Demand for a self-leveling portable grill?

[quinnrj]

I'm a technology teacher working on a design project for a class due by Tuesday, June 23, 2015. My partner & I would like to design a self-leveling portable grill.
Specs would include:
rail-mounted
propane
on deck
Does anyone on this forum think this is a good or bad idea?
Thanks for your thoughts.
-Bob

[cabo_sailor]

I think you will find more problems than you think. Especially in the gimballing. Imagine you're grilling and get hit by a nasty wake? Or a couple of nice steaks. What happens when the weight shifts while you take a steak off to flip it ? Instant overbalance.


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[Steadman Uhlich]

I don't see much need for it, when there are already solutions for the problem of grilling while sailing, to avoid a tilted grill.

Simple Answer: Just buy a catamaran.

(This is intended to be humorous.)

Now seriously: Good luck on your project. Some folks like to have grilled fish while they sail. But, most will be cooking on a grill while anchored or on a mooring.

[chris5977]

I grill all the time while sailing and think it is great idea! This grill is probably the best candidate for modification.
Marine_Kettles

[a64pilot]

My biggest issue is keeping the thing lit, if I could keep it lit in sailing winds, then self leveling would of course be nice, but since I can't keep it lit, self leveling is a non issue.

How about an auto re-lite feature? Thermocouple that will initiate a spark ignitor?


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[Cheechako]

a swing damper of some sort will help.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Bob.

Gimbaled grill for boats ➥ http://www.google.com/patents/USD248442

[BamBaLam]

What if you just created an adapter for the more popular models, like the Magma?

[quinnrj]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Bob.

Gimbaled grill for boats ➥ Patent USD248442 - Gimbaled grill for boats - Google Patents

Thanks! As part of our project, we did a patent search & saw several patents. It appears, however, that nobody has successfully used these patents.

-Bob

[biker6977]

I like the idea, I agree that it might be better to do a retro fit kit that would work with the popular models on the market. And a way to keep it lit is a must!

[Mike OReilly]

Same comment I made over at SN: Speaking as a sailor, I can't see how I would use a BBQ underway. It's not a question of it being level, it's a question of logistics and danger. Most sailboat BBQs hang on a cockpit rail, but the cockpit is a busy place while underway. The last thing I'd want is an open flame while working the sheets.

Perhaps with much larger sailboats (mine is only 37 feet), or with powerboats, it might be viable ...? I just don't see much of a need, or much of a market.

[Windsurfer]

I would like a grill with that (a) stays lit, and (b) has individual controls for each burner, the latter so I can slow cook.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by quinnrj

Thanks! As part of our project, we did a patent search & saw several patents. It appears, however, that nobody has successfully used these patents.

-Bob

Hello Bob.

Was this same project mentioned in another thread on this forum or on SailNet last year?

I seem to recall something very similar (similar sounding request), but I think it was about a year ago. ??

[quinnrj]

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

Hello Bob.

Was this same project mentioned in another thread on this forum or on SailNet last year?

I seem to recall something very similar (similar sounding request), but I think it was about a year ago. ??

The post from last year wasn't from me. I just posted on SailNet yesterday as well as here, though.

-Bob

[belizesailor]

See self leveling mounts for RADARs...probably a very similar solution.

If you actually want it to be a financially viable product then I think a universal mount that will work with any grill would be more marketable. No need to buy a whole new grill...just buy the mount. Might have other applications too.