Cooking a bushel Need help

[Jettyjock]

Need help in buying a crab steamer. Can someone tell me how large a pot in (quarts size) it takes to cook a bushel of crabs. I have a standard seafood steamer that steams about 2 or 3 dozen at a time depending on size and in the rear event that I catch a bushel I would like to prepare and cook the entire catch so I'm not running around loading the small pot a couple time. Any info would be appreciated

[Dave Jr.]

80 to 100 qt. should do. It all depends on the basket inside the pot. If you don't use a basket insert I would make a grate that fit inside the pot about 2 to 3 inches off the bottom. I would go with a 100 qt. and a grate that was two inches off the bottom. Get a wide pot, not a tall skinny pot.

[beauty]

I use a 70 quart stainless steel pot with a three inch insert in the bottom.. .. stainless won't wearout..

[rock n crab]

I use an 80qt stainless pot I got from Cabelas, has strainer basket inside and I can get a fat bushel plus several ears of corn and a few potatos in there. I did use a few stainless bolts and nuts to make legs for the strainer so it is up off the bottom a little more... Works great.

[Crabslayer]

Check out Fishbones in Pasedena on Mountain Rd.. They have a custom made stainless that will do a bushel.

http://www.fishbones.net/fishbones%20pics/steamers%20pots.gif

[Jettyjock]

Guys Thanks for the help. Think I'l go for 100 qt. Good crabbing to you all!

[POLECAT]

100 Qt. = 25 gallons.

That's LARGER than the standard galvanized garbage can. Way, way too big for one (1) bushel of crabs.

A 15 gallon (60 quart) container can easily handle a bushel and a half with the crabs on a grate at least two (2) inches off the bottom.

No guessing!! I know 'cause I have one. There's room for corn on top also.

[RedBoat16]

I use a 60 qt from cabellas. I can fit 1 1/4 bushel if I pack them tight when the crabs are ice cold. If the crabs come right off the boat into the steamer, you can fit one bushel while fighting them them the entire time.

[JB Crabs]

I use a 60qt. also with approx. 2" space under basket. Got mine from Bass Pro

[port fisher]

I use an old half keg from Budweiser! Great for a bushel plus corn plus Rockfish on top the last few minutes! It will never wear out and will be passed on to my grandchildern....along with the instructions! [grin]