Pontoon Boat Half Enclosure

[slingshot]

As you can see in my signature and picture I have a full enclosure and I love it. I've had it since 2009 or so and It's held up nicely. It was done by ProFit located in the Charlotte, NC area. There are some areas that the stitching is starting to give which will cost me soon and I've had to have some zippers replaced which must always be done by an expensive seamstress. Since it was made I've never taken it down because I had zipper windows put in all panels. That having been said, for the money I spent on it I would have to say that I would have an aluminum top made instead and Hang my own vinyl or canvas side curtains with snaps since they can be made and replaced easily and cheaply if needed. You could have an aluminum top fabricated for your boat for about half the price of a full enclosure or make your own using angle aluminum for 1/4 the price. There are several who have done this at my marina and they came out great. This company (www.jsupperdecks.com) manufactures both tops and upper deck kits but they're a little expensive compared to the locals in my area that would fab a top for me. Aluminum is cheap and strong and the big advantage is having your own side curtains made cheaply when needed.

[RcgTexas]

I liked the looks of that slingshot, but I think you are right about a hard top and side curtains.

[Ezgoing]

I initially considered buying a hard top but everything I found stated they were no longer made due to liability concerns.

I would like a hard top but jsupperdecks.com is much more expensive than a commercial half enclosure. I can get a half enclosure for $1800 plus tax, which includes everything. jsupperdecks.com wants $2000 for the top, then I would need to get the curtains made.

What type of local company would be able to fabricate this top? I know a local company that makes front and side curtains for bimini tops but don't know who would be able to make the hard top.

[Ezgoing]

Please keep,updated as I and I am sure there are others. Who are thinking about getting an enclosure. I have been kicking around the ideal of trying to make my own over the winter. I added a double bimini this summer and a grill and would Like to enclose 1/2 of the pontoon. Nothing better then beached and camping on the water. Have everything a camper has Porta potty fresh water, grill just need some shelter if weather turns nasty. Good luck

If you already have a double bimini top it might be less expensive just to have curtains made for it.

[RcgTexas]

I initially considered buying a hard top but everything I found stated they were no longer made due to liability concerns.

I would like a hard top but jsupperdecks.com is much more expensive than a commercial half enclosure. I can get a half enclosure for $1800 plus tax, which includes everything. jsupperdecks.com wants $2000 for the top, then I would need to get the curtains made.

What type of local company would be able to fabricate this top? I know a local company that makes front and side curtains for bimini tops but don't know who would be able to make the hard top.

Don't know where you are at but there are sheet metal shops locally that specialize in aluminum that might can.

[Ezgoing]

Thanks for the response.

I live in the DFW area. I will try calling some machine shops to see if any of them will do the project and the cost. My slip neigbhor used a Irving shop to create side windows for his cabin cruiser. He stated she had the best prices he found. She did a good job on his boat curtains so I will check with her once I determine what the top will cost.

I would prefer the hard top if I can get it done for around what a half enclosure will cost me.

[BobG]

I've been wanting one of these for the last couple of years. How do they get put together? Are the sides just panels that zip to a bimini top?

Yes they do = plus a "gusset" that zips between the two biminis.
I am now adding a THIRD bimini to have an awning over my back deck, for when it's raining.

[BobG]

So Bob G,, please show us a picture of your enclosure... It's so much nicer to see what your talking about... I love seeing pictures!

Man, I don't know where the "good" pics are. Gotta get all my pics sorted.

Camper_sm.jpg (98.66 KiB) Viewed 2945 times

[Ezgoing]

Good looking pontoon.

[Cabinetman]

I had this encloser made in Dallas for $1500.00 for camping on the boat already had the double bimini top. Nolans Tops in Garland. PM me and I'll give you the phone #

[Ezgoing]

Thanks for the offer. I saw their web site.

I am now considering having a hard top made for it instead of a fabric cover. I am going to get pricing for both next month, once my wife is back on her feet again.