Boating Changed His Life

One day late in the summer of 2021, 65-year-old Russell Doyle found clarity on the St. Joe River near his home in Bristol, Ind. He looked down into the calm water and saw all the way to the bottom.

“I saw the fish moving, the rocks at the bottom, everything. Everything was all so still and perfect. It was a real Zen moment,” he remembers.

It wasn’t only the water that was clear that day, though. There was something in Russ’s perspective that had transformed from a previous way of being, something he credits in large part to purchasing his Godfrey pontoon and spending time out on the water.

“Everything is different now,” he admits. “Being on the water out in nature surrounded by family, I only wish I’d done this sooner.”

Trying Times
Previously Russ’s life was the opposite of serene and tranquil. When he was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin's lymphoma several years ago, Russ had no choice but to endure pain, not the least of which came from was grueling chemotherapy.

“Eight back-to-back rounds,” he recalls. “It was really brutal. Miraculously, I survived it. But when I got to the other side, I learned the chemo had destroyed my heart.”

Russ was in bad shape. Just to keep his heart pumping blood, he had to have a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implanted in his chest. One day while experiencing great pain, a feeling came to him that this difficulty wouldn’t last forever and that freedom was around the corner. What surprised him more, something in him said specifically that he would find this freedom by the Fourth of July.

In April of 2018, Russ listed for a heart transplant behind a long line of other candidates. He was told he would likely wait for years. When his condition worsened, he was escalated to a category 1. Two weeks later he was meeting with his doctor when he learned a donor heart had become available that matched his needs; he only had to wait for it to be transported to the hospital. Russ was immediately prepared for surgery. It was the Fourth of July.

A Second Chance At Life
The surgery was a success. As the days passed, Russ felt more and more strength returning to his body. His doctor noticed and offered Russ a nugget of wisdom that would entirely alter his outlook and direction.

“You’re doing well,” the doctor said. “With everything you’ve been through, it’s time to go out and enjoy your life.”

The doctor’s words had a powerful impact on Russ. He listened.

He bought a boat.

“I just knew it was time. It felt like the right time to get a boat, so I did.”

A New Rhythm & Flow
These days, Russ and his family spend as much time on the water in their pontoon as they can possibly spare. They’ve found something special and unifying that is unique to their time on the boat and the river.

“My daughter moved just down the river right before we decided to purchase a boat, which really made the decision so easy. It all made sense and fit. Buying this boat has really united us.”

Spending time together on the pontoon offers Russ and his family a quality of life they never knew before now.

“We have a lot of fun cruising up and down the river together,” he says. “In the past I’ve had a Harley and a Corvette, and that’s a lot of fun. But being on the river is something else.”

Russ says there’s really nothing to match the peace and tranquility that comes from a day spent on the water. It isn’t uncommon for Russ and his family to see ducks, geese, and herons. Something about the natural flow and rhythm of life around them brings time to a standstill and calms their senses completely. And it doesn’t end once the day comes to a close, either.

“After spending a day on the water out in nature, you have the best sleep of your life. You’re just so relaxed,” he says. “Everyone enjoys it. It’s also a lot of fun.”

Among Russ’s favorite memories is the day he taught his granddaughter how to drive the pontoon, which he says brought smiles to everyone. Russ and his family also enjoy splashing around on a water pad near the pontoon. The fun isn’t limited to Russ’s family alone, either. Russ says he is continually surprised by the people they meet on the river.

“You think the world is a big and disconnected place, and then you meet other boaters on the water who know someone you know, and there is an instant connection. It really brings everyone together.”

Taking the Leap
When Russ decided to buy a boat, the first question he asked himself was what he wanted to do with a boat so he could research his best options.

“There are so many different boats out there,” he said. “My advice to first-time boat owners is to get really specific about what you want and need so you can find the perfect fit."

After looking at several different manufacturers, Russ decided to work with Godfrey and soon set his sights on a Sweetwater 2286 pontoon.

“I had heard really good things about Godfrey,” he said. “Deck boats are a little harder for me to get in and out of at my age, so I wanted to look at pontoons. Godfrey took care of us. We got good value for our money, and our Sweetwater 2286 is a really comfortable ride. It’s also very versatile.”

Versatility was high on Russ’s list of qualities for the perfect boat. He says the Sweetwater 2286 doesn’t disappoint.

“We love it. It’s great for fishing, cruising, and towing. There’s also space for lots of family and friends to come along. We’ve made a lot of great memories with family on the pontoon.”

The only thing Russ wishes he had done differently was invested in a slightly larger engine. He purchased his pontoon with a Yamaha 70hp motor but wishes he had gone for something slightly larger, like a 90hp.

“It would be nice to go a little faster at times, though we still have plenty of fun,” he says, “but a little more horsepower wouldn’t hurt.”

No Regrets
To anyone who is considering buying a boat but is still unsure, Russ’s advice is to just do it.

“You won’t regret it,” he says. “Having a boat will change your life. If you have access to the water, buy a boat.”

Russ is grateful every day for his pontoon.

“It really gives me something to look forward to knowing I can take my pontoon out on the river. There’s nothing better than opening the curtains to a beautiful day and deciding to spend it this way. It has helped me mentally and helped me take advantage of my second chance at living. Owning a boat has really blessed my life.”