By Heather Magda Serrano

ith boating season in the rearview mirror, there’s really no time like the present to plan for next season. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably eager to get back on a boat at the earliest possible opportunity.

Well, what if I told you that with a simple upgrade to your pontoon, you could get back on the water even faster come springtime? That’s where pontoon enclosures come in. These nifty upgrades can give you the protection you need to start boating even when weather hasn’t hit its ideal stride for the season.

Benefits Of Enclosures

The list of benefits when it comes to pontoon boat enclosures is long. To start, one of the benefits is they lock in the heat which makes a big difference when you’re trying to get a jump on boating season in the spring or string it out in the fall. Being cold gets old pretty fast, but with an enclosure you can stay snug while still enjoying a cruise around the lake.

Another added benefit is they keep the bugs out. I probably don’t have to mention that there can be plenty of bugs out on the lake, especially in the evenings. Since mosquitoes are humankind’s mortal enemy, I feel this benefit cannot be overstated. Enclosures can keep insects such as these outside your boat and away from you where they belong.

Not only are enclosures beneficial when the weather is a little iffy, but when it’s perfect as well since they offer a safeguard from the sun. Often sunscreen isn’t enough, but enclosures give you complete protection from the UV rays, and it’s nice to simply get out of the sunshine from time to time and cool off.

They also grant protection to your digital devices that can receive sun damage. Furthermore, enclosures can lengthen your entire boat’s life by blocking direct sunlight from the vinyl and polymers.

Then when it’s windy, you can stay safe and sound in your pontoon enclosure. Even the best summer days can turn windy, but it’s especially handy when you’re out early or late in the season when the winds carry a chill. Plus, the enclosure will keep vulnerable items such as hats from blowing away.

The rain protection offered by enclosures is also a huge plus. They make it so that your boat’s interior and your friends and family won’t get wet, even during a downpour. You won’t have to agonize over a few clouds rolling in anymore.

Basically, enclosures offer protection and freedom to get out on the lake even when conditions fall short of optimum.

Types Of Enclosures

There are a variety of different kinds of enclosures you can get for your pontoon, ranging from a simple Bimini top extension to a full enclosure. Bimini tops work great for sun protection but don’t do the best on their own when it’s cold or rainy. That’s where a rain shield comes in.

These kinds of enclosures usually connect to a Bimini top and create nearly full coverage for those on board. This makes it so you can still cruise around, rain or shine. Dowco Marine and Taylor Made Products both offer a wide range of enclosures for your pontoon, including rain shields.

You can also opt for a half enclosure. Upscale enclosures like these offer excellent protection from the elements along with privacy. Half enclosures are Bimini tops that have curtains around them and they’re often easy to install, uninstall and store away. They offer protection from the elements, while still giving you access to the bow of your pontoon.

It can be tricky finding a one-size-fits-all when it comes to half enclosures, so be sure to find one that will fit your boat. You can also order a custom-made half enclosure. Paul’s Custom Canvas does a fantastic job of creating custom-made enclosures for pontoon boats if you’re interested in this option. All their enclosures are custom fit to each individual pontoon boat and can be as elaborate or as simple as you’d like.

If you want to go one step further, you can go straight for the full enclosure for complete protection from the elements on your entire pontoon boat. Again, make sure that the enclosure you order will fit your boat. Most often you’ll have to get a custom one made since it can be difficult to find a one-size-fits-all. The full enclosure is especially popular for those who like to camp out overnight on their pontoon.

Whether you go with a rain shield, half enclosure or full enclosure, you’ll open up more options for yourself when it comes to boating. Chances are you’ll hit the water a lot sooner than you would have imagined this spring.