Pontoon boat with camper enclosure?

Question

Are these for truly camping on the boat, or are they just a glorified wind/sun shade? Have you ever camped on the water with the above set up? Any downsides? Any help/ guidance is greatly appreciated- Thanks!

Answer 1

It mainly protects you from the elements and keeps the cold and wet off of you.  You can camp on the boat but I would be a bit Leary about it.

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Answer 2

I travel in the summer on the Erie Canal in NY state. I've seen them. Other than no AC or galley to cook in.  It would be just like camping on the water.  The only downside is the windage of the canvas or enclosure. As long as there is a portipottie or head. Its would be a winner. I almost bought one new. I ended up with a 30 foot preowned crusier. I'm happy with her. Just more maintence work, I do my own. If not it would be $$$ 2 engines , ac and ect.

Answer 3

If it is a true "camper canvas" package, then yes you can camp on the water with them. A camper canvas (enclosure) package includes a bimini top, with side, front and aft curtains that may or may not have zip-out panels with bug screens in them. Camper canvas packages are awesome and the only way to go if you get stuck in the weather or if you're looking for a weekend outing with the family/friends. They're dry for the most part, and keep the heat in if it gets a little chilly at night. The only real downside is the fact that when they're new, sometimes they don't like to fit all that well (they need to stretch sometimes) and the side curtains will act like a sail if it's windy and you're trying to dock. But all in all, the pros sure do outweigh the cons in this situation. Go for the camper package..it also adds a little resale value to your boat as well.

Answer 4

There are all different kinds of camper pontoons. Some are totally self contained with stove, re frig, shower. They are like mini houseboats. The plain ones have canvass sides with a Porta Pottie. I have one that has the canvas enclosure no stove but has a sink and I have camped overnight for several days. It's roughing it a little but a lot of fun. The shave water is cold. Mine has 30 gallon water supply. When we were ready to eat we would come to the marina where there was a nice restaurant. There is no reason you couldn't use an alcohol stove and cook but that is a hassle.