Boat BBQs Done Right: Tips for Safe and Delicious Grilling on the Water
How-to
Jun 25, 2025
The SeaPeople Guide to BBQing on a Boat: Sizzle, Safety, and Seaworthy Fun
There’s nothing like grilling on deck with the sun setting over the horizon and a cold drink in hand. But BBQing on a boat comes with a few unique challenges — and safety considerations — that every sailor should know. In this post, the SeaPeople community shares tried-and-true tips for mastering the art of boat barbecuing, from gear to grilling etiquette.
Choose the Right Marine Grill
Not all grills are built for life on the water, and choosing the right one depends on your boat type, cooking style, and space.
Propane grills are a popular choice for their ease of use and clean burn, making them great for quick meals and easy ignition.
Charcoal grills offer that classic smoky flavor but require more cleanup and can be trickier in windy conditions. Watch out for your Bimini with open flames!!!
Rail-mounted grills save deck space and offer stability underway, while freestanding or tabletop grills can be useful on larger decks or during beach cookouts.
No matter what you choose, look for a marine-rated grill made from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel, and always ensure it’s mounted or placed securely in a well-ventilated area. Grilling safely starts with the right equipment.
Safety First: Fire Rules on the Water
Grilling on a boat means keeping fire safety front and center. We recommend grilling only when you're stationary (never under sail!) and keeping a fire extinguisher and fire blanket within easy reach. Keep the grill away from sails, canvas, and anything flammable, and assign someone to stay on “grill watch” until the flames are out.
Conserving & Filling Propane
Luckily, propane is one of the most common cooking gasses anywhere in the world. So, getting your propane tanks filled is rarely an issue for most SeaPeople users. There are two primary valve types for propane tanks used globally, so make sure you send someone in SeaPeople a DM, or start a HAIL, and get some local knowledge on the type of tank you need for the countries you plan to visit.
Tips:
Aluminum and even fiberglass tanks are light, rust free, and typically much less likely to create leaking tank situations.
The rubber 0-rings in the propane tank valves are one of the most common failure points for a propane system. Grabbing a couple spares before you go could save you a lot of searching in a remote place.
On land, long grill warm-ups and using high heat to clean the grill after use are common. Most SeaPeople users try to keep their grills on for as little time as possible to avoid having to seek refills more often. The good thing: small marine grills get hot fast!
Master the Art of Marine-Friendly Menus
Here’s how the SeaPeople community approaches menus on the water: keep it simple, flavorful, and easy to clean up. Skewers, foil packs, or quick-cooking seafood are always favorites. Avoid heavy sauces or complicated dishes — fewer ingredients mean less mess and more time enjoying the view. And if you’re feeding a crew, grill in batches so everyone gets a hot bite.
Need ideas? Who hasn't! Join the "Recipes" group on SeaPeople for some tips, tricks, & advice on cooking with limited ingredients and a whole lot of creativity.
Be Neighborly: Respect the Vibe
We often hear from sailors who’ve had magical evenings sharing grilled meals with neighbors at anchor — and also from those whose peace was broken by a smoky, noisy BBQ party next door. Keep music low, mind the wind direction (smoke drifts!), and invite nearby boats to join instead of overwhelm. It’s all about good anchorage etiquette.
Grilling vs the Galley
Beyond the sunset views, the benefits to grilling underway vs cooking down below are a plenty.
🌡️ It's cooler: Grilling on deck can keep the oven and stove off down below. Keeping the inside of your boat much cooler when you're in hot climates
🧯 It's safer?: This is up for debate, but we know the majority of yacht fires start in the galley. Keeping the flames on deck is arguably safer.
👃 It's less smelly: Boat interiors are typically wooden and lots of upholstered surfaces. Coupled with tight quarters and less air exchanges than a home, you can see why yacht interiors hold smells. Grilling fish on deck vs down below is a no brainer.
Know the Local Laws and Customs
Some marine parks and harbors have rules about open flames, and in some places, even BBQing on deck can be restricted. Always check local regulations before lighting up. SeaPeople members can share tips about where grilling is encouraged — and where it’s better to cook inside — so be sure to ask around or check the app before you plan.
Make It a Moment, Not Just a Meal
For many SeaPeople sailors, the best BBQs aren’t just about the food — they’re about creating community. Whether it’s a quiet sunset dinner with your crew or a spontaneous potluck on the beach, BBQing on a boat is one of those simple pleasures that turns into a core memory. So grill safely, eat well, and share the moment.
As SeaPeople user, Julie, wrote it while sailing in Port de Pollença:
“Port de Pollença is beautiful, but it’s mostly the people and the moments we shared that made this trip so special. Memories to cherish forever, made on the water, in the sun, and under the stars.”
Whether you're flipping burgers, toasting skewers, or just passing around plates under the stars, grilling on the water is about more than dinner — it’s about community.
