Introduction
Pontoon boats are becoming more popular, and this is due to their universal features. There can be used for fishing, relaxation, and water sports. However, most pontoon boats do not have pontoon boat tops; their tops are bare and exposed to the sun. Therefore, the lack of pontoon boat tops poses a problem for outdoor enthusiasts as the scorching heat can easily cause sunburns. Hence, there is a need to consider coverage, and affordable pontoon boat tops are easily the best fit.
A pontoon boat top is a removable open-front structure that serves as a shade or cover for a pontoon boat. It is an important boat accessory that serves as a roof and protects the boat’s passengers from weather conditions like rain, wind, and sun. Unlike most coverings that may obstruct the driver’s front view, the pontoon boat top doesn’t obstruct the view and only shades for the driver to see the reading meter of the boat.
This guide provides information on affordable pontoon boat tops, their features, and things to consider before making a pontoon boat top purchase.
Why You Should Have A Pontoon Boat Top
The importance of a pontoon boat top can not be overemphasized. The following are reasons for having one;
Comfort
Having a pontoon boat top provides shade to those on board. As much as one wants to relax and have a good time on the boat, staying out in the sun for long isn’t healthy. Therefore, the pontoon boat top gives comfort and also keeps those on board dry during the rain.
Provides Protection
A pontoon boat top protects most of the valuables on the boat. It covers the interior of the boat, the cockpit, the electronics, and the boat accessories, protecting them from malfunctioning. The boat is also protected from having peels, thereby retaining its high value.
Easily Adjustable
The pontoon boat top is adjustable. It can be removed and put up whenever needed, plus it can be made to cover just a certain part of the boat. The adjustable feature allows people to either be exposed to the open sky or stay under the boat top for shade by choice.
Provides Shade from Weather Change
The weather changes very easily, most especially during the rainy season. The rain can fall at any time while one is out sailing. A pontoon boat top prepares one for any weather change as one can easily set it up.
Top Affordable Pontoon Boat Tops
Pontoon boat tops are of different sizes, materials, and colors. There are also two categories;
- Single pontoon boat top: it is suitable for small-sized pontoons, usually covering the cockpit section of the boat.
- Double pontoon boat top: It is suitable for large pontoons. It covers the whole pontoon boat and can also be used independently as a single boat cover.
Every pontoon boat needs a pontoon boat top to cover it from the changing weather. The following are affordable pontoon boat tops;
Deckmate Economy Pontoon Boat Top
The Deckmate Economy is an affordable boat top that fits a 92-wide pontoon boat with a standing height of 75. The top has zips on its fabric which makes the installation easy. It also has stainless steel buttons, push pins, and mounting bolts used to hold the boat top unto the pontoon.
Pros
- Easy installation.
- It is affordable.
- Good fabric.
- Adjustable
Cons
- It shakes at speeds higher than 30mph.
Schwintech PWR-ARM II Electric Power Pontoon Top
Compared to other boat tops, the Schwintech is an electric pontoon boat top with remote control. All its parts are made of black aluminum, which makes it strong and sturdy during harsh weather conditions. The electric power pontoon top can easily be adjusted with the remote control from the front, giving the entire boat a luxurious feeling.
Pros
- The remote control makes it easy to adjust.
- Durable material.
Cons
- It takes a longer time to install.
- The boat needs to be wired.
- There’s no manual guide to fix the boat top if stuck.
Shademate Buggy Style Pontoon Boat Cover Bimini Top
As the name suggests, the Shademate is a boat top that fits a 92- 102 wide pontoon boat. Its top is curved and made with polyester, a strong material that doesn’t damage easily. The boat top also has a spot for lighting, giving its occupants many options for relaxation.
Pros
- Good fabric.
- It can withstand hot weather.
- It beautifies the boat.
- It’s of high quality.
- It has a four years warranty.
Cons
- The boat top is smaller than the real size.
Leader Accessories Bimini Top
The Leader Accessories is a pontoon boat top made with polyester, a durable material that lasts for a long and doesn’t wear off easily. The boat top can withstand harsh weather like rain, strong breeze, and heat. It also has adjustable straps that help the boat top fit easily. Also, the Leader Accessories top has different sizes that can fit with a small or large pontoon boat.
Pros
- Adjustable straps.
- Easy to set up.
- Durable material.
- It can withstand harsh weather like a hard breeze, rain, or sun.
- The boat top doesn’t remove when in use.
Cons
- Incomplete manual.
4 Seasons Bimini Top Boat Cover 4 bow 8ft long
4 Seasons is an adjustable pontoon boat top made with grade polyester fabric. The fabric of the boat top is sturdy, hence it is built to resist harsh weather conditions. In addition, it is waterproof and can withstand the scorching sun without wearing it out. The mounting pins are stainless steel; they do not rust easily.
Pros
- High-quality fabric.
- Waterproof.
- Simple installation process.
- Durable.
- It can withstand wind.
Cons
- Pre-drill holes on the rods before installation
- It shakes at speeds higher than 29mph.
Kemimoto Bow Bimini Top
Like other boat top models, the Kemimoto is an affordable pontoon boat cover made with a denier polyester yard. The fabric of the boat is very strong, and it doesn’t fade off easily. It is also waterproof and protects one from harmful sun rays. The support poles are rust-resistant with stainless steel hooks and buckles.
Pros
- It is of different sizes.
- Wind resistant.
- Waterproof.
- Simple installation process.
- Durable.
- Easy installation process.
Cons
- Straps lose when riding fast.
Shademate Bimini Top
The Shademate Bimini top is made from acrylic material. The acrylic material is a strong fabric that doesn’t fade easily, plus it also shades the passengers from harmful sun rays. The Shademate bimini top has a zip that holds the frame in place. It also has a storage boot for keeping the boat top when it’s not used.
Pros
- Strong material.
- Waterproof.
- Easy installation process.
- 5-years warranty.
- High quality.
Cons
- It shakes at high speed.
KING BIRD Bimini Top
King Bird is a thick boat top made from marine-grade polyester, a high-quality material. Due to its sturdy build, it protects the passengers from sun rays, rain, and heavy wind. It also has stainless steel hooks and buttons with a clean stitched seam that gives the boat an appealing look.
Pros
- Made of quality material.
- It can resist strong wind.
- Protects one from harmful weather.
- Easy installation process.
- It can easily fit any boat.
- It is easy to clean.
Cons
- The brackets are made of plastic and should be replaced.
NaviSkin B019PR55VW Bimini Top Cover
The NaviSkin is a polyester pontoon boat top. Its cover is high quality and strong enough to protect the passengers from harsh weather conditions. Naviskin boat top is made of different sizes, and they can fit a lot of boat top. Its screws and rods are strong stainless steel and don’t rust easily.
Pros
- It has lightweight.
- Durable.
- High-quality fabric.
- Easy installation process.
- It doesn’t come off during high speed.
Cons
- Most times, it comes with loose screws that will need to be replaced.
NorthStar Pontoon Boat Double Bimini Top 18′ LonSunbrella
Unlike other boat tops made of firm polyester materials, the North Star is a large double-top pontoon cover made with marine-grade sunbrella fabric. The seams are strong and sewn with poly-ultraviolet thread, making them unlikely to lose. North Star boat top is in two parts; they can be used independently or together to cover the whole pontoon. It also has strong adjustable straps.
Pros
- It is very large.
- Gives the boat a new look.
- It has a storage boot.
- Easy installation process.
- Accessories can be added, e.g., a navigation light.
- The double tops can be used independently.
- Provides a longer shade.
Cons
- The poles are fragile because they are much.
- Quite expensive.
How To Select A Pontoon Boat Top
Typically, a pontoon boat has a wide opening with no shade at the top; this exposes the pontoon to excessive sunlight, rain, and wind. Hence, the pontoon boat top is an important accessory as it shades the boat from the different weather conditions. However, there are certain factors to consider before selecting your pontoon boat top;
Boat Measurement
- Width: Before making a purchase, it is crucial to know what is the width of the boat? This is where the pontoon boat top will be mounted. Hence, you must get the exact width so that the pontoon boat top will be mounted perfectly.
- Length: How much of the boat do you want to cover? This will determine the length of the boat top. If you want it to cover a small section, maybe for fishing, or if you want it to cover the whole boat.
- Height: How high do you want the boat top to be? You have to consider the height of the people to be on board. Will they be able to stand and sit comfortably under the boat top?
Note: Most boats come with a BIN number at the boat’s tail. It contains information about the boat; with this information, the boat top selection can be made easily.
Fabric
There are different types of fabrics with different characteristics. Knowing the right fabric to choose will help one make the best suggestion. For example, Marine Vinyl fabric is easy to clean.
Color
Pontoon boat tops come in different colors of fabric, hence, one must choose their preferred color carefully. Other boat top models have limited color choices, so one must know what they want before making a purchase.
Storage Boot
Not all pontoon boats come with a storage boot. A storage boot is used to keep the pontoon boat top when it’s not in use. It makes the boat top easy to carry and keeps it in good shape.
How To Maintain Your Pontoon Boat Tops
Pontoon boat tops need to be well maintained to keep them in shape and to get the best out of them. The following are ways to maintain a pontoon boat top;
Regular Cleaning:
Clean the pontoon top with a boat cleaner and water using a light brush. Allow the cleaning solution to soak the pontoon top as you brush; this will ensure the dirt is removed. After brushing with soap, allow it to dry before use. Sometimes, using a sponge to scrub the top may be the best option because of some hard stains.
Note: Do not use a washing solution that isn’t suited for boat tops.
Cleaning the Accessories:
The stainless steel buttons, buckles, and aluminum rods must be cleaned after every use; cleaning it will prevent them from rusting. Use a cleaner suitable for the accessories so as not to make them rust. Don’t use a hard sponge on the accessories; preferably, use a soft sponge or a cloth to clean.
Care For The Fabric:
Do not wash the top regularly; this might make the top covering material fade unless its material is made of high-quality fabric.
Storage:
Keep the pontoon boat top in its storage boot when not in use. Also, ensure to clean off the particles or dirt on the boat top before keeping it in its storage.
Watch the wind:
Don’t drive the boat at high speed when there’s wind. It will make the pontoon boat top unsteady, and it might come off. So, it is advisable to drive cautiously when there are high winds or heavy rain.
Conclusion
Pontoon boats are built for the best outdoor experience, hence there has no covering. However, it becomes crucial to purchase affordable pontoon boat tops to provide shelter from weather conditions, sun, and high winds. Therefore every pontoon boat must have a pontoon boat top to have a great time on the water.