Magma Grills

Have the 15" Magma grills changed much over the years? My buddy has one thats over 10 years old and looks just like the ones I see that are new online.
 
The lid was originally not hinged. It had to be balanced (vertically) on the edge of the grill. The older ones didn't have a self-igniter.
 
Lazy Daze said:
The lid was originally not hinged. It had to be balanced (vertically) on the edge of the grill. The older ones didn't have a self-igniter.
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cool, I might be grabbing it from him, maybe Ill rig up a better way to hang the lid, and installing a BBQ lighter should not be a problem.
Thanks
 
Henn said:
cool, I might be grabbing it from him, maybe Ill rig up a better way to hang the lid, and installing a BBQ lighter should not be a problem.
Thanks
Click to expand...

As long as you don't bump it too hard, it works well. I just use a gas match stick to light it. It's been working that way for me for about 11 years, now - no complaints!
 
I am trying to decide between the Newport and Catalina grill for our 280DA. I am pretty sure it will be mounted on the swim platform with a bracket under the ladder hatch.

For those that have Magma grills, a few questions:
- How much mess do these create below their mounting point while in use?
- What routine do you follow to clean the grill before packing up?
- Regarding the Newport vs the Catalina, we are a family of four (kids 4 and 6), occasionally will be cooking for a couple more, and maybe twice a season for 8. Any opinion about the usefulness of each size grill?

I am leaning towards the Newport thinking it will offer sufficient cooking space and also a little easier to store. Anyone have any advice?
 
bajturner said:
I am trying to decide between the Newport and Catalina grill for our 280DA. I am pretty sure it will be mounted on the swim platform with a bracket under the ladder hatch.

For those that have Magma grills, a few questions:
- How much mess do these create below their mounting point while in use?
- What routine do you follow to clean the grill before packing up?
- Regarding the Newport vs the Catalina, we are a family of four (kids 4 and 6), occasionally will be cooking for a couple more, and maybe twice a season for 8. Any opinion about the usefulness of each size grill?

I am leaning towards the Newport thinking it will offer sufficient cooking space and also a little easier to store. Anyone have any advice?
Click to expand...

I bought Catalina infrared version and had to return it since it was just a little too big for the storage shelf I made. So, I got Newport infrared instead and pretty happy with the choice. Don't forget also that larger grill will use more propane while the top shelf is not used frequently (at least in our case). We have family of 4 and Newport is just fine for us.

It doesn't create any mess under the grill from just grilling. These grills have the collecting tray that is easy to take out and clean. Most of the mess is from scrabing the grill with the cleaning brush. But, this is why having the setup on the swim platform is the best as it makes it very easy to clean the platform.

I don't do anything special and clean it just like the house grill.
 
bajturner said:
Thanks for the advice Alex. That settles it for me! Less $$ too!!
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Yea, same here Alex! I have a 280DA and have been debating them too. Family of four here too, with two younger kids. The Catalina seems more appropriate, 12x18 cooking surface for four, but the Newport is 9x18 and claims "8 burgers at once". Well, that seems like it could work. Not to mention I plan to store it in the ER and need to save all the room I can get in there. Leaning towards Newport now too based on that advice.

Tom
 
This thread will help you guys to get better ideas on storage solution: http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31552&highlight=isinglass+storage&page=3

The way I looked at it is that Catalina has slightly larger main grilling section and the rest of the benefit goes to the 2nd level shelf. But, I never use the top shelf even at home, so I saw no point to suffer with the oversized storage battle and waste of propane. The extra $80-$100 didn't bother me as it's one time investment for many years of usage. When grilling on Newport, I still end up doing it twice. First round is for grilled veggies and then for second one comes the meat. If you run out of room it'll only take 5-7 min (for fish even less) to cook the remaining stuff on the already preheated grill, which I find as a very reasonable compromise for smaller grill.
 
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As highlighted, I have the Newport grill and I'm happy with it. The Newport is large enough to cook, but small enough to mount on stern hatch rail. Also, and given its mounting location, I'd be concerned that any bigger grill wouldn't work. Some have opined that I might damage the gell coat on stern or get it dirty when cooking. I've not experienced any of these problems, but might with a bigger gill. My two cents.
 
Al Gross said:
...but small enough to mount on stern hatch rail.
Click to expand...

Out of curiosity Al, is there any problem accessing the hatch when the grill is intalled? I assume it simply rotates towards the bow when the hatch opens. Does any debris from inside fall out, possibly onto the bench seat along the back?
 
Alex F said:
This thread will help you guys to get better ideas on storage solution: http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31552&highlight=isinglass+storage&page=3

The way I looked at it is that Catalina has slightly larger main grilling section and the rest of the benefit goes to the 2nd level shelf. But, I never use the top shelf even at home, so I saw no point to suffer with the oversized storage battle and waste of propane. The extra $80-$100 didn't bother me as it's one time investment for many years of usage. When grilling on Newport, I still end up doing it twice. First round is for grilled veggies and then for second one comes the meat. If you run out of room it'll only take 5-7 min (for fish even less) to cook the remaining stuff on the already preheated grill, which I find as a very reasonable compromise for smaller grill.
Click to expand...

Thanks Alex, great info and great photos of the install!

Tom
 
Magma Newport using a rod holder mount. I don't usually leave it up but I did this day. Its pretty solid on the rold holder and the mount swivels fully so you can get it perfectly level.

MagmaBBQ.jpg
 
Today's find. Guy at work had one for fifty dollars. 17 inch complete with mount. Wanted a new one with hing lid and only 14 inch, but this will work
bigblockcutlass-albums-boat-picture52849-boat-grill.jpg
 
I just upgraded from Kettle to the Newport with "locking" rod holder so it doesn't move underway. Super solid!! Also purchased the cutting board and the carrying case. Love it!!!!!!

DSC00331.jpg


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