a Pursuit and become part of the Pursuit family. Contact our sales team today and they will gladly introduce you to your nearest authorized Pursuit Boats dealer.