HOME  :: WHAT'S NEW :: PROJECTS :: SAILING :: MAINTENANCE :: RESOURCES  
  THE REBUILDING  ::  SMALL PROJECTS  ::  TECHNICAL  

The BBQ Grill
This page was last updated on 26 June 2002.
 

One of the more important pieces of gear on board is our new Magma gas BBQ grill.  I pit the grill together according to the directions, and attached it to the stern rail with an extra-cost bracket.  (Of course...).  Now the real reason for having a stern rail becomes clear!

For now, we will run the grill off portable propane containers.  However, eventually it will be connected into the boat's main LPG system (of course, getting that system completed first would be a big step in the right direction!).

We used the BBQ successfully all season, going through a couple bottles of propane.  I covered the grill with the blue nylon bag that comes with it, since Heidi is going to make a Sunbrella cover to match our Toast canvas.  This bag deteriorated in the sunlight, and was severely ripped by the end of the season.  

When I removed the grill a few days before we pulled the mast, there was a lovely KER-PLUNK as the venturi tube, which had somehow unthreaded itself from the bottom of the grill, fell into the water when I removed the grill cover.  I ordered a new one--they're not too expensive, fortunately.

Heidi made a new grill cover out of the same toast Sunbrella we use throughout the boat.

Propane Cylinder Storage

lpgbag.JPG (159554 bytes)We use a small bag that hangs off the stern rail to store three small camp propane cylinders (a bag that is made for the purpose).  In addition, we store lighters and the regulator in the bag.  However, more storage space was needed for our long cruise in 2002, so I decided to try an idea I had read about somewhere.  Why do I want so many cylinders on board?  Mostly for convenience.  I don't feel like chasing them down in random ports down the coast, even though these cylinders tend to be found everywhere.  If I have the room, why not store more than we need?  Plus, these cylinders, with a special adapter, can be used to fuel our main stove in the cabin if our big cylinder becomes empty.

Why not, you say, just run our grill right off the main tank?  Well, that would be nice.  I hope maybe to do this eventually.  However, on our boat, the main tank is located on deck just aft of the mast--the best compromise solution based on so many difficult factors, safety being the frontrunner.  To run a hose aft to the tank--note that each appliance must be a continuous length of hose from the tank tot he appliance, not teed off another line--I would have to run the hose inside the cabin, much like my hose to the galley stove.  Well, I don't really want to drill another huge hole in my cabin trunk and run another ugly fuel line through the head before it can become hidden behind cabinets in the salon...it's just a logistical problem on our boat.  Eventually, I may even consider a smaller, second LPG tank located on the stern rail or something, to which I can connect the grill.  This seems to be the most workable solution, and perhaps will replace our storage system someday.  But I like my $10 storage tube, filled with $1.49 LPG cylinders, rather than another $200 aluminum LPG tank, thanks.

I purchased a length of 4" schedule 40 PVC pipe, a threaded cleanout (cap) fitting, and a blank end cap.  I had heard that the little cylinders would fit snugly inside this pipe; you can clamp or otherwise secure the pipe to the stern pulpit or backstay or something.  I glued the appropriate ends on after trying out the cylinders for fit inside.  Maybe this isn't the prettiest solution...but then again, it's not that bad either.  And no, it's not a potato gun or whatever.  I think I'll put big letters LPG on the side of this thing so that it will be self-evident what it's for.  It does look a little like a depth-charge launcher or something, though.  Maybe the PWCs (Personal Water Craft--jet skis) will give me a wide berth just in case.

tightfit.JPG (177169 bytes)They weren't kidding about the snug fit--it's perfect, really.  The cylinders fit very nicely inside.  I tied strings to the bottle necks so that I could pull the tanks out of the deep cylinder.  Five cylinders fit perfectly inside 3' of PVC pipe--perhaps this is a bit long, but it's really on board just for the cruise.  Later I'll remove it and revert to the bag only for standard weekend-type sailing.  When we need the extra stowage again, I'll reinstall the pipe.  The bystander comments are already beginning, though...I rode in on the launch with someone after I installed the pipe and they were just idiotic about the whole thing.  Geez, you try a little ingenuity and some people look at you like you're crazy.  Plus, they didn't get my joke about the PWC thing...well, they can think about it while they're at the office, as well as puzzle away about how someone could (gasp!) put something that didn't come directly from West Marine on their boat.  Me--I'll be cruising, thanks, with lots of propane for my grilled burgers.  :<p  I like my storage cylinder.

To allow any propane fumes to properly vent, I drilled a 1" hole in the bottom cap of the pipe.  With the pipe angled slightly, the vent is free to release any vapors.


Glissando, Pearson  Triton #381
www.triton381.com 

We recommend viewing this site with your screen resolution set to 1024 x 768 or larger.  Problems?  Email the webmaster.

©1999-2014 by Timothy C. Lackey.  All rights reserved.  No duplication of any portion of this website allowed without express permission.  Permission may be obtained by emailing the webmaster.