Have you ever been in a situation where you can’t use your pontoon’s portable toilet due to a lack of privacy? It’s more frustrating than a weird situation. But the solution to this situation lies in toilet enclosures.
Boat rides and boat holidays are full of summery drinks that ultimately cause people to use a washroom. However, not all boats are built with a washroom, and people have to use portable toilets.
These toilets don’t come with their own four walls. This is where we use the toilet enclosures. A toilet enclosure is an unassuming but incredibly essential tool that comes in handy in several situations.
A portable commodore without the privacy of an enclosure is incomplete and useless. If you have a portable toilet but not an enclosure, you need to get it as soon as possible. So, without further ado, let’s look at the best ones in the market.
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5. Privacy Station Drop Down For Pontoon Toilet –
If your deck has a Bimini Top that you would like to convert to a private room, then this enclosure from Northstar is a perfect choice. This drop-down attaches to the underside of a Bimini top to provide the privacy and space you need.
Simply attach the Velcro’s(four of them) to the middle bows of your Bimini top, and it’s ready, simple as that. This thing is 72” X 30” X 27”, which may not seem much by dimensions, but it’s really roomy from the inside.
Apart from that, it’s also very lengthy, long enough that you may have to tuck it under itself, which makes it worthwhile on longer Bimini Tops as well. There is no window, pouch, or clothesline inside, unlike pop-up tents, but I don’t think you really need them.
The top is open for ventilation, and since you want it for a porta-potty, you don’t need any pouch or clothesline. But, if you are planning to use it for other things too, like, showering or changing clothes, you might miss the clothesline.
But don’t worry, you still have another option, i.e., keep your clothes on the top borders. It may seem a little weird at first, but it’s actually quite helpful. Or you can just keep it outside, but seriously guys, I don’t think storage is needed at all.
There is a zipper to enter, like pop-up tents, but unlike the C shape we see on the tents, this one is a simple vertical zipper. You get double pull zippers(heavy duty) to make it easier to use, which can be opened/closed easily. Also, you can close it at your preferable height, so everyone can use it.
I really love its quality, which seems rugged enough for heavy use. Overall, I love this thing, but it needs a Bimini top; otherwise, it’s useless. That’s why it’s at #5. After use, you can store it in the storage bag that came along. It folds flat and becomes way smaller than expected, around 12″ X 18”.
Finally, if you don’t like the above color, you still have four more to choose from. So, what are you waiting for?
Pros
- Sturdy, easy to setup/use
- Roomy and lengthy
- Ventilated enough
- Double pull zipper
- Available in five colors
- Stores pretty compact
Cons
- No clothesline or storage
- Almost useless without Bimini Top
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4. GigaTent Pop-Up Privacy Enclosure –
Going on a one-time trip on a pontoon and are very tight on budget? Then this pop-up tent from GigaTent is for your rescue. Being the cheapest enclosure on this list(and on the net), it has the cheapest quality and features.
There is nothing special here that I can really talk about; instead, it doesn’t even have the basic things we saw in other enclosures, like the windows, clothesline, shower space, and more.
It only provides you a place to go, do the business, and come back fast; if not, get ready to withstand the hot and humid temperature inside. I think you forget, there is no place for ventilation, so it gets hot in there.
The only thing you can do is keep the front door open using the loops and toggles on the side, which you may not like, but you don’t have any other option. It is said to be made from taffeta 190T polyester, which makes it sturdy and water-resistant, but after using it, I doubt it.
I have used other tents with the same material, but this is the only one that started tearing and wearing within five days. And the usage was moderate; it just stayed in place on my pontoon; still, it began tearing around the frame. The frame is made from flexible steel, which looked pretty durable, but the material didn’t.
But what’s the fun of having a solid frame when the material didn’t last? Polyester gives us privacy, not steel. The material isn’t dense here, so shower shadows are visible here. And you don’t want others to see your silhouette while doing #2, do you? This gets worsened during the night, but I think you get what you paid for.
Anyway, I doubt it’ll last well on a second pontoon trip. Therefore, I will only suggest you get it if you are on a one-time short trip on a rented pontoon or something, but if it’s your own pontoon and it’s more than one-time, then definitely avoid getting it.
Even though it misses almost everything, it still has two pocket flaps, but you know where? On the bottom floor. It would have been very convenient had they sewn them in a seam higher up and within reach. This tent is only six feet, so people on the longer side may have to crouch inside, or you just ignore getting it.
The only thing it’s close to the good ones is its compact size(when folded). It gets folded to a compact size of 20″ L x 20″W x 2″ H. Plus, it’s lightweight at a mere 3 pounds, making it easy to carry.
Now, I don’t hate this thing because it’s at a price I can’t believe any pop-up tent can exist in, but the thing is, its overall quality is in no way good. And I just wanted to make things clear.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Frame is strong
- Very Very cheap, the price and quality
- Two pockets inside
- Good only for a one-time short trip
Cons
- No window, shower space, or clothesline
- Quality is bad; it probably tears within a week.
- Material not as dense as advertised
- Not good for tall people
- No ventilation; it can get warm inside
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3. Abco Tech Pop Up Pontoon Toilet Tent –
This enclosure from Abco is a perfect choice for people looking for a cheap privacy tent. It’s a good option if you are seriously tight on budget; otherwise, I recommend going for #1 and #2. The reason is its quality. Since it’s cheaper in price, the quality and accessories are sacrificed.
The material is fairly thin, the stitching isn’t good, and there is no floor mat. But it’s fairly useful for the pontoon toilet since all you need is privacy and space, which you are getting. Apart from the toilet, you can use it for a shower and changing clothes thanks to the shower top and clothesline inside.
It has plenty of room inside for a portable toilet, so you won’t feel congested, while the two sun windows ensure proper ventilation. If not a window, you can open the shower top for the purpose. The inside is similar to others.
There is a big window at the front, along with a small storage container right beneath—a clothesline at the right and a shower-top up there. Now, you may think, what’s the difference between this one and the good ones?
Well, Quality! From the time you open it, the difference between the quality is crystal clear. It always looks wrinkled; stitching is poor (tending to stress fabric near zipper vent hatch), the zipper gets stuck easily, and stuff.
But yeah, it’s lightweight and sturdy thanks to silver-coated polyester and flexible steel. However, it’s not as firm as others. You won’t feel anything since you have it inside the pontoon, but it can hardly stand without stakes in the open air. Thankfully, you get four metal stakes to use when needed(camping and stuff).
Also, a carrying bag is offered to make it compact. Like any other pop-up enclosure, it’s straightforward to open but tricky to close. Therefore, I will recommend you practice closing it before taking it on your pontoon. Maybe you have to use it somewhere else in the future, so make sure closing it won’t become a struggle then.
Pros
- Cheap and budget-friendly
- Can be used for toilet, shower, changing cloth
- Plenty of room inside, ventilated.
- Sturdy enough
- Clothesline, storage, and two windows inside
- Carry bag included
Cons
- Overall, the quality isn’t good.
- Not firm plus no floor mat
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2. WolfWise 6.6FT Pop Up Pontoon Toilet Enclosure –
Want a bigger toilet enclosure at a similar price? Then this one from WolfWise is your go-to. It’s not only longer but wider as well. You may not understand the difference until you compare it with others, which I did, and I was surprised by the difference.
To be exact, it’s 47.24″ x 47.24″ x 78.74” when opened while only 23.6” x 23.6” when folded. It’s effortless to open, probably the easiest I have ever seen. But closing can be a bit tricky. I will recommend you follow the Folding Instruction pamphlet that came along before using it on the pontoon.
This tent is made from polyester and silver coating, making it water/sun repellent. The waterproof taffeta 190T nylon polyester gives water/UV protection, while the silver coat inside makes it sun resistant.
Now, let’s go inside the enclosure. You have small storage on the right, a big window on the back, and an integrated clothesline on the left. I know your main focus is to get it for the porta-potty, but it’s an excellent choice for the shower as well.
You can substitute its use at particular hours to get both things done. I am suggesting this because of the shower hole at the top. Due to its shower design, all the corners have mesh to drain out the water, etc. It might take a while to drain out, so you can lift and tilt it to get the water out fast.
Believe me, it’s really light, and you won’t feel the burden. Thanks to its durable galvanized steel frame that keeps it stable and firm. With the tent, you also get a bottom mat that you can attach if you like.
Remember, the top isn’t fully removable while the bottom mat is. The best thing about this enclosure is that it doesn’t cast any shower shadow like you can’t see the person inside even with a lantern in the night, ensuring privacy.
It’s available in two styles – Black and Blue. The Black one is what you saw here, but the blue one is basically two of these tents combined to provide an even bigger space.
If you want more space, just check its blue color design, but remember, it’s more costly than the single black one. But the price is comparably less considering that you are getting two tents and a medium.
Pros
- Sturdy, compact, and firm
- Bigger than most enclosure
- Open and close easily(after a little practice)
- Water/Sun repellent
- Polyester and steel make it durable.
- Bottom mat and meshed corner for ease
- Available in Two styles
Cons
- The top isn’t fully removable
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1. WolfWise Pop Up Pontoon Privacy Enclosure –
The problem with most enclosures is they are hard to install, fold, and pack. And those good ones are really costly. But thanks to WolfWise, we now have a great enclosure at an affordable price. This enclosure consists of two materials – A silver coating and 190T polyester material(the blue one).
Both these materials combined make it sturdy and water/sunproof. The silver coating underneath is UPF 50+, which blocks 98% of harmful UV rays, while the polyester makes it water-repellent. Even the seams are taped to keep you dry inside.
Now, I know both these things are no big deal since you want it for pontoon, but it can be beneficial for other occasions like camping. It’s constructed using galvanized steel, which helps it stand on its own, so no extra efforts are needed. It provides excellent privacy and room while you do your business.
Apart from the porta-potty, you can use it for changing clothes, bathing, and more. It’s excellent to block the cold winds, which is crucial for those chilling nights when nature calls. It just feels great(and warm) inside, especially during winters.
And unlike others, it’s not a pain in the neck using it once you understand its mechanism. It’s easier to open(in a few seconds) but tricky to close until you know how to do it. Therefore, I recommend you practice closing it 15-20 times before using it on the pontoon. This will lessen your struggles later on(a worthy time investment).
Some notable things here are the removable rain cover on top, removable bottom mat(free), and two zipper windows. The rain cover prevents light rain, the mat offers a soft medium, and the windows provide an option for ventilation. Since you are on a pontoon, I think the removable top is much better for ventilation than the windows.
But opinion and preferences can differ, anyways, you get two options. Inside the tent(or enclosure), there is a storage bag and a clothesline for holding your essentials(like a phone) and clothes, but that only helps if you are bathing.
Of course, everyone likes using their phones on the toilet. After the trip, simply unfold it, place it on the cover, and you just made it handy. The best part? It’s only 4.8 lbs, which even a kid can carry.
Pros
- Best in quality yet affordable
- Dual coating for sun/water protection
- Prevent cold winds or hot sun from entering
- Sturdy, light, and compact
- Storage bag and clothesline inside
- Removable top and floor mat
- Two side windows for ventilation
Cons
- Nothing
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Important Things To Consider Before Buying –
One might think that buying a Pontoon boat toilet enclosure is an effortless task to do. However, once you get into picking a product, you realize that there are many things that one needs to consider before making any purchase.
Different needs require different features. Therefore, awareness of the various features of a product is necessary for making an informed choice. Here are a few pointers that you should consider before purchasing a Pontoon toilet enclosure.
1. Design:
Design is arguably one of the essential factors in any product. A toilet enclosure should be portable and easy to use. Its design should not be complicated.
If the design is faulty, the product will automatically be inconvenient. By investing in a high-quality toilet enclosure, you will be investing in a high-standard user experience.
If the design is patented and has all official certifications, that is even better. Paying extra for good design is always worth it.
2. Warranty Coverage:
If your toilet comes with warranty coverage, then it is a great plus point. The warranty coverage safeguards you against any loss derived from design flaws or manufacturing defects.
It is like a guarantee that a company gives for its product. Many companies offer paid extended warranties for their toilet enclosures. If you frequently use a toilet enclosure, you should definitely buy the warranty extension.
3. Price:
A reasonable price fundamentally becomes a factor that every buyer prioritizes before making any purchase. You should not buy a toilet enclosure that is too cheap, nor should you buy it if it is too expensive.
Too cheap and steep pricing is a red flag that indicates faulty production. You can trust discounted pricing when a company is offering discounts during the sale season.
4. Reviews:
If your toilet enclosure has some defects, then it can cause significant embarrassment for you. It is always better to read verified reviews and feedback before buying a toilet enclosure.
You can often find these reviews on online platforms. In some cases, you can also read client testimonies if the feedback is not available online.
However, one thing that you need to remember while researching is the authenticity of reviews. Do not just go by ratings; do real detailed feedback written by only verified users.
It is always better to consider reviews on independent platforms instead of company websites.
FAQs –
What Are The Dimensions Of A Portable Toilet Enclosure?
There are portable toilets in many shapes and designs. All of them have different dimensions. However, on average, the most popular portable toilet enclosures are 14 to 17 inches wide.
In terms of height, they are 22 to 25 inches tall. These are the standard sizes that are sold most often. Their appeal is that these dimensions suit people of all ages, adults or small kids.
What Is The Average Weight Of A Portable Toilet Enclosure?
As it goes without saying, the average weight of a portable toilet differs from model to model. The weight depends on its design, construction material used, and storage capacity.
However, the most popular and standard-sized toilet enclosures weigh between 14-20 lbs.
How Do Boat Toilet Enclosures Work?
They open up quickly to provide a secure space for using a porta-potty. If it’s a drop-down toilet, you need to attach it with a Bimini top while pop-up enclosures stand on their frame. The material ensures full privacy.
Conclusion
Washroom emergencies are something that can not be avoided for longer periods. That’s why having a portable toilet is a must. But without proper enclosure, you can’t really use it. That’s why I listed the best portable toilet enclosure for pontoons. If you like it, share it with your friends and family. Finally, happy boating!