Installing a pontoon hardtop adds convenience and value to your boat. Apart from shading you and your family from the sun and rain, it also makes your boat stand out from the rest.
Pontoon hardtops are one of the most popular boat additions for a few reasons: they’re easy to install, versatile, and relatively budget-friendly!
This article discusses everything you need to know about pontoon hardtops, including their advantages and disadvantages, as well as how to select a pontoon hardtop depending on your boat’s measurements.
Why Buy a Pontoon Hardtop? Advantages and Disadvantages
Pontoon hardtops, sometimes also referred to as bimini hardtops, are non-fabric-based pontoon shade covers that are usually made from fiberglass, polycarbonate, aluminum, and other types of sheet metal.
Hardtops are usually custom made to fit boat specifications, and would simply be connected to the boat’s existing structure. They come in single and dual structures of varying height and length.
As follows are some of the advantages and disadvantages of adding a pontoon hardtop to your boat:
Pros:
- Protects you and your family from direct heat and unexpected rainfall
- Shields your equipment from sun damage, therefore increasing the boat’s life and resale value
- Comes in a wide range of colors
- Entirely customizable
- UV-resistant, decreasing the risk of sunstroke
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Adds extra weight to your boat
- Much more expensive than fabric soft tops
- Isn’t collapsible nor portable
Pontoon Hardtops vs Soft Tops: What’s the Difference?
Hardtops and soft tops are two of the most popular pontoon tops in the market today and are often the subject of debate. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two:
Hardtops
As mentioned earlier, pontoon hardtops are semi-permanent non-fabric-based bimini tops, typically made from a hard-wearing sheet material such as UV-resistant fiberglass, aluminum, and polycarbonate.
I say semi-permanent because once they’re up, you can’t take them down unless you uninstall the entire thing. While some hardtops are collapsible, this design is increasingly rare due to safety reasons.
Hardtops, while extremely durable, are sometimes susceptible to cracks, punctures, and other aspects of regular use—particularly if they aren’t made of high-quality material. Even so, you don’t have to worry about sun damage or anything similar for a long time due to its longevity.
If you use your boat for recreational purposes and don’t take it out much, you’ll do well with a soft top. However, if you plan to use your boat multiple times a month for long periods, I recommend going for a hardtop.
Soft Tops
Pontoon soft tops, or soft bimini tops, are made with metal frames and solution-dyed fabrics such as acrylic, polyester, and other types of cloth-like material suited for marine applications.
Since they’re almost entirely made of fabric, soft tops add color and vibrance to your boat. They give you the freedom of customization without any restrictions. They come in a limitless number of colors and patterns, and can be stretched, curved, and folded without the risk of cracking.
Compared to hardtops, soft tops are lighter, cheaper, and more versatile. They’re the ideal choice for boaters who love customization and going fast.
With that said, their biggest downfall is durability.
In harsh environments, soft tops need to be replaced every season. Moreover, they don’t protect you from the elements as well as hardtops.
Unlike hardtops, soft tops aren’t simply ‘set and forget.’ They’re extremely volatile to mold, mildew, and sun fading. For this reason, they require more maintenance and replacement.
What Is the Best Way to Measure a Pontoon Hardtop?
The size and mounting point of your pontoon hardtop affect the price, design, and shade it provides. In order to perfectly measure a hardtop for your pontoon, follow the guidelines below!
Mounting Point
Ask yourself this: where do you want the hardtop situated? Do you want it near or towards the stern of the boat, or do you want it a bit more forward?
The mounting point determines how much shade your boat will be getting. If you’re planning to install a foldable top, the mounting point sets the top’s position when it’s folded and isn’t in use.
Using a measuring tape, measure across your boat from side to side, starting from the point you wish to install your hardtop.
Width
Identify where you want the hardtop’s mounting points to be from side to side or rail to rail.
Hardtops can be mounted to virtually any surface, so you have the freedom to place them wherever you like. This includes the railing, the windshield, the top of the gunnel, and anywhere inside and outside the boat.
Length
Before you measure the length of your boat’s hardtop, consider what you want to cover first. Start from the mounting point as this is where the center of the hardtop will be located.
Height
From the mounting point, measure straight up to determine the height of the hardtop’s frame. By default, the height of a pontoon frame is set at around 54 inches, allowing you to comfortably walk under the canopy.
If you want it lower or higher, make sure to let the manufacturers know so they’ll adjust the measurements accordingly.
Once you’ve listed all the measurements, you’re now ready to send them off for customization. If you’re not quite sure about your measurements, consider asking a professional to do it for you, preferably from the same company you wish to have your pontoon hardtop built.
How Much Do Pontoon Hardtops Cost?
Depending on the material, size, and construction, pontoon hardtops can cost as low as $1,000 to as high as over $10,000.
Although expensive, keep in mind that the cost entirely depends on the overall quality of the materials used. Pontoon hardtops are valued for their durability and longevity; it doesn’t pay off to penny-pinch when it comes to hardtops.
Low-quality hardtops require frequent replacement as they crack under the sun faster. While cheap at first, they’ll be more costly in the long run due to maintenance. It’s best to go premium from the get-go.
If you’re not ready to invest in a hard top just yet, you can instead opt for a soft top. On average, soft tops cost between $200 to $2,000.
Final Thoughts
Pontoon hardtops not only protect you and your family from sun damage but also increases your boat’s life and resale value. Although expensive, hardtops don’t require much maintenance and last upwards of five to ten years depending on how you use your boat.