Boat Test Monday: Godfrey Aqua Patio

First Impression
“SFLC” in the model name stands for Single Flip Lounge with a co-captain seating, and it might be one of the most versatile seating layouts we've seen in awhile. This AquaPatio also includes two chaise lounges in the bow, which makes it clear Godfrey is dedicated to providing comfortable seating options to match its 15-passenger rating.

Highlights
Designed to enhance your relaxation on the water, the innovative SFLC layout offers nearly endless positions for sitting. The lounger can be effortlessly adjusted to transform from a bench seat into multiple configurations, including a completely flat sunpad, as well as rear- or forward-facing loungers. 

While the versatile rear lounger will get a lot of attention, it's the helm console that deserves some of the spotlight, too. At the center of the dash is a 7-inch Garmin touchscreen that provides access to key information as well as the GPS map. On each side of the Garmin are multi-function analog gauges for a clean look with a row of lighted push buttons below. This is also where the six-speaker Fusion Sound System controls are located.




For the captain is a tall helm chair that slides, swivels, and reclines. It includes self-leveling arms and a fixed headrest. It's part of the long list of standard features; on this particular model the layout was upgraded with an optional co-captain chair that is identical to the one for the driver, right down to the quilted pattern and 10-inch fixed pedestal.

Next to the captain's chair and just below the throttle is a wireless charging pad as well as a USB and USB-C charging port. Outside the stainless steel railing in the stern on the extended swim platform is an all-black ski/tow bar that is rated for up to 2,400 pounds and an S-shaped ladder for easy boarding from the water.

Other key amenities include a power Bimini top, a long storage box behind the captain's chair, and a pop-up table from Boat Outfitters, a division of Teak Isle. A sturdy and easily raised table is built into the port chaise lounge. Often the area below a bow lounge is wasted, but we love how this aftermarket magician is able to get the most out of any space on a pontoon with its Teak Isle solutions.

Closer Look
With the GTP 27 Center Tube package you gain a 27-inch diameter center pontoon with two 25-inch diameter outer tubes. There is also power-assisted hydraulic steering for improved control with less effort at higher speeds—especially with high-horsepower engines such as this Suzuki.

Up top the rail height varies between 25 and 26 inches tall and is part of the safe and family-friendly layout.   

Throttle Down
Powered by a monstrous Suzuki 250hp outboard, we had a lot of fun with this AquaPatio. At full throttle we reached the 40 mph mark easily after a zero-to-20 mph time of 5.4 seconds. We like the pairing with this four-stroke, and with the GTP hull you get a smooth yet powerful ride.

Why Buy
The more we looked around, the more we liked the latest offering from AquaPatio. A lot of thought went into the design to provide a great all-around model with high-end features that everyone on board is going to love.

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

Number Of Occupants 15
Price As Tested With Power $118K
Maximum Speed 43.6 mph
Wild Ponies 250hp
No. Of Gates 3
0-20 MPH  5.4 seconds
Ladder Measurement 48” deep

Why we love this boat...Priced well, especially considering the 250hp Suzuki on the back, we love the look and feel of this well-built and fully loaded pontoon that includes a good balance of features.

Just being picky...We might have just missed it, but every boat should have an easily accessible trash can on board and we didn't see one on this particular model.

NOTABLE STANDARDS
GTP 27” Center Tube Package, Full Length Underdeck Skin, Inside Skirting, Lifting Strakes, 45-Gal. Fuel Tank, Multi-Function GPS Gauges, Power Assist Hydraulic Steering, Anodized Black Canopy Frame w/Power Canopy, Protective Boot & Dome Light, Playpen Cover, Dual Battery Switch w/Trays  Headlights w/Navigation & Docking Lights, SS Safety Barrier & Gate, 2 Bow & 2 Stern USB-C Charging Ports, Adjustable Quilted Captain’s Chair, Fixed Pedestal For Co-Captain’s Chair, Stern Storage Cabinet w/Dedicated Table Storage, Dual Surface Counter Top & Cupholders, Garmin 743xs Chartplotter/Fishfinder and Seastar Power Assist Steering.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Designer Select Option Group, Bayside Slate Interior, Quilted Accent Panels, Hatch Slate Flooring, Metallic Pearl White Rail Skins, Carbon Fiber Graphics, Black Canvas, Midnight Pkg., Full Spectrum RGB Color Lighting Pkg., Underseat Courtesy, Underdeck & Underwater Lights, Midnight Pkg., Black Rails, Black Canopy, Black Corner Castings, Black Pull-Up Cleats, Black Sport Ski/Tow, Black Rubrail w/Vinyl Insert & Black Skirting, Fire Extinguisher, Nightshade Boat Cover (Towable), Solid Keel Strips, 25” Transom, Quick Release Fender Locks (6 Receivers, 3 Rings), Black Sport Ski/Tow, Co-Captain’s Adjustable Quilted Recliner Chair, Storage Box w/Cupholders, Teak Isle Folding Table Unit, Cooled Helm Cupholder, Godfrey Digital Gauges and Sport Windscreen.

VITAL STATS
LOA  23’ 9”
Beam  8’ 6”
Hull Design Pontoon
Dry Weight  3,115 lbs.
Fuel Capacity  45 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine             Suzuki DF250TXW
Cylinder          Type V6
Displacement/Horsepower      3.6L/250hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio           2.29:1
Propeller          14 X 13

RPM vs. SPEED  vs. DB-A
650      1.6       68.5
1000    4.9       76
1500    6.4       80
2000    8.6       84
2500    12        90
3000    17        89
3500    21.3     91.5
4000    26.2     92
4500    30.7     96
5000    36.4     102.5
5500    40.1     103.5
5700    43.6     104.5

PRICE
Price As Tested $118,425
(Boat & Engine)

Base Price $77,695