What good is a pontoon boat if it doesn’t have a cup holder? These convenient little accessories, designed to keep drinks close at hand anytime, make any boat seem like home, no matter the time spent at sea. While most people believe that every pontoon boat cup holders are the same, the vast market will tell you otherwise.
The majority of these pontoon boat cup holders comprise vinyl foam padding and marine-grade plastic frames that fit with the boat’s upholstery. What distinguishes these accessories is that there provide a variety of luxury and custom-built features that are affordable to everyone.
This review looks at some of the best pontoon boat cup holders on the market and why they’re fundamental for every boat model.
Reasons Why Pontoon Boat Cup Holders Are Necessary
The prime objective of boat cup holders is to provide the owner with a sense of contemporary boat luxury. The addition of cup holders to a pontoon boat delivers much-needed enhancements. Pontoon boats are family-friendly sea vehicles, and adding such features will make boat cruises more enjoyable.
Other reasons for installing a pontoon cup holder include:
- Adjustability: One major advantage of installing a pontoon cup holder is the lack of special tools or equipment. The cup holder installation and adjustment are stress-free.
- Safety and Stability: Installing a pontoon cup holder lets you concentrate on the vessel while keeping your beverages secure. It frees up the hands, and so offers a degree of safety.
- Adaptability: Besides its application versatility, pontoon cup holders may accommodate any cup or glass. There’s no need to spend time, money, or effort hunting for specific glasses to go with this cup holder. Whether the glass has a handle, it will easily fit in the cup holder.
Top Ten Pontoon Boat Cup Holders Worth Buying
The finest pontoon boat cup holders all have unique built-in features and specs. A boat owner who wishes to purchase cup holders should be aware of the importance of quality equipment. Without proper planning and consideration, there is a great risk of purchasing the wrong item.
To help you narrow down your options, here are some of the best cup holders for any pontoon boat:
The Attwood Chrome-Plated Beverage Holder
This particular cup holder comprises chrome-plated steel wire capable of withstanding harsh conditions while at sea. The cut-out space in front makes it easy to accommodate mug handles of all sizes. Its unique designs allow the cup holder to remain intact while swinging. Reliable and compatible, the Attwood cup holder is ideal for cars, RVs, and boats.
Features of the Attwood Beverage Holder
- The package and item weights are 0.18 kg and 0.39 lbs. respectively.
- Chrome-plated steel wire.
- It includes foam insulation.
Pros
- Its chrome-plated structure allows the cup holder to withstand harsh conditions.
- Accommodates all sizes of mug handles.
- Reliable and compatible.
Cons
- Doesn’t work well with a water bottle.
- Functions with limitations.
- Swings unnecessarily.
The Kemimoto Universal Marine Cup Holder
This cup holder keeps your boat well-organized by holding your keys, pliers, phone, and drinks. Comprising high-quality ABS, the Kemimoto cup holder is tough and reliable. In addition, the installation process is straightforward, using a hook and loop, albeit temporarily. Another plus point of this universal marine cup holder is its compatibility with various boat models. It is suitable for pontoons, V-hulls, and bass boats.
Features of the Kemimoto Universal Marine Cup Holder
- It weighs 0.68 kilograms.
- ABS material.
Pros
- Excellent waterproof capabilities.
- Exceptional temperature resistance.
- Tough and reliable.
Cons
- The cheap plastic doesn’t hold.
- The Velcro doesn’t adhere to porous surfaces.
The Red Hound Auto Pocket Insert
This plastic pocket insert/holder is approximately 16 inches in diameter at the top and 4 inches at the bottom. The Red Hound Auto pocket insert has a hard finish, is smooth, and is ideal for trailers, boats, decks, and RVs. Its automotive-grade structure gives the cup holder limited durability.
Features of the Red Hound Auto Pocket Insert
- It weighs 1.93 ounces.
- Automotive-grade constructs.
Pros
- Perfect for an arcade cabinet.
- Ideal for replacing old cup holders.
- Suitable for trailers, RVs, boats, and decks.
Cons
- This cup holder doesn’t fit beer or pop cans.
- Too small.
The Boaton Boat Rail Cup Holder
This cup holder comes with a built-in 360 rotating design to fit on handlebars, boat rails, poles, and Bimini top rails. Regardless of its shape, this cup holder remains in place and keeps the cup/drink in place. Hence, you can clamp the cup holder wherever you want since they are compatible with wave runners, pontoons, kayaks, yachts, and jet skis.
The Boaton cup holder comprises strong and flexible PP plastic material, making it rock solid on the rail. The adjustable knob secures the bottle or cup and prevents falling or spillage. With no tools needed, this cup holder is super easy to install.
Features of the Boaton Boat Rail Cup Holder
- Adjustable clamp.
- It weighs 0.25 kg.
- Flexible PP plastic material.
Pros
- Compatible with most containers, bottles, and cups.
- Easy to use and install.
- Super cheap.
Cons
- Not very durable.
- Not gumball mountable.
The RONYOUNG Adjustable Folding Cup Holder
This product package comes with two cup holders and eight screws for easy installation. Its adjustable retainer arms easily hold cans and cups from 64.5mm to 80mm in diameter. The RONYOUNG adjustable cup holder saves you the trouble of finding a suitable location for the water cup on the car or boat.
Features of the RONYOUNG Adjustable Folding Cup Holder
- Adjustable retainer arms.
- It weighs 7.7 ounces.
- The package comes with eight screws and 2 cup holders.
Pros
- Convenient cup/bottle storage.
- Easy to use and install.
- The adjustable retainer arms hold up cans, cups, and bottles.
- Cheap, simple, and usable.
Cons
- It doesn’t last long.
- The product doesn’t hold up as expected.
The Skywin Wall Cup Holder
This mountable wall cup holder is a unique specimen that provides a convenient and permanent space for your drinks and beverages. Its wide application system makes it easier to mount on RVs, boats, apartments, cars, and trucks. Another plus point is its compatibility since it fits different bottles, cans, cups, and mugs. There’s no need to worry about durability issues with its high-quality stainless steel.
Features of the Skywin Wall Cup Holder
- Adhesive and screw mountable.
- It weighs 8.8 ounces.
- Stainless steel structure.
Pros
- It provides a convenient and permanent space for placing drinks and beverages.
- The high-quality stainless steel offers added durability and prevents rust.
- Ideal for outdoor and indoor use.
- Suitable for boats, apartments, cars, and offices.
- Fits various bottles, mugs, cans, and cups.
- Super cheap and affordable.
- Attractive and simplistic design.
Cons
- It comprises cheap steel.
- Twistable.
The TIHOOD Adjustable Cup Holder
This product from TIHOOD is an adjustable and foldable cup holder that is compatible with vans, RVs, boats, and caravans. Its mechanical structure enables it to adapt and mount to any vertical or flat surface easily. This adjustable cup holder comes with stainless steel mounting fasteners that make it easy to install. Another advantage this product has is that its plastic structure is waterproof and easy to clean.
Features of the TIHOOD Adjustable Cup Holder
- It weighs 15.6 ounces.
- Four adjustable drink holders.
- Sixteen stainless steel screws for easy installation.
Pros
- Easily adjustable to hold any bottle size, mug, or can.
- Convenient and reliant.
- Foldable for easy storage.
- Corrosion-resistant.
- Easy to clean.
- Waterproof
Cons
- It only mounts to a wall and not a floor.
- Cheaply made.
- The expanding cup arms are stiff.
- There’s no catch system to lock the holder in the upward position.
The Amarine Recessed Cup Holder
One stand out of the Amarine Recessed Cup Holder is the absence of mounting screws for installation. This cup holder incorporates a handy drain hole at the bottom to drain excess moisture. It can carry any standard-sized beverage can and various cups depending on their size. Furthermore, it is appropriate for the driver’s console, mounting places, tables, seat backs, and countertops.
As long as the size of the bottles fits, the Amarine Recessed cup holder can precisely accommodate them. It is ideal for your sofa, poker table, trailer, gaming or pool tables, caravans, boats, patios, marine, and yacht. This cup holder is suitable for gaming tables, furniture, recreational vehicles, and marine and recreational areas.
Features of the Amarine Recessed Cup Holder
- It weighs 0.352 ounces.
- Cup holder inserts.
- No mounting screws.
- Drain port.
Pros
- Easy cleanup.
- Compatible with seatbacks, boats, dashboards, game tables, and countertops.
- The drain port makes it easy to drain excess moisture from the cup holder.
- The lack of mounting screws makes it easier to install.
Cons
- It doesn’t fit Ozark tumblers or RTC.
- Not quite durable.
The Skiff Daddy Cup Holder
The Skiff Daddy is one of the most durable and simple-to-install drink holders. It holds small items and beverages, and its unique design can withstand the outdoors while providing the simplest installation feasible. This cup holder is incredibly simple, with no moving components to wear out, drill, or assemble.
This drink holder is compatible with various boat models like Crest liners, Alum crafts, G3, and Lund. Other compatible areas include pontoon boats, golf carts, deck railings, lawn chairs, dock, and canoes.
Features of the Skiff Daddy Cup Holder
- It weighs 0.5 pounds.
- PVC coating
- No moving parts.
Pros
- Easy removal and attachment.
- Built to withstand the elements.
- It fits anything with 1.25 inches.
Cons
- Expensive
- Susceptible to rust.
The Wise Pontoon Drink Holder
This cup holder model is ideal for fishing boats, pontoons, cruisers, and runabouts. The Wise Pontoon Drink Holder comes with a unique design capable of withstanding the roughest of waves. It features foam padding, vinyl, marine-grade plastic, and dual stainless steel cups. This padding secures the cup holder between the back cushions and the seat.
Features of the Wise Pontoon Drink Holder
- Foam padding.
- Marine-grade vinyl
- Plastic frame.
- Dual stainless steel cups.
- It weighs 1.2 kilograms.
- Steel cup holders.
Pros
- Ideal for fishing boats, cruisers, and pontoons.
- Built to withstand the roughest of waves.
- It blends in with the boat’s upholstery and interior.
Cons
- A bit expensive.
- The surface is prone to scratches and marks.
Maintenance Tips for Pontoon Boat Cup Holders
Pontoon cup holders are typically one of the dirtiest regions on the boat since they help keep soda bottles, coffee, drinks, or other supplies regularly. Hence, cleaning the boat cup holders helps keep the inside of the boat in good condition. You may do it yourself with soap and water or get a professional cleaner to do it for you.
Some maintenance tips for boat cup holders include:
- Purchase washable holder inserts:
Invest in washable rubber inserts for your cup holders to help keep them clean. Rubber inserts in the cup holders are available online and at nearby outlets. When the inserts become filthy, ensure to remove and wipe them down to maintain them clean.
- Wipe the cup holders dry:
After washing the cup holders, dry them with a clean cloth. Allow the cup holders to air dry overnight before reusing them to prevent germs from growing in damp areas of the cup holder.
- Avoid excessive exposure:
Avoiding overexposure when out on the water is another technique to ensure the longevity of your cup holders. Because most of these cup holders consist of metal or stainless steel traces, they are prone to rust and deterioration. Use the Bimini top to protect them from the sun’s rays and other harmful elements.
- Use a towel or sponge:
When cleaning the cup holders, apply soap and water to the sponge or rag. To achieve a better result, use warm water and soap. Wipe the cup holders thoroughly to remove surface debris and grime. When cleaning and disinfecting the cup holders, you may also use a vinegar solution.
- For tough stains, use a tiny brush:
Using a tiny detailing brush, gently remove any stains or debris from the holders. If the stains are stubborn, soak the brush in soap and water or vinegar and water. You may also use a Q-tip, a toothbrush, or a little dry towel to remove stains.
Wrap Up
The finest pontoon boat cup holders provide long-lasting durability, elegance, and adaptability. Although there are numerous alternatives available on the market, our verified picks above should bring you right to a boat cup holder that won’t disappoint. However, be sure to review your personal preferences before proceeding to the checkout.