The best pontoon enclosures and bimini tops for 2024 will help protect you from the rain and the sun when you need it the most. In this article, we’ll help you find the best pontoon enclosures tailored for you. We’ve included all you need to know about the different types of enclosures, our top picks in each type and a buying guide to facilitate your search.
Before we get started you may be interested in our pontoon furniture cover reviews, pontoon bimini tops reviews, pontoon bumper reviews, pontoon accessories, or how to measure for replacement pontoon seats.
How to Choose the Perfect Pontoon Enclosure in 2024
To narrow down the options and choose the most suitable enclosure for your boat, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Here are some of them:
Why Would You Want to Buy a Pontoon Enclosure in 2024?
- Preventive measures for different weather changes (protection from sun, rain, wind, etc.)
- A tint of luxury to your boat that may serve as a porch for family members, friends, or even tourists if you’re in the business
- Great for using in prolonged trips or camping
What are the Types of Pontoon Enclosures Available in The Market in 2024?
There are a variety of types to choose from when it comes to pontoon enclosures and each type has unique features that serve a particular purpose.
Bimini Top
It’s one of the most practical and in-demand types of pontoon enclosures. It consists of a canvas top supported by 2, 3, or 4 metal frames or bows (according to the size of the boat).
You can read here about how to measure your boat for the best fit.
Gazebo Top
It offers a wide range of shade without blocking the view from any side. The top is usually made of polyester and the poles are made of fiberglass.
Rain Shields
They’re additional covers (usually transparent 20 gauge marine plastic) attached to existing biminis or hardtops to shield your pontoon deck in rainy weathers at sea.
Playpens
Playpens need biminis or hardtops to attach to and are popped-up when the boat is docked or anchored down. These provide great shade for you and your guests.
Half Enclosures
They’re custom made pontoon enclosures. They can be curtains added to the sides of a bimini top or enclosures specially designed according to the hardtop of your boat.
Half Enclosures with Bow Covers
Similar to playpens, bow covers have added canvas extending all the way to the bow at the front.
Full Enclosures
As the name suggests, this type is considered the ultimate coverage to your pontoon. It needs custom designing to fit the specific measurements of your boat.
Our Top Pontoon Enclosure Picks for 2024
Now that you might’ve started to have a rough idea about what you’re looking for, let’s take a look at our favorite Pontoon enclosures.
Best Pontoon Bimini: MSC Bow Bimini Top Boat Cover with Rear Support Pole and Storage Boot
A marine-grade polyester canvas top supported by strong aluminum frames. These tops aren’t made for super pontoon speeds; however, you can read here about some tricks on how to go faster than 35-45 MPH with your bimini top more safely.
What we like:
- Ease of installation
- It doesn’t need custom designing
- It can be easily laid flat and popped-up again when needed
What we don’t like:
- Not very sturdy (not suitable for strong windy weathers)
- Speeds exceeding 25-35 MPH aren’t recommended with a bimini top
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Best Gazebo Pontoon Enclosure: Taylor Made Products Gazebo Shade Top Enclosure
This Taylor Made gazebo is made of a strong, yet lightweight, polyester fabric top supported by fiberglass poles. It has a wide coverage of 8 feet and can accommodate both 96 and 102 inch wide boats.
What we like:
- The broad radius of the top provides plenty of standing room
- Great for sightseeing
- The top can be attached and removed easily
What we don’t like:
- Not suitable for strong windy weather, as one of the main complaints is breaking of the rods
We’re an Amazon affiliate and we hope you love the products we recommend! We may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page. These images are provided by the Amazon Product Advertising API.
Best Playpen Bow Pontoon Enclosure: Taylor Made Products Bow Enclosure
A playpen bow enclosure secured to a bimini or a hardtop. It’s made of a shock-absorbent pole frame and a polyester fabric.
What we like:
- Simple & fast to install
- Easy to store
- They’re often accompanied by support poles to prevent the collection of rain
- Plenty of space and a height of 74 inches (no need for crouching)
What we don’t like:
- It can’t be used while driving (obstructs the view of the captain)
Best 3 Bow Pontoon Bimini: Leader Accessories Bimini Top
It almost has the same features as the 4 bow bimini by MSC with a difference in the number of bows and fabric options: Solution-dyed polyester & 600D polyester canvas. Its double-walled main bow legs add to the strength of the frame.
What we like:
- The colors of the solution-dyed polyester fabric are less likely to fade
- It contains a color-coordinated zipper storage boot
What we don’t like:
- Pontoon speeds recommended are limited to 25 MPH
We’re an Amazon affiliate and we hope you love the products we recommend! We may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page. These images are provided by the Amazon Product Advertising API.
Top-Rated Custom Pontoon Enclosures
At Paul’s Custom Canvas you can design and order both half and full enclosures, custom made for your pontoon. Some models have many windows to prevent blocking the driver’s view, while others have curtains all over for more privacy.
What we like:
- Coziness and wider areas of coverage while still accessible for activities like fishing
- Camping (full enclosure recommended)
- Variety of options
What we don’t like:
- Relatively expensive
FAQ’s
Are Custom Fit or Universal Fit Pontoon Enclosures Better?
It depends on the purpose of your enclosure. Half or full enclosures need custom made designs, but bimini tops or gazebos usually don’t.
Check out this page for criteria to think about while considering a custom-made enclosure.
Is There Any Specific Fabric I Should be Looking for in a Pontoon Enclosure?
Fabric choice depends on the climate where it will be used.
Requirements of Each Climate Type
- Rainy climates require water-repellent covers
- Hot climates (prolonged sunlight exposure) require high UV resistant covers
- Humid climates require high breathable and mildew resistant covers
For some ideas about fabric material available, check this page out.
How do I Clean and Maintain My Pontoon Enclosure?
First of all, always keep an eye on the visible dirt accumulated over the fabric and rinse it with water.
Second thing; lookout for the correct cleanser according to fabric type (vinyl, canvas…).
Wrap up on the Best Pontoon Enclosures for 2024
Out of the 7 products discussed above, our top pick is the MSC 4 Bow Bimini Top Boat Cover because it has the most affordable price, it’s the easiest to install, it has no special prerequisites and it’s the most versatile (can be collapsed and popped-up according to use).
For an even cheaper alternative, check out this 3 Bow Bimini Top Cover by Leader Accessories.
However, if the price isn’t an issue, we recommend half or full enclosures (according to preference & use) from Paul’s Custom Canvas Inc. for more safety and a wider range of coverage.
Finally, whatever type of pontoon enclosure you decide to buy, make sure to always keep it clean & maintain it regularly and most of all enjoy every second you spend under it all year long under all weather conditions.
We’re an Amazon affiliate and we hope you love the products we recommend! We may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page. These images are provided by the Amazon Product Advertising API.