Charcoal Grill on a Mac

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2BonC
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Charcoal Grill on a Mac

Post by 2BonC »

When I´ve read the input above gas grillmounts on a :macx: I was thinking about the possibility to use a charcoal grill on board of a :macx:
I think it´s not dangerous for the boat as long as it´s mounted to be placed outboard above the water.
Howabout a Cob-grill, do You think it can be operated inside the cockpit.

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Re: Charcoal Grill on a Mac

Post by Navyvet »

If you can figure out a mount to have it able to toss over the rail just incase I would think np. Life has a way of finding simple ideas work if you do them safely.
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Re: Charcoal Grill on a Mac

Post by Love MACs »

2BonC wrote:You think it can be operated inside the cockpit.
I think the simple answer is Yes. But would I want to do it... No! The heat in would generate in the summer months would be unwanted and to do so in the fall or colder months could lead to a build up of fumes, especially if the hatches were closed. Also there is the odd chance of a spill and hot charcoals rolling around in the cabin... causes much concern.

I would stick to the outside mount, as stated (way) outside the rails, but then there is worry of safely dumping hot lumps of coal around a plastic boat. Or really any boat for that matter. In my thinking the fuel tank are just to exposed for that. :|

Good luck on what ever u decide.

Allan
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2BonC
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Re: Charcoal Grill on a Mac

Post by 2BonC »

Allan,
You are right, I have totally forgotten the fuel tanks :o
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hart
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Re: Charcoal Grill on a Mac

Post by hart »

I have both a gas Magma that came with the boat and a charcoal Magma that was unwanted by somebody and given to me. I usually use the propane one because it's more convenient but I admit the charcoal does taste better.

I only use the charcoal grill when I have enough time to let the coals cool completely before disposal. I've never done it but dumping hot coals in the water seems to make a hull of a mess. So I wait for them to cool, like overnight, then place them in a bag and take to shore for disposal.

I've tried mounting the grill on the stanchion near the cabin top but I usually prefer mounting it in the aft port corner of the cockpit instead. Either way the Magma brand mount I've got keeps the grill over the water and not over the boat.
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Re: Charcoal Grill on a Mac

Post by bubba »

We own a Magma with the hinged top and I added a 1.5 gallon propane tank to the motor well on our M. the grill is attached to the stern rail seat frame over the port rudder when we put in. We think it works very well especially with a pizza stone on the grill for fresh baked pizza and other great food.
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School House Steve
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Re: Charcoal Grill on a Mac

Post by School House Steve »

Used charcoal can be safely stored in an airtight 50 cal ammo box. The used coals can be used again to start the next fire. This is what we had to do when whitewater rafting down the Rouge river in Southern Oregon since no waste could be left behind, not even a circle of stones to show evidence of a fire pit. My bar-b-que was made out a of metal oil drain pan with with grill, cost $ 5.00. Now have gas Magma, cost $200.00 my how times have changed. Charcoal still tastes better than gas.

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Bransher
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Re: Charcoal Grill on a Mac

Post by Bransher »

I use the Cobb Grill on my 2007 26M. I set it on the cockpit’s outside step in front of the companionway while I remain inside the cabin. The sliding Galleys position next to the ladder is very convenient as I can reach the Cobb Grill and the Galley without ever having to move.

Unlike conventional charcoal grills, the Cobb only requires about 5 briquettes to produce enough heat to cook a meal for one or two persons. The base of the Cobb remains cool to the touch, but I do not think it would be wise to use it inside the cabin.
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Re: Charcoal Grill on a Mac

Post by Kelly Hanson East »

No charcoal stoves below decks please - charcoal is a real 'incomplete combuster' and will make a lot of CO that will snuff you out. I wouldnt use a propane grill down below either although they are much less likely to pump out CO.

I moored up in Vineyard Sound last summer and watched a neighbor on a 23 footer fire up a wood fire in his cockpit - flames were shooting up about 5 feet on deck...some accelerant I guess..... :| :| :| :| :|
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Re: Charcoal Grill on a Mac

Post by tangentair »

I am toying with alternatives to my single burner butane that sits in the cockpit on top of the traveler. Can't use it when sailing, don't want it down below unless I can resolve the odd gust-of-wind=heeled-over issues. Don't like the price of the Magmas and there is no way I would ever use charcoal within the parimeter of my boat if there was any water near for jet skis or power boats pass by at speed. I have used it many times on the dock and stored the "cooled off" grill back on the boat. That cobb looks great for a shore lunch option.
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Currie
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Re: Charcoal Grill on a Mac

Post by Currie »

I'm with Steph ("Kelly Hanson East"). CO isn't much lighter than air so it's not easily vacated from the cabin. Charcoal and confined spaces are one way people sometimes decide to...how to say...check themselves out :| .
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Re: Charcoal Grill on a Mac

Post by kmclemore »

The other issue with charcoal, beyond the CO issues, is what if it somehow spills? (via a strong swell, rogue wave, wake, etc.) That would be a real mess... and could end up permanently damaging the boat. As much as charcoal may taste better, I'll stick with propane.
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2BonC
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Re: Charcoal Grill on a Mac

Post by 2BonC »

For the Cobb the CO-objections might be aplicable but spilling is allmost no risk. Usually everything including the charcoal is covered by the aluminium base and the uper shell.
However prior taking the steak from the grill, have a look around for strong swell, rogue wave, wake and someone passing by at 23 mph with :macx: and a Suzuki DF 50 :D :D :D

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Re: Charcoal Grill on a Mac

Post by Russ »

2BonC wrote:Howabout a Cob-grill, do You think it can be operated inside the cockpit.
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Rainer
That is a cool grill. Very clever design and I bet the food tastes great.
If it doesn't get hot on the bottom, I would make sure it has some rubber feet or something non-skid to keep it from sliding.

The mess of charcoal doesn't seem worth the trouble on a boat. I had a charcoal magma on our old boat that worked great, but the coals were messy and the thing hung off the back of the boat where we could just dump them out. I'd hate to have to clean something out on a boat as small as a Mac.

Also, the price here in the states for a Cobb is only a few dollars cheaper than a propane Magma. Ours cost $150 plus the mount and cover. It hangs off the stern where all the junk drips overboard and smoke is behind us. It's the best thing we added to the boat. Nothing tastes better than grilled flesh at sunset with an adult beverage in hand.
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Re: Charcoal Grill on a Mac

Post by bastonjock »

i do like the idea of the cob,but any possibility of a hot ember landing on the gas tank put me off the idea.i have the magma,its not quite as good as charcoal for taste,but i really do like it.I have no regretts on buying my magma,it cooks a mean steak C130 king usually supplys the steak,grade A corn raised beef :)
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