Top-Rated Must-Have Accessories for Manitou Pontoon Boats | Upgrade Your Comfort, Safety & Fun on the Water
The moment you pull up to the sandbar, drop the anchor, and realize you brought everything you need and nothing you don’t—that’s when you know you’ve got your accessory game dialed in.
TL;DR
Your Manitou came from the factory with great bones, but the right accessories turn a good boat into a great one. From bimini tops that keep you cool to fender clips that make docking effortless, this guide covers the gear that Manitou owners actually use and love. We’ll break down factory options versus aftermarket finds, must-have safety and convenience upgrades, and the little touches that make every trip smoother.
Key Takeaways
- Bimini tops are non-negotiable—sun exposure adds up fast, and a quality top protects both you and your upholstery
- Fender clips save your gel coat—adjustable clips keep bumpers exactly where you need them without constant retying
- A dedicated boat trash can is a game-changer—odor-proof and leak-resistant options keep your deck clean
- LED lighting upgrades are easy and affordable—underwater and accent lights transform night cruising
- Cup holders are never enough—you’ll always want more, so add stainless steel inserts where you can
- Mooring covers protect your investment—color-matched factory covers are worth the money
Why Accessories Matter for Your Manitou
Here’s the thing about performance pontoon boats—they’re built for doing stuff. Cruising, swimming, fishing, entertaining. And the right accessories make every one of those activities better.
Your Manitou pontoon boat came with a solid foundation. V-Toon Technology, premium seating, maybe even a factory Fusion stereo. But the accessories you add are what make the boat yours.
Have you ever been on a boat that had everything you needed right where you needed it? That’s not luck—that’s good accessory planning.
The good news? Most of the best accessories are affordable and easy to install. And many are designed specifically for Manitou boats, so fitment isn’t a guessing game.
Shade and Protection: Bimini Tops and Covers
You can’t enjoy a day on the water if you’re getting cooked. Sun protection is priority one.
Factory Bimini Options
Manitou offers several canopy options depending on your model. A 10-foot bow-mounted sun shade adds extra coverage to the front of the boat—perfect for passengers who want to stretch out without baking .
For the helm area, aft canopy tops protect the captain and navigator. Dowco Marine offers model-specific replacement tops for Manitou boats from 2010-2015, made from heavy-duty 600 denier woven polyester with triple-coating for moisture resistance and fade protection .
The bow canopy top with boot runs around $445, while the aft canopy top starts at about $300 .
Aftermarket Bimini Tops
If you want more coverage or a specific fabric, companies like Carver make self-supporting pontoon tops. The 8-foot self-supporting top uses reinforcing struts between the main bows, eliminating front straps that get in the way. Made with 1-inch square satin-finish aluminum tubing and 316-grade stainless steel hardware .
Price range: $800-$1,200 depending on size and fabric
Mooring Covers
A color-matched mooring cover is standard equipment on many Manitou models like the Encore series . If your boat didn’t come with one, or you need a replacement, Dowco offers custom-fit covers for specific Manitou model years.
⚠️ Important reminder: Don’t trailer with your mooring cover on—it’s designed for storage only and can detach at highway speeds.
Docking and Mooring Gear
Docking a pontoon is different than docking a fiberglass boat. These accessories make it easier.
Adjustable Fender Clips
Standard fender lines are a pain. You tie them, retie them, adjust them, and they still slip. Adjustable boat fender clips solve this problem.
These clips clamp onto 1-inch and 1.25-inch square tube rails (standard on most pontoons) and hold fender lines from 1/4 to 3/8 inch. Made from durable ABS material, they won’t scratch your rails. With four clips included, you can reposition fenders in seconds without constant lashing and unfastening .
Price: Around $25-35 for a 4-pack
Bungee Dock Lines
Traditional dock lines work, but they’re slow. Botepon Boat Bungee Dock Lines stretch from 4 feet to 5.5 feet and let you tie up in about 10 seconds. The bungee design absorbs shock from waves, protecting your cleats and dock.
With a tensile strength of 2,150 pounds, they can hold boats up to 4,000 pounds. The foam bumpers prevent sinking if you drop one .
Price: Around $25-35 per line
Here’s a question—how many times have you struggled to tie up quickly when the wind is pushing you away from the dock? Bungee lines turn that 30-second struggle into a 10-second snap.
Rear View Mirrors
If you tow skiers or tubes—or just want to see what’s behind you—a rear view mirror is essential.
The 360° adjustable pontoon mirror features an extra-large 4.7 x 12.2-inch viewing area. The heavy-duty aluminum alloy construction stays stable against waves, and the 360° ball head lets you find the perfect angle. Installation mounts on rails without drilling .
For even more adjustability, mirrors with telescopic poles let you extend the mirror outward for better visibility around passengers and gear .
Price: $40-70
Lighting Upgrades: See and Be Seen
LED lighting is one of the most affordable upgrades that makes the biggest difference.
Navigation and Courtesy Lights
DRSA offers premium LED lighting solutions specifically for Manitou pontoons. Their marine-grade, corrosion-proof lights handle both salt and freshwater environments while drawing minimal power .
Options include:
- USCG-compliant navigation and anchor lights for legal night operation
- RGB accent lights for under seats, rails, and decks—fully controllable color
- Underwater LED lights that mount to pontoon logs and light up the water
- Courtesy and step lights for safe movement at night
- LED strip and rope lighting for outlining any feature
Price range: $75-150 for strip kits, $100-300 for underwater lights
What the Factory Includes
Many Manitou models come with LED lighting from the factory. The 2016 X-plode XT SRS VP included blue LED track lighting, LED-accented cup holders, and exterior blue LED lights . Newer models like the Encore feature an LED anchor light mounted on the bimini .
Have you ever tried to find a dropped sunglass at night on a dark deck? Courtesy lights turn that impossible task into a quick fix.
Convenience and Comfort Accessories
These are the little things that make every trip better.
Boat Trash Can
This sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer. The Avigap Boat Trash Can is 100% odor and leak resistant, made from durable Oxford 1000D material. It accommodates standard 10-13 gallon bags and installs with adjustable straps .
No more trash bags floating around the deck or blowing into the water. No more smells in the storage compartment.
Price: $30-45
Towel Clips
Towels end up on the floor, on seats, or blowing away. Hushee Marine Boat Rail Towel Clips solve this. Made from heavy-duty storm-proof plastic, they grip thick materials and withstand strong winds. Clip them onto rails, chairs, or clotheslines .
Price: $10-15 for an 8-pack
Cup Holders
You can never have enough cup holders. Stainless steel cup holder inserts with brushed finish fit standard 3.31-inch openings. They resist rust and add a premium look to any seat or table .
Price: $15-25 for a 2-pack
Table Upgrades
The factory dinette table works, but luxury upgrades are available. The Cinnamon Luxury Pontoon Boat Tabletop features a no-wobble flush mount system and comes with a universal mounting plate compatible with existing table post brackets. Available in six colors with a UV-protected cover .
Price: $150-200
Canvas and Frame Hardware
If you’re building a custom canvas setup or repairing existing hardware, these components matter.
Canvas Snap Kits
The CENOZ 150-piece Canvas Snap Kit includes marine-grade stainless steel snaps designed to resist rust and corrosion. It works for canvas, tarps, furniture installations, and includes setting tools for DIY installation .
Price: $20-30
Support Poles
VEITHI Boat Cover Support Poles extend from 21 to 58 inches with an anti-slip cross base for stability. The 304 stainless steel hose clamp adds load-bearing capacity, and ABS tops promote water drainage .
Price: $30-45 for a 2-pack
Cleaning and Maintenance
Keep your Manitou looking new with the right cleaning tools.
Boat Scuff Erasers
Premium Boat Scuff Erasers remove dirt, grime, and scuffs from decks, hulls, and seats. Just add water, squeeze, and wipe—no harsh chemicals. Safe on fiberglass, vinyl, and aluminum .
Price: $10-15 per eraser
What Comes Standard on Manitou Models
Before you go buying everything on this list, check what your boat already has. Factory-equipped accessories on many Manitou models include :
- Bimini top with LED anchor light (standard on most models)
- Ski tow bar (standard on Encore and Sport models)
- Mooring cover (color-matched, standard on Encore)
- LED lighting (navigation, accent, and docking lights on many models)
- Dinette table (standard on most)
- Battery master switch (standard)
- Built-in waste receptacle (on Encore models)
- Kicker stereo with 4-6 speakers (varies by model)
- Simrad or Garmin GPS (on higher trims)
The 2016 X-plode XT SRS VP came loaded with: 12V outlet and USB port, Kicker Bluetooth radio with 6 speakers, stainless steel cup holders, LED docking lights, reclining helm chair with bolster, power assist steering, ski tow bar, and a color-matched mooring cover .
Comparison Table: Must-Have Accessories by Category
| Category | Accessory | Best For | Price Range | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shade | Bimini top | Sun protection | $300-1,200 | Moderate |
| Shade | Mooring cover | Storage protection | $400-600 | Easy |
| Docking | Fender clips | Easy fender adjustment | $25-35 | Very Easy |
| Docking | Bungee dock lines | Quick tie-up | $25-35 per line | Very Easy |
| Safety | Rear view mirror | Towing visibility | $40-70 | Easy |
| Lighting | LED strip lights | Night ambiance | $75-150 | Easy-Moderate |
| Lighting | Underwater lights | Night swimming | $100-300 | Hard |
| Convenience | Boat trash can | Clean deck | $30-45 | Very Easy |
| Convenience | Towel clips | Secure towels | $10-15 | Very Easy |
| Convenience | Cup holders | More drink spots | $15-25 per 2-pack | Easy |
| Furniture | Luxury tabletop | Dining/games | $150-200 | Easy |
| Canvas | Snap kit | DIY canvas repair | $20-30 | Moderate |
| Canvas | Support poles | Cover water drainage | $30-45 | Very Easy |
| Cleaning | Scuff eraser | Removing marks | $10-15 | N/A |
Chart: Accessory Impact on Boating Experience
This chart shows how different accessories improve your time on the water.
FAQ: Your Manitou Accessory Questions Answered
What makes Manitou pontoon boats unique for accessories?
Manitou’s V-Toon design and MAX Deck create specific mounting points and fitment requirements—always verify accessory compatibility with your model year .
Do I need a special bimini top for my Manitou?
Yes. Model-specific tops from Dowco or Carver ensure proper fit around railings, tow bars, and sport arches .
Are aftermarket LED lights easy to install on a Manitou?
Strip lights are DIY-friendly. Underwater lights require drilling into pontoon logs—consider professional installation .
What accessories come standard on new Manitou boats?
Most models include bimini tops, mooring covers, ski tow bars, LED navigation lights, Kicker stereos, and dinette tables .
Can I add a rear view mirror to any Manitou?
Yes. Most rail-mount mirrors fit round pipes and square tubes up to 1.25 inches. No drilling required .
What’s the most underrated accessory for a pontoon?
A dedicated boat trash can. Keeps your deck clean and prevents trash from blowing into the water .
How do I know if an accessory fits my specific Manitou model?
Check the manufacturer’s fitment guide or call their support line. Dowco and Carver both offer model-year verification .
The Bottom Line on Manitou Accessories
You didn’t buy a Manitou to be uncomfortable or unprepared. The right accessories make every trip better.
Start with the essentials: Bimini top, mooring cover, fender clips, and a rear view mirror if you tow.
Add the comfort upgrades: LED lighting, extra cup holders, a boat trash can, and towel clips.
Finish with the fun stuff: Underwater lights, a premium tabletop, and maybe that 360-degree mirror for spotting skiers.
One last thought—the best accessory is the one you use every trip. Don’t buy gear that stays in storage. Buy gear that makes your time on the water better, every single time.
What’s your favorite Manitou boat feature or on-the-water experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
References:
- Dowco Marine – Manitou Aft Canopy Boot
- Dowco Marine – Manitou Bimini Tops
- DRSA – Manitou Pontoon Boat Lights
- NauticExpo – Manitou Bow Sun Shade
- Alane Living – Pontoon Furniture & Accessories Guide
- Lakeland Boating – 2019 Manitou 25 Encore Review
- Cover.World – Carver Pontoon Bimini Top
- Spartan Wetsuits – Luxury Pontoon Accessories
- See Dealer Cost – 2016 Manitou X-plode XT SRS VP Specs
