I can well imagine why I was chosen to write about the Pollino Boat Grill. Since I grew up in Miami, I must know something about boats and barbeque. It is true that I know of both, but my knowledge may be somewhat impractical for the purpose of evaluating the Pollino Boat. Any insight I may have about the pleasures of seafaring come straight from my brother, experienced captain, fisherman, SCUBA diver, windsurfer, water skier, and anything else ocean-related.

Pollino Boat Grill. Designed by Bianchi.

The man can find you a lemon shark from miles away simply by noting the shape of the fin. I, on the other hand, refused to get into the water when the family went snorkeling—my father was forced to push me around in an inflatable boat which he attached by rope to his ankle. My brother is equally adept at outdoor cooking, being a connoisseur of grilled meats. He can make a mean Cuban skirt steak as well as savory Argentinean Vacío and Entraña—even Spanish chorizo. I, on the other hand, prefer a grilled mushroom. And I can’t cook to save my life. The bottom line here is that I had to filter my appreciation for the Pollino Boat Grill through the eyes of my carnivorous, Pisces sibling.

In his view, this stainless steel gas barbeque is a dream come true. Capable of attaching to the railing of a boat (optional mount), the Pollino Boat Barbeque uses a material that’s “highly resistant to weather wear.” Should you have an open fisherman without a railing, just plop the Pollino wherever you see fit. At about 22 pounds, this grill should stay put even in rough seas (excluding hurricane-force gales). Measuring 11” high by 19+” wide, the Pollino fits a few good steaks along with some peppers (or mushrooms if that’s your preference). A pilotless electronic ignitor will help you avoid unfortunate accidents when lighting the gas (interesting sidenote: on the way to attaining grillmaster status, aforementioned brother managed to burn off his eyebrows, for which the kids at school labeled him “Barbie”—for the doll or the form of cooking no one can say). The Pollino Boat Barbeque uses disposable propane tanks, which is the one major design flaw, though it’s no fault of the manufacturer, the Southern Italian company Bianchi (located in the toe of the boot). The disposable propane tanks are a huge pet peeve of mine, because they are not refillable or recyclable; they just end up as useless junk in the landfill. Someone needs to invent small propane tanks that can be refilled, or repurpose the tanks into something practical or artistic—or both!