Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I would like to know if an enclosure was worth the money spent. I THINK I want one, but I also think that’s a lot of money for something that may or may not get much use. What's your opinion?

My toon came with an enclosure but I have yet to even put it on... I will be able to answer this question at the end of the summer but my guess is that not many use it because it takes so long to put on and off!

I wouldn't have a pontoon boat without it, I think its essential equipment to have on board. If offers protection to your boat while its at the marina, at home and for camping on board. it does take a few minutes to put up but thats part of boating and a few minutes to take it down each time, but i don't mind it. I'd say I could put my old one up in about 10 minutes max after I got experienced at it and less time to take it down, fold the panels and store them on board.

My first pontoon had an enclosure, and I never put it up. I guess the real answer to the question, though, is if you need one or not. Do you intend to camp on the pontoon? Do you intend to be on the pontoon during inclement weather (other than escaping a summer rain shower)? If you need to protect the boat when it is moored, perhaps a mooring cover is more appropriate.

scfishnman, how long does it take to snap on a mooring cover? how do you get to the sides of the boat facing the water? I will be getting one with my new boat but not sure I'll use it. I suppose where there is a will there is a way. I've seen many mooring covers at my marian full of water pockets after a rainstorm, does this cause the snaps to release and does it stretch or tear the fabric? just curious

Dave,
This is my first mooring cover. I used the individual seat covers on my last pontoon which left the carpet exposed. I have only put the cover on twice since the boat is only two weeks old. However, to answer your question based on my limited experience: it takes me about 5-10 minutes. I do most of it standing inside the boat, starting at the bow, then doing one side, then the aft, and then step onto the dock and doing the final side. To start, I lay the cover out lengthwise on the deck of the boat then just pick up the forward center, snap it on, and continue around. When it is snapped into place, I crawl under the cover and set up the center support poles then crawl out the side gate onto the dock. It is easier than it sounds and easier than I had anticipated it would be. It took about the same amount of time to install all of the individual seat covers on my previous boat.

I have never camped out in my Poontoon boat.
Or anyother boat for that matter. For the last
6 years we have lived on the lake and at the
end of the day we tie up the boat and go into
the house. Putting up the top at the start of the
season is enough work for me. I can't fathom
trying to get a whole enclosure up.

Well, I did it last weekend and it was really nice! I can see being able to get it on in 5-10 minute as mine just zips on at the top and snaps on at the bottom! Mine is like a 3/4 enclosure and was way bigger inside than I imagined... I could easily see myself camping on the boat!

Definately not as hard as I was expecting!

I leave mine up, sometimes I even tow it to the landing with it up, although it's not recommended,(it's close by and I take the back streets).

I like the fact that I can get out of the wind and cold, even the hot burning sun. The screens are a must but the nice thing about the enclosure is that you can zip a section off,(mine anyway) if you want to open things up and cool off.

My pontoon is great for fishing opener because of the half enclosure. If you get cold, step in and warm up. I have an 18,000 btu heater that will get things quite toasty!

I also like the fact that things are so much more versatile, put it on or take it off. I'm not locked in to something permantant.

The enclosure is probably the best investment I have made for the pontoon. It opened things up to so many more possibilities. We use the boat more now, we don't worry as much about the weather.

I really needed one and wanted one, until we bought a camper. Sometimes when I'm out fishing alone at night and the damn driver gets drunk I wish I had one to sleep under!(my driver drinks alone too much, he may have a problem )
If I didnt have a camper nearby all the time I would buy one for sure.

We love ours. Had it custom made in order to meet our practices. We put the toon in the slip Friday and it will stay with the camper enclosure up. We had it made in pieces that zip to the double bimini. Several sections: rear, sides (2 pieces per side), and 2 different front pieces. The reason of 2 pieces on each side is so we can leave the rear sides that start at the cockpit and go back, up for shade while moving. The reason for 2 different front pieces is to be able to leave the front seats in or out depending on the weather. Our lake is 19 miles long, so if we get caught in a storm, we either drop anchor or beach, and button up.

It's 3 hours to the lake, so if we leave work and arrive late, crawl in, pop a top, and crash.........

Dont have one...But id like one!
AND, if i did, it would be used on trips where i was gonna camp out on the toon.
Otherwise, I like being out in the open in the sun...

used ours twice.

for sale, enclosure for 28' harris flotebote...

Money well spent, would not have a toon without it. With it just covering half of the toon you can be cool or hot. We keep the boat at the marina in a slip so it is up all year long. In the winter we just close the window covers and turn the heater on and ride. In the summer sure is nice to grill and then get in the shade to eat or sleep. The screens are made so you cant see in the day time for any other activitys you might wont to do.

eeeeeeew