PDB Shootout: Godfrey

Quick Glance

Targeting the mid- to upper-level segment of the industry, Monaco is America’s newest pontoon series. With a rich history of quality pontoon boats, it should fit nicely in the Godfrey family of boats.

Highlights

Starting with the exterior, the double-walled panels were designed for both function and style and we love the navy, grey and pearl white color combination. Plus little added touches like the thought that went into the bow gate design help give this pontoon a custom look.

Inside, the driftwood flooring flows well with the vinyl interior and the unique quilted pattern is done in-house, adding to the high-end feel.

There are two chaise lounges in the bow with recessed cupholders. What makes these cupholders unique is you can remove the entire base for easier cleanup. What a great idea! At the helm a Simrad touch screen anchors the dash with analog gauges on each side and rocker switches below including a master power switch. This is also where the controls are located for the upgraded Fusion stereo, a top brand Godfrey is exclusively using on all its boats to improve the sound quality across the board. There is a cutout at the helm, but if we had to be picky we’d prefer to see some type of a lockable glove box, but this cubby is a good start. Worth noting, this may be the largest helm console side door we’ve ever seen, which gave us easy access to inspect the helm wiring which is all well bundled.

Behind the helm chair is a “toy box” that doubles as a jump seat bench. It’s actually long and deep enough inside that you could stand an inflated tube up to transport it between uses, another smart and practical idea. Also in this area is a layback lounger with double hinges below so access to storage is easy. It transforms from a traditional L-shape seating configuration to rear-facing loungers by adjusting the backrest, and below one section is a pop-up changing room that stands nearly 6 feet tall when open and is plenty big inside to actually use.

In the stern the stainless railing creates a “safety cage” so passengers can legally and safely use the loungers while the boat is underway. The swimdeck is surprisingly roomy with a ski/tow bar and Godfrey’s S-shaped ladder that has a friendly contoured design for easier boarding.    

Closer Look

The triple pontoon base is made up of two 25-inch diameter tubes with a 27-inch diameter center pontoon with lifting strakes and a full aluminum splash skin below. The hull has been engineered to get up on plane quickly, which it did, but we’ll get to that next. Up top the rail height varies from 30 inches tall for the majority of the boat to 24 inches in the stern. 

Performance

Paired with a Yamaha 200 V MAX SHO we reached a top speed in the mid 40s with a zero-to-20 mph time of just under five seconds. She turns flat, handles well and provides a comfortable ride overall.

Final Thoughts

Godfrey is off to a great start with its new Monaco line that clearly reaches its target as the next great mid- to upper-level pontoon from a manufacturer who has been building quality pontoons for decades.

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

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 15                 
Price As Tested With Power: $80.6K
Maximum Speed: 44.9mph               
Wild Ponies: 200 hp   
No. of Gates: 4
0-20 MPH: 4.56 seconds       
Ladder Measurement: 4’ deep

Why we love this boat…With a smart and thoughtful design, Godfrey’s knack for building quality pontoons shines brightly in its new series of boats.   

Just being picky…The little cubby on the dash is a good start, but we feel all helm consoles should have some type of a locking glove box for those smaller items.  

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Canopy w/Protective Boot, Playpen Cover, Fusion System Stereo, 4 Black Speakers, Stainless Steel Cleats, Ladder w/Silver Easy Climb Starboard Stern, LED Docking Lights, Cooler Storage, Cupholders, Switch Panel, Trim Gauge w/Engine Package, Oval Table w/Built-In Cupholders and Tilt Steering Wheel.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Extended Deck, Rear Platforms w/SS Safety Barrier & Gate and Deluxe Ski/Tow, Lakeport Plank, Fusion Apollo Silver DSP, upgraded RGB Speakers, Chrome Grilles, Corner Castings, bright polished stainless steel w/LED Lights and Pull-Up Cleats, Ultra Soft Touch Base Vinyl, Vinyl-Wrapped Seat Boxes, Upgraded Helm Chair and Changing Room Sun Lounge Storage.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 24’ 6”     
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Three Pontoons
Dry Weight: 3,100 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 45 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Yamaha 200 V MAX SHO
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 256.3ci/200hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.75:1

RPM     vs.      SPEED    
500                  1.6                 
1000                3.6                 
1500                6.3                 
2000                7.2                 
2500                8.7                 
3000                9.9                 
3500                11.0               
4000                15.6               
4500                22.1               
5000                27.9               
5500                35.5               
6000                44.9                            

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $80,631
Base Price (Boat Only): $36,662

This article originally appeared in our 2020 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.