Pontoon Gazebos for Shade

[ToadHaul]

wife and I are looking for a solution to shade the front seating area on our pontoon. We don’t want something permanent like an extended Bimini top. Rather, something we can place when anchored. We’re looking at the Taylor Made Gazebo as a solution. Has anyone tried/seen these? Any thoughts or a better product solution?

 

[HotTommy]

My main two questions would be: how long does it take to put up and take down, and how easy is it to store when moving?

 

[Scott Danforth]

a proper bimini only takes seconds to put up or down and would cost about the same

 

[ahicks]

My thought would be that it would be useless underway, especially if going into any kind of a head wind.

Something like this might be a little more durable.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Z-Shade-8-ft-W-x-10-ft-L-Rectangle-White-Steel-Pop-Up-Canopy/1000176959

 

[ToadHaul]

This top isn’t intended for use underway. It’d be setup upon anchoring more often than not. Per the page, it’s not a lot different than a small tent; sectional poles you put in place and voila. Looks like less than 5 minutes based on my experience with tenting. I’m just not seeing a lot of options for this kind of thing. We’re way beyond the whole sun bathing thing and prefer cool.

We considered some type of umbrellas and just using pvc tubes as mount points. But then, we’re hauling around this big old umbrella. With a 20’ boat that just isn’t feasible. Has anyone seen other ideas or solutions.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Has anyone seen other ideas or solutions.

fence rail mounted bimini.....takes about 20 seconds to deploy or stow.

 

[ToadHaul]

Thanks Scott! We have a Bimini now covering the fear area. Wasn’t sure if adding a second Bimini could be an option. We’re still VERY new to this I’m just not sure what ideas I come up with are good ideas or just plain stupid!

 

[Bayou Dave]

I have seen pontoons with a rear and forward bimini.