Short answer: for a boat day, bring a grill that packs flat aboard, then cook on the sandbar or shore, never on deck. Look for thick steel that can take being knocked around, a packed size that fits a locker or under a bench, and hand setup on the sand in about a minute.
We build grills in Southeast Texas and spend plenty of weekends on the water, so we're not neutral. The steps below work with any portable charcoal grill.
The rule: pack it aboard, cook ashore
A charcoal grill rides on the boat as cargo only. Never light a charcoal grill on a boat deck or anywhere near the boat. Carry it flat, beach or anchor, and set it up on the sandbar or shore on a stable, non-combustible surface where fires are permitted.
1. Pack it aboard
- Flat beats round. Round grills don't fit boat lockers. A flat stack slides in with life jackets and anchor line. The Full Size packs to about 1.25" thick and the Compact to about 1".
- Know the weight. The Compact is about 14 lb and the Full Size about 27.6 lb, grill only. Plan who carries it off the bow.
- Keep the fuel dry. Charcoal and a chimney starter ride in a dry bag or sealed bucket.
2. Cook on the sandbar or shore
- Pick your spot. Packed sand above the waterline, clear of the boat, dry grass and anything that can burn.
- Set it up by hand. Tab and slot, no tools, about 30–60 seconds.
- Mind the air gap. The air gap is the space between the table and the bottom of the coal bed: 3⅝" on the Full Size and 2⅞" on the Compact. It helps minimize radiant heat to the surface below.
- Keep water close. A bucket of water nearby for safety.
3. Pack it out
Let everything cool completely. Pack out the cold ashes in a metal can, since you should never leave hot coals on the sand or bury them. Then stack the flat panels for the ride home.
Keeping steel happy around water
Water and salt air are hard on any steel. After a trip, rinse off sand and salt, dry every piece, and wipe on a thin coat of oil or Seasoning Balm. Light surface rust is normal and scrubs off. See our rust prevention guide.
Which size for your boat
| Compact | Full Size | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking area | 16.25" x 9" (146 sq in) | 20.5" x 11.25" (231 sq in) |
| Steel | 12-gauge carbon steel | 10-gauge carbon steel |
| Weight, grill only | About 14 lb | About 27.6 lb |
| Packed flat | About 1" thick | About 1.25" thick |
| Price, grill only | $79.97 | $139.97 |
The Compact fits smaller boats and tight lockers. The Full Size is for a full sandbar crew. Prices checked when this was published. Free shipping, lower 48 · Leaves our shop in 1–3 days.
Sandbar cookout checklist
- Grill, charcoal and a chimney starter in a dry bag or sealed bucket
- Long tongs and heat-resistant gloves
- A metal can for cold ashes
- A water bucket
- Food packed cold in the cooler, raw kept apart from ready-to-eat
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a charcoal grill on my boat?
No. Never light a charcoal grill on a boat deck or anywhere near the boat. Carry it flat aboard, then cook on the sandbar or shore. Our FAQ covers this under "Can I take the Slot Grill on a boat?"
Which size fits a small boat?
The Compact, at about 14 lb and about 1" thick packed, fits most lockers.
Will salt water ruin a carbon steel grill?
Not if you rinse, dry and oil it after trips.
More from the water: Bryan's sandbar grill and The Best Portable Grill for Beach Trips Along the Texas Gulf Coast.