Options For Your Summer
Throughout the course of the summer, many boating manufacturers are seeing more and more avid boaters requesting half and full camping enclosures. This is becoming more and more of a trend for not only camping season, but for those looking to extend their boating seasons when the cooler temperatures start kicking in.
For those not ready for the boating season to end, maybe it’s time to consider an optional enclosure so you can further your boating experience. There are many benefits to purchasing a camping enclosure with very few downfalls. We have chosen to highlight just a few manufacturers who provide these enclosures, although many manufacturers currently offer them.
Qwest
Apex Marine offers a number of different options when it comes to enclosures including the Qwest Adventure 7518 Sport Cruise.
“The model is perfect for a camping enclosure,” says Apex rep Ron Sincissen. “It’s perfect for families and fishermen alike.”
The Michigan-based builder has over 20 different models with full enclosures and also half enclosures. There are a lot of variations that allow boaters to look at different things within the boat.
“Obviously, it can protect from the weather,” adds Sincissen. “If you’re out boating or fishing, it allows you to extend your season. A lot of people use it on docks, especially when people are visiting. Enclosures with screens allow you to fish during bug season, which is a huge advantage.”
He goes on to add that it is becoming apparent that boaters want to take advantage of the accommodations that pontoon boats have to offer.
“I believe we are definitely seeing an increase in the number of enclosures that are going on boats,” says Sincissen. “People are beginning to realize the versatility of pontoon boats and the things that people can do.”
There are a number of reason purchasing an enclosure from Apex Marine could prove to be the best option for you.
“We control the quality and the fit of the enclosure,” adds Sincissen. “There are a lot of variables that come with an enclosure. One enclosure that comes from the factory will be fitted to the boat and if they need a replacement part, they can get it from the manufacturer.”
Bennington
Bennington Marine offers full camping enclosures for a number of different models including the popular GL line.
“The 2275 GL is a great boat for a camper enclosure option because it allows a full enclosure giving you the most usable interior space,” says Amanda Welles from Bennington. “In addition to the full enclosure, we also offer a Slant Enclosure and Half Enclosure and the availability varies per model.”
All of its enclosures from Bennington come with windows made of eisenglass, screens and canvas to shut out all the light. Its more popular stern lounge models work with the Slant Enclosure as well.
“This option is nice because of its single frame structure opposed to the double frame of the other enclosures,” adds Welles. “It takes away a little of the interior real estate, but the single frame is more convenient if the camper enclosure isn't being used frequently.”
If you want to be comfortable and be able to relax on your boat, even during the cooler months of the year, then Welles strongly recommends purchasing an enclosure.
“You are able to keep cool because the sun is not shining on you all the time and you won’t be bothered by the bugs either,” says the Bennington rep. “It is pretty basic, but also really
nice at the same time. It can be like a mini-houseboat.”
According to the manufacturer, people who live in the North or in the deep South seem to prefer them more, yet they’re popular in all different regions.
Harris FloteBote
Imagine your perfect day on the water. Are you soaking up the sun while listening to your favorite tunes on a high-end stereo system? Swimming in a secluded cove? Casting off in the early morning fog, hoping to catch the big one? You really can do it all—and make a bold, stylish statement in the process—with a number of different models that Harris FloteBote has to offer. Enclosures are gaining in popularity as more people realize they can extend their boating season or make their time out on the water more enjoyable. Full enclosures, instead of partial enclosures that only cover half the boat, are more popular because you can still utilize all the passenger room a pontoon offers.
Among the Harris FloteBote models that offer enclosures are the Cruiser 240, Sunliner 240, Solstice 240 and the Grand Mariner 250.
In order for you to take full advantage of what Harris FloteBote would like to offer, they say an enclosure would go best on its Cruiser 240 model.
The 240 has four customizable floor plans, starting with the Cruise, which provide a bow walk-through, swim platform access aft to starboard, two bow lounges and an L-shaped aft lounge with sun pad. The SL version replaces the L-shaped aft lounge with a single rear-facing lounge, while the LX replaces the bow lounges with two bucket, basic or Lux seats. Finally, the FS offers four fish seats, a livewell, rod holders and a fully-equipped rear workstation that conceals a convenient pull-up changing room. Don’t forget the thick foam cushions, soft-touch vinyl, ample storage and the latest electronics and instrumentation.
Investing in a full camping enclosure is highly recommended because of all of the options that you will have in front of you and the fact that you make an already versatile boat that much more useful.
Cypress Cay
Cypress Cay offers full enclosures on all Cypress Cay models including the Seabreeze, Cabana, Cozumel and Cayman. A full enclosure that provides protection and comfort for all occupants is the same price on any Cypress Cay model and the manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $4,530. That price includes the double bimini tops that span the length of the boat, clear removable window panes, screen window panes, and high-grade canvas to prevent water penetration.
“Enclosures add even more versatility to your Cypress Cay pontoon,” says Kathy Jauregui, a representative with Cypress Cay. “Enjoy protection from the elements when you take that first spring ride or spend the night on the water.”
No matter which Cypress Cay model you choose, a full enclosure adds sun protection with a double bimini that shades all occupants,
G3 Boats
The elegance of the popular Sun Catcher X324 RS has been enhanced by a new interior furniture upgrade, redesigned console, and improved layout with more deck space. Truly a superior boat that your family will be proud to own and one that will provide years of relaxation and entertainment on the water.
The Sun Catcher X324 RS from G3 Boats is the perfect choice for installing a camping enclosure, although full enclosures are available on a wide variety of other Sun Catcher pontoons as well.
It combines superior styling and innovative design with high performance to create the ultimate on-water experience in luxury pontoons. G3 Boats has built a superior reputation in the aluminum boat industry based on three principles—quality, performance and satisfaction.
The X324 RS comes with two forward-facing captain’s chairs, two forward-facing loungers, a rear-facing double lounger, a third log for storage of camping gear or other items and a full-sized refreshment center.
“Full enclosures are used extensively up north and they are extremely popular in Canada,” says Stephen Matt, a representative from G3. “The primary use of full pontoon enclosures is on-water camping at remote locations. Peace, solitude and privacy are a way of life for many pontoon campers.”
Serious anglers also use pontoons with full enclosures to reach untapped fishing locations. By pulling a small boat behind the pontoon they can set up a base fishing camp in a secluded cove.
G3 Boats is a Yamaha-owned boat company and manufactures over 100 models of aluminum fishing boats and pontoons at their location in Lebanon, Mo. The enclosure pictured is on a X322 C Sun Catcher model.
