The Barbecue Dining Boat aka BBQ Donut Boat Review

The Barbecue Dining Boat aka BBQ Donut Boat is a metallic orange, circular boat that seats up to ten passengers around a charcoal kettle grill in the middle. The grill drops into a central plastic table and is surrounded by ten molded place settings of one plate tray, one silverware tray and three beverage holders each. A bench with six built-in storage cabinets wraps around the inside perimeter of the boat (see below).

Powered by a 30 watt electric trolling motor, it goes 2.5 MPH in calm water and can withstand small waves up to 1 foot 8 inches high.  New to the United States, The Barbecue Boat is made in Germany from stainless steel and ABS PMMA plastic. ABS PMMA performs well for outdoor use and has good UV resistance to preserve the bright orange color and attractive finish. The hull is UV resistant polyethylene with an anti-static additive to repel dirt during construction.

An OUTDOORCHEF Easy 570 charcoal kettle is at the heart of this vessel. It may be switched for a gas model of the same size. OUTDOORCHEF is a Swiss company, sometimes referred to as the European Weber. Their grills are very popular and highly regarded in many areas of the world, but are not currently marketed and sold in the USA. These models have hinged lids and black porcelain coated steel bodies and grates. A patented heat diffuser funnel is OUTDOORCHEF’s most unique feature. The large cone shaped, porcelain coated, metal diffuser is located between the coal grate and cooking grate. With the funnel tapering down to the bottom, it creates a radiant bowl that provides even heat and prevents flare ups. Many report the funnel enables outstanding versatility, not only for roasting and indirect cooking, but baking as well. Flip the funnel over with the small opening pointed upward for Vulkanposition, (volcano position), and concentrate heat to the center grate for searing and use with a griddle or wok. Too bad these are not readily available in the USA because they sure look good. Check out this gas model:

With a $50,000 price tag, The Barbecue Boat is not for everyone. European restaurants and resorts make up the majority of owners. They appear quite popular. We’ve seen many images and video clips of them in use at various locations and settings. Some resorts have fleets of BBQ Boats.

Right now there are only a few in the USA. We were unable to see one, but Water Ventures asserts fit and finish are excellent in keeping with Germany’s reputation for high quality manufacturing. It comes with an eleven foot retractable umbrella made of translucent cloth that may be printed for advertising. Four rechargeable batteries at 75 Amp Hours each provide up to eight hours of continuous use from a ten hour charge. Also included are a UV protective cover and large round ice tray that can be substituted for the grill. Custom lighting and audio systems are available. Suitable for salt or fresh water it is 12 feet 6 inches long, 11 feet 9 inches wide, 8 feet 8 inches high and weighs 1100 pounds empty.

Sold in the USA through Hammacher Schlemmer, the price includes delivery and installation.