Occasionally people comment on canvas enclosures. It sounds like it's difficult to get an enclosure for pontoon boats unless it is purchased with a new boat. Then there is the set up and take down because they apparently are not towable. Why isn't there a desire for a real add-on cabin enclosure that can be left on all the time for people and interior protection/comfort in all climates? Pontoon boats can have almost as much comfort as small houseboats with a fraction of the cost. The weight penalty would be about two people. Would anyone want that? Is there such a thing now?
I think a lot of it is how the boat is used. Pontoon boats tend to be fair weather boats used for group or family activities. Usually pontoons don't fair well in rough water, and usually families don't want to go out for fun on the water when it is pouring rain or freezing (there are exceptions of course). In my neck of the woods you don't see pontoons unless it is between labor day and memorial day, and you don't see them when the water is too rough.
Mostly they are not widely available because each brand boat is different and one size would not fit all. That's why they are best ordered when buying a new boat. There are aftermarket set-ups, but most do not fair well with owners...
Pontoon boats are presumed to be fair weather boats because they are, just like all open boats. They don't have to be. Outboards are already all weather engines. Perhaps a cabin pontoon can double comfortable annual usage. Your point is well taken about high winds, storms etc.
Actually one design can fit many pontoon boats. It depends how many "do it yourself" persons would build their own from plans or a kit to fit the dimensions they have. Or get someone else to build it for them. A family project perhaps. It could be done with ordinary tools and material costs would be less than purchasing a canvas enclosure. Maybe I will do it and send pictures.
RD
By adding an enclosure, increase dramatically the wind resistance as well as the susceptability to wind so there two factors that need to be considered. If you have enough power, going against the wind will slow you down and stress the cabin material but you will make headway. Too little power and a strong wind will move you around like a cork. I and others make their own boat covers so there is no reason you can't make an enclosure for your toon. Plan on your first attempt resulting in some mistakes as you will need to learn to sew and how to make a strong seam. In the world of stitchery there is a saying that goes like this: "As I sew, so must I rip".
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Sorry, I didn't make it clear. My idea is an all aluminum structure with lots of polycarbonate window area that is highway towable. No canvas. The design challenge is to keep it light and be able to open windows and doors in the summer. A small 10 foot cabin could be 150 pounds. A long 20 foot cabin could be 300 pounds. A width of 8 feet or 8 1/2 feet would not make any difference in weight or cost. The unit could be removeable similar to a pickup topper.
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Re: Pontoon Enclosure
Now you're talking about a different class of boat. An enclosed cabin must meet conditions that open boats can totally ignore. Different animal altogether. There's a difference between a houseboat and a pontoon boat, even though each may use pontoons for floating. Google Houseboat instead of Pontoon Boat.
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About 5 months ago RDinventor was talking about this pontoon enclosure. Now it has been built, it is in use, it is TOWABLE on the highway and can be built to fit most pontoon boats. So all you guys out there who want to boat year 'round in comfort can do it. This enclosure can make your pontoon boat as versitile as a houseboat with very little cost. Pictures are on www.pontoontop.com if you want to see what the top looks like.
Pontoon Enclosure
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