Aqua Patio 255 UL

This article originally appeared in our 2017 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more stories like this, click HERE to subscribe. 

First Impression

Godfrey Marine and another pontoon line it offers go back farther than some of the actual consumers who are looking at pontoons today. Its 60-year anniversary is on the horizon thanks to another popular Godfrey line, the impressive Aqua Patio that never seems to disappoint.

Breakdown

There is an all-new exterior rail system for 2017 that includes giving consumers color choices for the panels as well as the accent graphics. The Godfrey corner castings are a nice added touch to the exterior too. As you make your way inside the boat you’re greeted with upgraded Solstice granite gray flooring and soft touch gray vinyl with dark gray accents, which are part of the Ice Interior package.

Forward of the helm are two great bow chaise lounges with unique storage below—a trash receptacle is built into the back rest of one and a beverage receptacle is in the other. The actual helm stand is on a raised platform and the dash has a sporty yet simplistic design to it that includes a 5-inch Simrad touch screen with multi-function gauges on each side. We especially like the glove box compartment that includes a 12-volt outlet.

Many years ago Aqua Patio teamed up with Polk Audio and its sound systems have never been better. As one of the most iconic names in the electronics industry, Polk helped transform these boats into sound machines. Each of the six LED speakers is angled up to get the most out of them and there is even a large amp and subwoofer.

One of the most talked-about new features was the UL seating that debuted with Sanpan last year, another pontoon line from Godfrey. The innovative stern gate impressed us then and we’re just as excited to see it on the latest Aqua Patio. The nice part about the flip-and-fold technique is you enjoy U-shaped seating onboard that’s very user-friendly.

To access the stern of the boat from the enclosed seating area, you simply raise up the bottom cushion from the middle seat and the cushion from the seat in front of the stern gate hinges over and drops in. Now, just open the fiberglass door like normal and you’re standing on the back deck. Very innovative and very impressive! In the stern you’ll find an easy-access, five-step curved boarding ladder plus a solid ski/tow bar.

Inspection

The standard 25-inch diameter pontoons have been upgraded to 27 inches and included with the Triple Tube package
you gain a full-length aluminum deck skin, lifting strakes, inside skirting and power assist hydraulic steering.

Inside the boat between the bow gate and the rear bench there is over 18 feet of usable deck space and rail height varies from an impressive 33 inches tall in the stern to 27 inches tall in the bow.

Handling

The performance upgrade is perfectly paired with the Yamaha 200hp SHO outboard to create a fun and sporty ride. She banks well in the turns and at wide open throttle we easily reached the 40 mph mark.

Final Thoughts

Maybe it’s the elegant color scheme or possibly just the innovative features, but there is something extremely inviting about this Aqua Patio that we really like. It comes in as tested with a price tag that is not for everyone, but the price matches the design and quality so in return you get a pontoon you can be proud to show off. Plus you know it was constructed by a manufacturer who has been building quality pontoons for decades.

2017 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants            13                   

Maximum Speed                     43.2 mph                    

Wild Ponies                             200 hp

No. of Gates                           3

0-20 MPH                               5.88 seconds  

Ladder Measurement             4’ 8” deep

Why we love this boat…High-end luxury meets innovation and style with this great all-around sporty pontoon. 

Just being picky…The extra-long rear-facing chaise lounge is perfect for stretching out but with no cushion breaks, more people will need to jump up when you need to access the storage below.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Ice Interior (Soft Touch gray base vinyl, dark gray accents, wrapped seat boxes), extended deck, Bluetooth/app-ready stereo, 4 silver speakers, integrated helm platform w/ non-skid, tilt steering, full instrumentation panel, changing room, self-leveling arms and fixed headrest on capt. chair, 2 removable cupholders, courtesy interior lighting, storage w/ underseat trays, table w/ stainless steel cupholders, Mica Mist plaid carpet, woven acrylic canopy w/ protective boot, and Playpen cover.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Triple Tube Package (full-length underdeck skin, lifting strakes, inside skirting, power assist hydraulic steering, three 27-inch diameter tubes), 45-gal. fuel tank, GPS speedometer, electric power toon w/ protective boot, capt. chair w/ bolster, chaise lounge insert (built-in ice chest w/ beverage, knife, and cupholder in seat back), 25-quart carry-on cooler, corner castings w/ LED lights and integrated pop-up cleats, removable and stainless steel cupholders, Ice graphics, Solstice granite gray flooring, Compass gray flooring, LED underdeck lights, underseat accent lighting, bow filler seat, deluxe ski-tow bar, Professional Choice Stereo Pkg. (Polk system, Bluetooth/app-ready/AUX/USB head unit), 6 upgraded LED speakers, 4 Channel amp, LED subwoofer w/ dedicated monoblock amp, in-floor ski locker, and upgraded steering wheel. 

VITAL STATS

LOA                  25’ 9”             

Beam                 8’ 6”

Hull Design       Three Pontoons

Dry Weight       2,614 lbs.

Fuel Capacity    45 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine                                                             Yamaha 200 SHO

Cylinder Type                                                 V6

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower           254ci/200hp

Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                   1.75:1

Propeller                                                          14 1/2 X 15

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A

1000                3.5                     74

1500                5.5                     83

2000                7.0                     87

2500                8.0                     89

3000                9.9                     93

3500                12.1                   96

4000                15.8                   96

4500                20.9                   101

5000                26.1                   94

5500                32.2                   100

6000                43.5                   103

Elkhart, Ind.

574-522-8381

www.aquapatioboats.com