Thinking about camper enclosure and need some advice.

[Tallykenj]

I'm thinking about getting a camper enclosure for my Avalon Ambassador. My thought is that it would be nice to have this for some overnight trips and winter days. I'm wondering about the experiences of other people who have enclosures. Are they worth the investment? How well do they hold up over time? How fast can a boat travel with the bow or stern panels down?

[Thin Ice]

I have had my enclosure for 3 seasons now, and is still in pretty good condition. I needed to get one zipper fixed this year cuz of a very windy rainstorm but that was it. If I ever get a new Pontoon, the enclosure will be one of the first "extras" I put into it. I never use my mooring cover anymore (except for winter storage), I use the enclosure. i can take off and put on the enclosure faster than the mooring cover.

I paid $2,500 for it and that included a new front bimini frame/top.

I would suggest not exceeding 20 MPH with the enclosure up.

[FarNorth]

We have a camper enclosure that we ordered for our boat and leave it up probably 80% of the time. We are up in Canada so we tend to have more of a temperature swing than some of you folks down south. Our boat is used for travel (between boat access only cabin and marina) more often than not. Unless it is really scorching hot its really nice to not have the wind in your face on a half hour run out to the cabin. Ours has screened side panel windows so you can let some air in (and keep bugs out) that we make use of to regulate the temperature. We do take the back off frequently when floating around but it sure is nice not to worry about being cold when the temperature dips.

How fast you can go will depend on how sturdy your bimini frame is. We drive our boat like normal with the top up, but we do tend to cruise in the mid 20's mph wise rather than at WOT most of the time to save fuel. Have had no problems with the top up driving in the mid to upper 30's though.

[slingshot]

I've had mine for 4 1/2 years now just as you see it. I've never taken it down with the exception for the rear panel that I leave off from Spring til Fall. With my 115 I'm able to make 24 mph with just me and a half tank of gas. We use it all the time for camping. I've got snap up curtians for privacy but so far I've never really used em. I use my boat year round here in NC. It's fun to go out on a 40 degree day with a heater and party on the lake for the day. Advise:

1. Get Glass all around. Don't get the type of enclosure that is mostly canvas and has little rectangle cutouts for windows. You won't be able to navigate well. Plus, taking these things on and off is a real PITA.


2. Have them use Strataglass! I made this mistake and let the fabricator use regular clear vinyl and there is a difference. The regular clear vinyl is a little wavy when you look through it whereas the Strataglass is absolutely crystal clear and you can roll it up which is important for your windows and doorways. I had the front panel replaced with Strataglass and it's as clear as your windshield on your car. I'll probably have the rest of the boat done with the Strataglass soon. Isenglass would be best but you can't roll that stuff up to well and it's a lot more expensive.

3. Have windows on every panel and make sure all doorways roll up as well. I have no problem with heat in the summer with all windows and doorways open. I think it's even cooler since your in the shade.

[Bamaman]

Ken: You got some good replies.

The biggest pontoon dealer in the country is Avalon's largest dealer--T&M Marine in Minnesota. They sell full enclosures for Avalon boats. See if they can help you with an enclosure that'll suit your needs. I was thinking that they're about $4K.

http://tandmmarine.com/

[Tallykenj]

Thanks for the feedback. If I get this done, it will be in the winter. Evern then, its hard for me to be without The Backporch. My family and I are on the water nearly every weekend, including the winter. The enclosure and a heater will make the winter experience much better. I'll post some picutures if I get the enclosure.

For those that have some advice or just want to show of your enclosures, please post.

Thanks.

[Slow Rider]

Well we have a camper closure for our Avalon Ambassador. It covers the back loungers all the way up to in front of sink. Doesnt cover the bench/chairs in very front which is nice so we still can sit there. We have camped only twice and it was very nice- the loungers are pretty comfortable with a sleeping bag. We only kept the sides on when we cruised the next day, and we go slow, no problems. We live in Texas, so we can pretty much boat year round and not really need the covers other than for privacy.