Ever been on a boat vacation that was ruined by the cruel sun? I did, and it was my worst trip to date. Many people who holiday on Pontoon boats have felt the need for partial shade to relax fully.
While everyone loves the sun and sunbathing, prolonged exposure to UV rays can be harmful and uncomfortable. Many people even face heatstroke or get sunburnt because of a lack of shade.
This should not happen to anyone, especially when they are looking for a gala and relaxing time. No matter how advanced your boat is, if it lacks simple shades, then it is incomplete. That’s why having a sunshade is imperative.
So, let’s look at the best pontoon boat sunshades on the market right now.
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7. AsterOutdoor Sun Shade Sail Triangle –
I was wrapping with six pontoon sun shades earlier, but then I got my hands on this Sail Triangle from AsterOutdoor. I liked the idea, so I decided to put it on #7. So, is it only the unique design that got in on this list? Absolutely No! I have tested tens of sun shades, and this one came in the top seven. So, what’s so special?
Firstly, its design, which is really simple. No drilling and hours of effort. Simply attach the rope to the corners, and it’s done. Also, it shades pretty well. Now, I have to agree that the shading here is in no way equal or better than the Bimini tops I talk about later on this list, but it’s decent.
It’s perfect for gardens and other still places like the beach, marinas, etc., but I won’t recommend it for everyday pontoon journeys. Of course, you can’t expect it to give the best shade with a triangle design.
It’s made from High density 185 GSM polyethylene fabric that provides a sturdy exterior. This material offers UV protection and blocks 95% of all harmful UV rays. Also, the seams are stitched really well here, better than some of the Bimini tops.
Overall, the quality is good here, but the design isn’t perfect for a pontoon boat. It fits good if you need a sunshade for a day or two, maybe for a trip, but not if you need it for the long term. Now, let’s talk about the setup.
So, on every corner of the canvas, a D-ring is attached that holds the polyethylene ropes. You have to attach these ropes to three places on the pontoon. Done. All the D-rings are made from stainless steel, so there is no rust problem. The two things I really love here are – Compactness and a 5-year warranty.
It packs excellent and small, unlike Bimini tops, and if anything goes wrong, you have a 5-year warranty. Finally, it’s available in 5 sizes and four colors.
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6. EasyGoProducts Pontoon Sun Shade –
Want double the shade than a standard Bimini Top? This sunshade from EasyGoProduct is all you need. These guys have combined a tent and umbrella with a Bimini top, a good idea, TBH. It’s unique and fairly easy to install. You have to place the main pole in the center and tie the four rods to the rails (or anything), and it’s ready.
No need to spend an hour doing everything. And the best part? No drilling is required. Easy to set up and offers double the protection(6×6 foot). But again, it’s not the ideal sunshade. You may think – What’s wrong? Well, a lot of things. These problems I’m going to talk about can be solved by putting in the effort and may buy other stuff.
This will work for many reasons if you can do it, but it may not last many seasons with the box items. Now, let’s talk about what I mean. If you look closely at the top, a D-ring on each corner attaches the ribs(those straps) to the canvas. They do a pretty good job of holding them, but there is a problem.
These D-rings are made from steel(not stainless steel) and are not perfect for marine areas. The same goes for the main poll, which is steel but is painted black. Both these things will rust easily and will reduce the life of this top.
You can now replace the D-rings with stainless steel or have some stainless paint job done to have it suitable. The rubber used beneath the main pole leaves black scuff everywhere on the stands, which I have to clean later. I don’t really like the cleaning job, but I have to do it.
Or you can replace it with white rubber, but that means spending additional cash. But even then, we can’t ignore that it does a fantabulous job of shading. I really love how well it shades. Also, it offers UV protection, so the harmful sun rays can’t penetrate this material, apart from the leftover 2%.
Overall, I do love it and wanted to recommend it, but there is a problem. It’s not designed for a running boat, i.e., it should only be placed when the boat is still, like on docks. That was a bummer; however, in my case, it worked well for 10 MPH, providing it’s not windy. It’s a good thing, but this isn’t for you if you are a speed person.
But if you need it to shade your pontoon on a dock, marina, or beach, this one works perfectly.
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5. Naviskin Bimini Top Sun shade –
Before I go in-depth, let’s have a quick intro. Basically, it’s a cheap version of the Leader Accessories Bimini Top with more size options and fewer colors. Nothing special, TBH, but let’s talk about it. Like every other Bimini top, it’s also made from marine-grade 600D polyester canvas, but it also has a PU coating here.
This material is the same as the MSC(#1 here), so I shouldn’t doubt its durability, but I do. Why? Firstly, the material is fragile, like, you can see the light through it. It’s easily noticeable with a light color, but the light can enter through the seams even with a dark color.
Also, I wouldn’t recommend getting dark colors as it absorbs more heat. Now, I know you are getting a pontoon sunshade, so the sun is an important factor that didn’t block properly. But apart from that, it wasn’t really efficient with the water. When it rains, the water will leak through the material.
It may not get in initially, but it will leak terribly once some water collects on top. And I blame two things for that. The first is the design, and the second is quality. It’s designed to make the fabric sagged and puddled between the frame cross member. In simple words, it collects the rainwater on the top instead of throwing it down.
If the design gets more slant, then it might have done an excellent job. Secondly, the quality isn’t that good. I already talked about the material, but the second thing to cover is the seams. Although the material is good, the seams aren’t. They seem to be stitched poorly. The final thing I don’t like is its straps, which aren’t heavy-duty.
Apart from these things, it’s standard. The frame is sturdy, the hardware seems good, and the canvas does hold up well in speed. I don’t usually discuss the cons in detail, but here I have to because the main thing, i.e., the material, isn’t good. So, I told you, rest, it’s your choice.
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4. KING BIRD Bimini Top Sun Shade For Pontoon –
At first glance, I was surprised at how similar it looks to the Best Choice Bimini Top. It’s almost the same except for the two rear support poles that are horizontal here, unlike others. This horizontal pole design makes it really convenient to set up and disassemble. Plus, it saves a lot of space. But apart from the look, there are some major changes.
It’s made from 600D/230 GSM marine-grade polyester with a PU coating that provides the strength and protection you need. The outer layer here is anti-UV, so apart from the water, hail, and solids, it also provides UV protection, which is a big plus. So that you know, getting sun rays protection isn’t equal to UV protection.
The frame(i.e., support pole) is made from stainless steel, and since you are getting four, it holds the canvas really well. All of them are 1.5 mm thick and can withstand a lot of abuse. Even though they are pretty durable, I have faced one issue, i.e., their wobbliness. I assembled it well, did everything right, and it still moves.
It doesn’t really cause any issue with the performance, but it looks a bit weird. This is the only Bimini top where I’m facing it, maybe it’s only me, or this has some problem. But as I said earlier, it doesn’t clash with the performance. Now, there are two things that I absolutely love about this pontoon sunshade- the built-in canopy and double-stitched seams.
The built-in canopy is its storage boot, where the canvas can be stored. It’s a great idea, TBH, as it prevents the canvas from blowing off a lot more stuff. The second thing is its double-stitched seams. If you read each review, you’ll understand how crucial it really is. There are sun shades that are ruined by the seams.
The biggest example is Naviskin Bimini Top. It was good, but the seams made it the worst. But with this one, I can trust that it wouldn’t leak terribly. Like every other Bimini top, the problem here is the plastic hardware, which is what you get at this price.
But it doesn’t really work in the long run. So, just get some stainless steel ones online. Apart from that, it works like a charm. Finally, it’s available in 5 sizes and three colors. And if anything goes wrong, you have a 60-days warranty period.
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3. Leader Accessories Bow Bimini Top –
Material-wise, it’s pretty similar to the MSC Bimini Top except for the screws(worse here). So, it’s made from marine grade 600D polyester canvas and 600D solution-dyed fabric. Both combined provide a strong canvas that saves you from scorching sun and water.
For the core, it uses a 1” aluminum frame that holds the canvas firmly. Like others, it too has quick-release mounts that make it easy to set up. It hardly takes 30 minutes to have it ready from scratch, including the time of the drill. If it’s taking you long, you are probably doing something wrong, so have a look at the instruction manual for help.
I would have placed it #1 had the hardware been stronger. But sadly, they are plastic. The screws aren’t stainless steel; they are cheap and will most probably snap off in aluminum. Even with pre-drilled holes, they will break. I personally expected better quality, but it is what it is.
Plus, you get what you pay for, so I bought the stainless steel ones online, and now it works like a charm. You can do the same; they don’t cost a fortune but will ensure a much better experience. You can invest the screwdriver money here as you get a free one, so there is no need to purchase one.
The thing I like here is the dual-set nylon straps that are set in the front and back. You can fasten it from the front and back, which improves the single set straps.
Overall it’s a decent sunshade that you can give a try, especially if you have a small pontoon boat. Now, if you don’t like the color, there are nine more to choose from. Just check it a bit and see if it fits well for you.
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2. Best Choice Waterproof Bimini Top –
Like other Bimini tops, it also has plastic hardware, which I thought would not last. But my opinion has changed after using it for four seasons straight. It’s now my fifth season, and it still works like a charm. I think I do have to replace it sooner or later, but that’s expected. It really is worth every penny.
Now, let’s talk about what it got. So, it’s a 4-bow canopy sunshade that is made from 600D canvas material. What’s special here is that besides the sun, water, and hail protection that every other canvas provides, it also offers UV protection.
So, all the harmful UVA and UVB rays are blocked, which is fantastic. For the frame, it uses double-walled aluminum that really is sturdy. It holds the canvas firmly. But that doesn’t happen automatically; you first have to drill it down(the aluminum).
Use the plastic hinge and screws; it is pretty easy to set up and hardly takes 30 minutes. Once done, using it is a breeze. Now, I want to clear one thing – the plastic used here seems pretty touch and durable, not cheap like others. So, don’t think that it’ll break easily.
For most other sun shades, especially for Bimini-Tops, I recommended buying additional stainless screws and hinges, but not for this one. It’s perfect. It’s designed to cover any boat with a beamwidth of 91”-96”. In my case, it covered the operator charts and console perfectly, so it works.
Once you are done, it easily disassembles, after which you can store it in the zippered carrying case. Overall, I will say go for it.
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1. MSC Bow Bimini Top Boat Cover –
When we talk about a Pontoon sunshade, this Bimini Top from MSC is what I suggest. It’s sturdy, compact, handy, yet cheaper than the others. The first thing you’ll notice here is its beautiful design and color. The Burgundy color adds a touch of royalty ness while the design makes it stand out.
This top canvas is made from marine-grade 600D polyester canvas with a double PU(Polyurethane) coating that protects you(and your boat) from sun rays. Also, it prevents water and other solids from entering. I really love how strong this thing is. Like, it can really withstand years of usage with normal use.
That time period can be increased if you care about it properly. Like, such as covering it and letting it dry before boating. Now, let’s talk about the internal mechanism. The frame is made from a 1” anti-rust aluminum frame, creating a solid base. It stays firm and holds the canvas in place.
But to make it firm, you have to screw it properly. And for that, you get five nylon deck hinges(for free). While these work fine, I recommend getting the stainless hinges and pins. They ensure your Bimini top stays fine while at high speed.
Plus, the steel ones have clips to assemble/disassemble them, which makes life easier. The other thing I’ll recommend replacing is the front strap(both of them). Don’t get me wrong, at this price, these straps are perfectly OK, but they aren’t in the long run. So, why not replace it asap.
Why wait for the strap to break and smash your face when you can be on the safe side? So, get a new one with stainless buckles and clips. Or a plastic one if you want it cheap(not recommended). Once both the things are attached, it works flawlessly. It can be confusing if you are getting a Bimini top for the first time.
Don’t worry; the instruction manual is here for your rescue. Now, let’s talk about the most important thing, the set-up time. It can take 30 minutes at max, but it was around 15 minutes in my case.
So, it totally depends on how well you understand and implement the manual. Once it’s drilled, things become really smooth.
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Why Should You Buy Sun Shades For Your Boat?
Many people underestimate the need for sun shades for a boat. People think that the upper deck should be left open for several things, such as sunbathing.
However, an experienced person who often goes boating or owns a boat will tell you how important and helpful sun shades can be.
1. Prevention From Sunburns –
Boats (and Pontoon boats in particular) are the ones that are increasingly used for holidays—the most popular time for holidaying on a boat in summer.
While sunbathing is a popular activity on a boat and requires an open roof, people also need a bit of shade to cool down. The absence of roof shade can be detrimental and may cause sunburn due to long exposure to the sun.
It is of utmost importance to have some bit of shade in an open boat. The shade also helps keep things like food and ice in a shaded area.
2. Rain Contingency –
Protection from rain is probably the simplest reason and perhaps the strongest reason in favor of having shades on a boat. The weather can often change unexpectedly.
There can be the sun shining one second, and there will be rain the next second. It is better to be prepared for all kinds of situations by having shades on your boat.
Getting drenched in the rain can totally spoil goods and your mood. Therefore, having shades to protect one from the direct onslaught of rain is another reason why you should invest in good-quality shades.
3. Allows Variety And Increases Flexibility –
Having a shade dramatically makes your boat better and more versatile. People who are looking for a boat barbeque or want a shaded area can hire your boat if you have sun shades.
Simultaneously, people who are solely interested in sunbathing can also use your boat because having sunshades does not mean covering the full area of the open deck.
By making your boat more versatile and flexible, you will be enhancing the overall boating experience.
4. Affordable –
Once upon a time, installing boat shades was an expensive affair. However, this is not the case anymore. Thanks to the latest technology and design, you can now get sun shades at a highly affordable rate.
You don’t have to shell out a significant amount of money to make a simple but impactful addition to your boat. Affordability has really opened up the world of sunshades to the ordinary public.
Things To Consider Before Buying a Pontoon Sun Shade –
Before buying a sunshade for your boat, make sure that you are considering all of these factors:
1. Ease Of Use –
Sunshades are supposed to make your life easy and pleasant. Therefore if your sun shades are too complicated to use, then you should change them.
A sunshade should not be too complicated to operate. It should open and close in one or two steps without any need for strength or tact.
The instructions for managing sun shades should be direct and easy to comprehend. Ease of use or user-friendliness should be prioritized while buying sunshades. Complicated sunshades can make the boating experience stressful.
2. Warranty Coverage –
Warranty coverage is perhaps, easily the most critical indicator of quality. You should look for at least 1 to 2 years of warranty coverage for sun shades for boats.
Ensure that the warranty clearly mentions full repairs, refunds, and replacement in case of manufacturing defects, substandard performance, or design flaws.
If a sunshade comes with a lifetime warranty, that product should be prioritized.
3. Design –
The design is the essential part of a sunshade. If the design is dated, then your experience will not be impressive. The design interface is the main thing that makes or breaks a product.
Shock absorbing design makes sure that your sun shades don’t break or fall off when the water is choppy or when there are harsh winds.
Due to design flaws, sun shades often fall apart or cannot hold the onslaught of harsh weather.
An example of great design is self-supported sunshades. The self-supported shade panels easily glide over the boat. They do not obstruct any of the boating activities, such as fishing or docking.
A simple thing such as a 360-degree swivel can make the umbrella sunshade ten times better. These shade panels also significantly improve the boat’s aesthetics and give it a sophisticated look.
4. Height And Coverage Area –
Height and coverage area are the most critical factors that need to be considered before buying a boat sunshade. The height of your boat and measurement deck area needs coverage to decide a sunshade’s size.
For large boats that are more than 45 feet in height, the automated sun shields are well suited. For medium-sized boats, manual shields work well. For a smaller boat, umbrella-style shades are the best choice.
5. Flexibility And Portability –
In today’s world, products like sun shades should be flexible and portable. Having a portable sunshade means you can easily carry it with you to different locations.
If the sunshades are lightweight, it will be hassle-free to carry them in your car or even in your airport luggage. The portable and flexible sunshade will allow you to change any boat that does not have a sunshade.
The flexible design of a product will allow you to use it in different types of boats without requiring significant changes or alterations.
FAQs –
What should be the weight of an umbrella sunshade?
The weight of an umbrella sunshade depends on the design and the model. Different umbrella shades have different weights.
However, a single or double capacity sunshade weighs between 8 pounds to 10 pounds on average. You should avoid umbrella sunshades if they are on the heavier side.
What are the height dimensions of an umbrella sunshade?
There are no standard dimensions for an umbrella sunshade. However, we can say that, on average, an umbrella sunshade is at least 5 feet long. Anything less than 5 feet is not desirable.
What does UPF protection mean in the context of sun shades?
The term UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It is used as a common factor to measure a fabric or canvas’s effectiveness against harmful sun rays.
In the context of sun shades, UPF signifies how much protection the sun shades provide against the sun’s harmful rays. The UPF fabric of 50/50 rating or 49/50 rating is the best option. It blocks 98 percent of ultraviolet rays from reaching you.
What are some popular designs of boat sun shades?
In recent years, many innovative sun shades designs have been introduced in the market. Automated sun shades are electricity-powered sunshades that can be opened and closed with just one touch.
They are mostly used in boats that are above 50 feet. Many of the automated sun shades are powered by sunlight. Manually operated telescopic sun shades are another popular type of sunshade.
They are manually controlled by hand, and you can easily pull the shades out or push them in. The most simplistic and inexpensive type of sunshade is made in umbrella style.
As their name suggests, these shades are opened like umbrellas and then attached firmly to the ground.
What are some additional costs of sun shades?
The most common additional cost of sun shades is installation costs that might be needed for complex models. However, it needs to be noted that the majority of sunshades available these days can be installed without the help of professionals.
What material should be used in your sun shades?
The metals to be used in your sun shades should, most importantly, be corrosion proof. Ideally, stainless steel is an excellent fit for sun shades. A mix of alloys and industry-grade plastic can also be used in place of metals.
Metals that are prone to corrosion and rusting should be avoided in sunshades. Any plastic that is not industry-grade or is not powder coated should also be avoided as it can get bleached or broken down easily.
Since sun shades are openly exposed to harsh sun, water, and wind, it is essential to use a durable material.
What type of sun shades are best for less than 35 feet in height boats?
The most suitable sun shades for boats that are less than 35 feet in height are the ones that can be manually controlled by hand.
Boats that are less than 35 feet are of medium built, and their open deck area is small. Therefore, manually controlled sun shades work best for these boats.
Conclusion –
Water shades can transform the way your boat functions easily. The addition of sun shades will allow you to do various activities like fishing and barbecuing without sunburnt.
The best thing about sun shades is that they are not a permanent fixture. You can add them or remove them according to your convenience.
Now that you are aware of different types of sunshades and know what factors need to be considered, it will be easy to make an informed choice about them.
Every dollar you spend on a high-quality boat sunshade is worth the money.