How important is a cockpit enclosure?

Very important....and I don't say that just because I might be slightly biased....😀😀. 

The cockpit is a place that adds living space to your boat in a big way. When the weather is less than perfect either rainy or cool or just plain cold....one is confined to below decks....what fun is that?

I can't tell you how many boats that I've seen down here this winter where there is no one to be seen sitting out to enjoy either a sunrise or sunset because the weather has been the limiting factor. Even here in the Bahamas it is cool when the sun is not out or when the cold fronts come through.

So here is what I believe is the minimum one should have to make this happen..a dodger is the main building block and the number one item. Bimini top for very obvious reasons would be second on the list. A spray shield or connector that goes between the dodger and Bimini. Side curtains made of clear vinyl with sunbrella trim at the bottom that zip on either in one large section or my preference, two smaller sections that are easier to store and give you more options for using. The next piece that I think is a must is a single side curtain that can zip on for sun protection from the side. This can be made to be used on either side....morning sun on the starboard side...afternoon sun on the port side. A good canvas person can make this happen for you. The final sections that would make a perfect enclosure are sections that zip to the aft end of the bimini and go to the top of the pushpit...once again for sun or a light rain.  Once down to the trade winds, the wind usually blows from the east...at least it's supposed to. That puts the stern of the boat pointing west in the late afternoon...just when you'd like to get out of the sun. The short stern drops keep this sun out and makes reading and enjoying your drink much more pleasant.

You can have all kinds of different combinations of these pieces to suit the weather. Keep them small and manageable. Screens? I would say not necessary. Just extra stuff to store, and really not needed points south. If you live in a buggy place try it out first without. You may find that for the small amount of time you actually sit out at night, it's just not worth the trouble to set everything up. Plus is virtually impossible to keep all the critters out and if you swat one mosquito, then you'll be bummed that you wasted the money. Try first then buy....