PDB Shootout: Godfrey AquaPatio 255 ULC Arch

First Impression

Breaking down the model name, the ULC stands for Ultra Lounge with a Co-Captain chair. When combined with the optional power arch, you have the right combination for a sporty and luxurious high-end model.

Details

With the UL seating group, you can enjoy U-shaped seating in the stern while still being able to access the rear swim deck. The flip-and-fold technique is very user-friendly and we love how the gate also locks in the open position. From the full seating configuration, the bottom cushion hinges on the side and stows nicely in the storage area underneath the middle seat. Now, just open the fiberglass door and you’re standing on the back deck; it’s really that simple. This leads you to the four-step curved stainless boarding ladder, plus a solid all-black ski/tow bar which is part of the Midnight package, including black rails and hardware.

Just forward of the UL seating section are dual helm chairs that not only slide, swivel and recline but also adjust up and down. At the new helm is a fully-integrated console that is centered on a Simrad touchscreen with multi-function GPS-controlled gauges on each side and then a row of push buttons below. The stereo unit has been upgraded to include the Fusion Apollo Platinum system with six upgraded RGB speakers, an RGB subwoofer and a wireless remote. Speaking of RGB, the dimmer switch at the helm controls the underwater lights, cupholder and speaker lights as well as other interior lighting. Also worth noting is a wireless charging station that is built in on the side of the helm stand, just below the engine throttle.

Other key highlights include Vapor Blue weave vinyl flooring from Spradling, an in-floor ski/locker and a pop-up changing room built into the back of the portside chaise lounge in the bow that stands just short of 6 feet tall when open. If we’re being picky, the seating around the double pedestal table in the stern is not as easy to access as we would like, but the tradeoff is the removable table is extremely sturdy.

Closer Look

Below deck the GTP Triple Tube performance package includes a 27-inch diameter center pontoon with 25-inch diameter outer tubes with oversized 6-inch lifting strakes on all three. This package also includes power-assisted hydraulic steering for improved control with less effort at higher speeds—especially with high-horsepower engines. The undercarriage design is the secret behind why the boat banks like a traditional V-hull, but we’ll get to that in a minute. Up top, the rail height varies from 33 inches tall in the stern to 30 inches in the bow for a safe, family-friendly layout.

Throttle Down

The GTP hull combined with the Yamaha 250 V MAX SHO help back up the sporty look. At full throttle we reached a top speed in the mid-40s with a 0-to-20 mph time of just under 4 seconds. But it’s the way she banks in the sharp turns that impressed us most. It’s rated for up to 300hp, but we love this setup as tested.

Why Buy

The quality and value of what you get with this Godfrey AquaPatio is something everyone can appreciate. We feel that as tested, this boat is set up like it should be with the right balance of upgrades to complement the standard features and horsepower.

Elkhart, Ind.
574-522-8381
www.godfreypontoonboats.com


Number of Occupants: 15
Price As Tested With Power: $94.7 K
Maximum Speed: 44.9 mph
Wild Ponies: 250 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 3.9 seconds
Ladder Measurement: 4’ deep



Why we love this boat… The sporty arch pontoon with smooth exterior panels and blacked-out rails back up the look with a great performance hull.


Just being picky… We like the sturdiness of the double pedestal table, but it does limit the accessibility of the seating around it.




NOTABLE STANDARDS

GTP 27-inch Center Tube Package w/ 25-inch Outer Tubes, Canopy, Playpen Cover, Dual Battery, Power Assist Steering, Fusion Apollo Stereo, 4 Stainless Steel Cleats, Simrad GO5 Touch Screen, Captain’s & Co-Captain’s Chairs, Integrated Helm Platform w/ Marine Mat, Multi-Function GPS Gauges, and Table w/SS Cupholders.


OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Midnight Package, Smooth Rail Skin, In-Floor Storage, White Sport Arch w/ Canopy, RGB Under-Deck Lighting, RGB Underwater Lighting, Changing Room Chaise, Fusion Apollo Platinum w/6 Upgraded RGB Speakers, RGB Subwoofer and Wireless Remote.


VITAL STATS

LOA: 25’ 10”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: 27” Center, 25” Outer Tubes
Dry Weight: 3,200 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 45 gallons


TEST DRIVE

Engine: Yamaha 250 V MAX SHO
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 256.3ci/250hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Propeller: 15 3/4 x 15


RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.  DB-A

500                  2.6                   74
1000                4.8                   79.5
1500                6.0                   84
2000                7.6                   87
2500                9.4                   87.5
3000                10.5                 88
3500                16.4                 92
4000                21.5                 94.5
4500                28.5                 98.5
5000                34.1                 103.5
5500                41.3                 107
5900                44.9                 108.5


PRICE

Price As Tested: $94,695
(Boat and Motor)

Base Price: $53,119
(Boat Only)

This article originally appeared in our 2021 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.