Full Camper Enclosure From Newbie!!

[debrods]

We are new to boating and this is our very first boat...a 20ft pontoon. We bought it used.. and it came with a full camper enclosure. The people we bought it from left the camper enclosure up all the time. the problem is we have no place to dock the boat and we trailer it to the closest dock which is a 7 min drive. my question is can i leave the full enclosure up while driving since it is a short drive and is on back roads or should i take it down and put it up everytime? I don't want to wreck the canvas by putting it up and down twice a day. sorry if it is a stupid question but like i said...we are newbies.

 

[BB9R]

Re: Full Camper Enclosure From Newbie!!

Since it is only a 7 minute drive to launch, I wouldn't worry about it. The length of time to put an enclosure up and down has kept me from purchasing one for my boat. Good luck and enjoy your boat.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Full Camper Enclosure From Newbie!!

It's not the time, but the speed that matters. If you can keep the speed at or below 25 mph you should be ok.

There should be a method to either easily raise or lower the sides that would help some as well. I designed my enclosure to allow the sides to quickly lower into a zippered pocket.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Full Camper Enclosure From Newbie!!

I definitely would NOT transport it with the enclosure up. The screen,frame, and material will be under more stress than designed for. Do you use it? If not, buy a bimini top, or even a double bimini, which will be easier to put up and take down. You could easily sell this one. There are many toon owners, including myself, that would like a full enclosure.

 

[hvachillbilly]

Re: Full Camper Enclosure From Newbie!!

It's not the time, but the speed that matters. If you can keep the speed at or below 25 mph you should be ok.

There should be a method to either easily raise or lower the sides that would help some as well. I designed my enclosure to allow the sides to quickly lower into a zippered pocket.

jeepman i agree with this if you can keep speeds under 25 mph in low winds the stress should not be any more on the road than in the water careful of low hanging trees and such left a fishing pole in holder one time and SNAP had half a pole when i got home lol

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Full Camper Enclosure From Newbie!!

keep the land speed the same as water speed. you should be fine. watch for low hanging limbs.