OK, remember my efforts to mount my Magma Kettle 2 barbecue/stove onto a Scotty downrigger mounting plate? I contacted Magma, and heard back from Lezlye in Customer Service right away. They’re a helpful bunch. Here’s part of their response:
I have reviewed both your email and article with our engineering department and they feel that the rod on our A10-120 mount is bent just about to its limit and any further bending at the original bend point would certainly weaken it, if not break it. However, you may add more angle by simply bending it at a different location on the rod, either a few inches up or down from the initial bend.
Also, none of us recall ever receiving a request for a mount to fit a downrigger pad, so I discussed this with both our sales and engineering departments. Both felt the reason for this is probably that most boats with downriggers also have rod holders, and our A10-175 and T10-355 rod holder mounts are our most popular grill mount options.
The day after I contacted Magma, Fisheries Supply called to tell me that my Magma A10-165 Scotty rod holder grill mount was in.
What the heck? Oh, right. I had forgotten requesting this item entirely! So I compared it with the A10-120 mount I already had.
And I’ve made a decision:
I’m going with the new rod-holder mount. Those Scotty rod holder sockets are cheap and easy to get, AND they can be mounted on horizontal OR vertical surfaces. This makes for a very versatile mounting scheme!
So I guess I’ve come around to Magma’s way of thinking: if the boat’s got downriggers, it’s probably got rod holders, and lots of boats without downriggers also have rod holders. So Magma ought to sell a mount designed for all the popular rod holders, and nevermind downriggers. Duh! 
Anyway, in case you haven’t figured out from the pictures, I got it all installed today, and tested it out by making myself some tea.
This grill location is really superb now; not too high, and right over the handy counter/work surface. The cook can stay out of the rain/sun under the canvas, but the grill is out beyond the canvas, allowing heat and steam to escape. The grill can be used with the engine raised or lowered. If there’s a downside, I haven’t found it yet.
Can I use the rod holder mount for an actual rod holder in this location, though? Probably not. I’ll live.
So now I’ve got an extra Magma A10-120 mount I don’t need. Complete, except for the packaging! Almost new! I’ll even throw in the hardware so you can mount it to a Scotty downrigger plate! Anyone? Anyone?
8 responses so far ↓
ted franklin // Jan 13, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Aren’t you worried about fire in that location? Hanging the barbecue a few inches from 36 gallons of fuel on the C-Dory and right beside the motor seems a tad risky, no?
Tim Flanagan, Managing Editor // Jan 14, 2008 at 8:49 am
Probably. I doubt there’s a grill mount location on a C-Dory that doesn’t increase the risk of fire. Well, I guess the bow pulpit would be pretty safe.
But that’s one reason I post these things. I’m learning here, too.
So in order to move forward, I need to understand the risk better. It comes down to the answer to this question:
Is the risk of a gasoline fire greater with the grill over the splash well or alongside the boat, near the fuel vent?
I don’t know the answer to that.
Lezlye from Magma // Jan 14, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Hello Tim,
I like your new mounting location and mount application much better for your particular requirement, and thanks so much for the kind words.
However, to avoid confusion to your readers, I should point out that the part number for the Scotty’s Fish Rod Holder Mount that you selected is actually part number A10-165 for use with Magma Kettle Grills and T10-365 for use with Magma Rectangular Grills or Magma Single Mount Fish Cutting Tables. A10-175 and T10-355 are for use with standard tubular type rod holders, such as the standard Perko flush deck rod holders that are flush deck mounted along the gunnels beside the cockpit of most sport fishing boats.
Thanks again, Tim, and let us know if we can be of any further assistance.
Enjoy your new grill !
Lezlye
Customer Service
Magma Products, Inc.
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Mike // Jul 29, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I just came across a website http://www.deepbluemounts.com, and they have a fully adjustable downrigger mount. I called up my buddy and he told me that he had one of their mounts on his boat. Said its top quality and would work great for mounting a grill or any other accessories you desire. It even has a universal mounting plate that would fit any downrigger name brand. Check out the website maybe it will work for you.
sharon // Jun 11, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Still got that extra mount?
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