Pontoon boat enclosure

[DickBlin]

Hi-plan on buying a pontoon boat. We travel long distance to lakes and on trips.
Question--when on the lake I would like to have an enclosure. But the enclosure looks like it could be a
sail if the wind picks up. I need the enclousre due to the sun etc.
Would a solid enclosure be better?
Need some thoughts as to what to use any type of advise would be great
We live in the southwest
Thanks
Pete

[HandymanHerb]

The pontoon is a sail by it self, I had been going 4 mph with the engine off in a 10 mpg wind, so the more surface area you add the more the wind is going to move you if that's what you mean by sail.

[DickBlin]

Thanks --I agree there is a lot of boat for the wind to move. Pontoon boats have so much room plus you can walk around.
I quesss no enclosure would be best
Thanks
Pete

[HandymanHerb]

I didn't say not to get one, there's plenty of people who love them and will jump in after while to fill you in, they extend the use in the colder weather and you can go spent the night on them.

[jim454]

The wind will push you around a bit but they are wonderful. Make sure you have plenty of HP, my 50 honda does fine in the wind. Advantages of the canvas enclosure is that it's light and functional, downside is that it can be a pain to set up and take down. They don't hold up to heavy snow very well either . I like the thought of a permanant half enclosure that you can lock up, maybe even use the top as an extra deck. Weight is something to be considered.

[mike]

I got a full enclosure with my pontoon and have never used it other than just playing in the driveway. The Bimini top does a great job with shade, If its so hot you need the shade, it will be a sauna inside anyway... They usually have four sides that zip toghether so you could just install the sides I guess?

[dockholiday]

Think the full enclosure requires double bimini. Since you said you wanted something to block the sun (not a bad idea) why not get the double bimini and see how that works out, then later you can add the full enclosure, if you want. Personally I would not want a solid enclosure unless it was on something like a party cruiser or party hut, but those are pretty big to be towing up and down the highway. Think a camping enclosure would be nice, just would not want to be anchored and have a storm with lightning come up, but outside that, I wouldn't mind having one.
doc

[badmoonrising]

The PC has a hard cabin, it too gets blown around in the wind. It has A/C, but we've used it exactly once since '06 and never had to use the heater. The Chesapeake is always breezy enough to keep us comfortable. The cabin makes staying out for days all the more comfortable.

[slingshot]

I love my enclosure and would say its the best money spent so far on my boat. overnights are awsome on the lake. Yes, wind is an issue. I've made 4 knots in a 23 mph wind with the motor off. If I had a centerboard I'd probably be able to tack into the wind on a windy day.

[NEBSTER]

We also have the inclosure and would not be with out it. When it is a 100dg on the lake the shade is great, when its cold we have a portable heater for the winter ride. We go out in the wind up to 20 mph. Get a good anchor (we use the digger on a muddy bottom) and hold with no problem. Its a great place for some fun in the cove.

[DickBlin]

Hi thanks everyone for the great advise, this is a great forum.
Regards
DickBlin

[buddy19520]

I have a day enclosure and really enjoy it. It is on the boat from November to May. It's hot by May, but it keeps the boat clean when the pollen is in the air. It is really nice to untie the lines, lower the lift, unzip the back door and drive away. I really hate dealing with covers.

It does not seem any harder to maneuver the boat with the enclosure than without. But, if its real windy (15-20 mph), I stay home. I can drive the boat at full speed with the enclosure up - that's about 38 mph. It surprised me that my top speed is no more than 1 mph slower with the enclosure up than down.

To me, an enclosure is not something I would want to put up/take down very often. It would also get hot quickly. I have gone out when it is 40 degrees outside and been comfortable inside. By the time it is 70 outside, you will have to open panels.

If you are trying to get away from the sun, I would definitely go with a double bimini.

If you want to camp overnight, get the full enclosure.

If you want to extend your boating season into the cool weather, get the day enclosure.

If you are going to have to drive to the lake every time, get the double bimini.

Hope this helps.

Philip

[slingshot]

Someone asked me for a few photo of my setup so here it is.

[jim454]

Very nice, I temped to go a full enclosure after those pics. Fit's like a glove.

[WaltF]

Nice enclosure pics!
We dont have one, but it would be cool to have!

I dont think we would use it much though.
I do see using it for camping though!!
That would be great fun!

But since we put the toon to 'sleep' during the winter, we like being 'outside' during the summer.