Tips for Safe Cookouts on Your Boat

What’s an afternoon on the boat without a cookout? Grilling up hot dogs and hamburgers is a tradition for many boaters; but while many seasoned boaters may be aware of cookout safety, some new boaters may need to brush up on safety tips before firing up the grill. Here are some of the most important basics of boat cookout safety.

• Chill your food: Most foods will need to be chilled before and after cooking/eating. Items such as chicken/tuna salad, meats and cheeses should be out for no longer than an hour. Make sure you have a large cooler with plenty of ice to prevent food from spoiling.

• Charcoal grills: These grills are generally cheaper and simpler to operate. Bear in mind that rectangular grills have more surface area, along with an extra warming rack in many models. If you don’t need to cook as much food, you may prefer a smaller kettle grill.

• Gas grills: These grills are more complex, but easier to operate and better for the environment. Before use, inspect the hoses and clear out blockages with a pipe cleaner or cotton swab to keep it running smoothly. Establish a no-smoking/no-fire rule around the grill in case there’s a leak, which could ignite. Many newer models are designed to shut down automatically if there’s a leak, so you may consider purchasing a new grill for optimal safety.

• Construction: Your grill should be constructed with marine-grade stainless steel to prevent corrosion. Other desirable features include a latchable lid, a double-lined interior shell and an easily accessible grease pan.

• Mounting hardware: All mounting hardware should be corrosion resistant and allow the grill to pivot into several positions and lock it in place. You may consider a quick-disconnect system, which leaves no hardware on the rail when removed.

Enhance your marine safety with the right coverage. Call G & H Financial Insurance Services at (281) 395-5497 for more information on Katy boat insurance.