Boat Test Monday: Godfrey Xperience

First Impression
To sum up the value-driven Xperience line from Godfrey Pontoons, it's essentially everything you need in a pontoon, with nothing that you don't. The series is a blend of simplicity and affordability. For years it was part of Sweetwater but now it has its own line and is definitely worth seeking out when you hit the boat shows. Finding a quality pontoon in the $50K price range capable of speeds in the mid 30s just got a lot easier.


Highlights
We see incredible value in this 22-foot model that includes the right balance of standard and optional features. The pearl white exterior panels are nice and smooth, and the color ties in well with the conservative interior. There are plenty of comfortable seats on board, including two chaise lounges in the bow and two more in the stern. However, the two most popular seats will arguably be the upgraded captain and co-captain helm chairs. Both slide, swivel, and recline with fold down arms and sit on 10-inch fixed pedestals.

At the helm console are three analog gauges, a row of rocker switches, and the controls to the Fusion stereo system. There is even a little cubby built into the dash that could be replaced with a touchscreen if you wanted to upgrade now or possibly down the road. The wireless phone charger on top of the console is on a gimbal mount. We love that if you accidentally bump your phone out of the holder, it has favorable odds of hitting the boat deck instead of the water.

Other highlights include a ski/tow bar, pop-up changing room below the port chaise lounge in the stern, a USB port tucked below the stereo controls at the dash, and portable cupholders throughout. We also need to mention the Nightshade Boat Cover, an excellent option to add. The ratcheting system to secure the cover is easy to use, and the best part is it doesn't have to be removed before you trailer your boat.

Closer Look
Below deck the hull has been upgraded to a 27-inch diameter center Sport Tube with two 25-inch diameter outer pontoons, with lifting strakes on all three. Godfrey Marine has been building pontoons since 1958 and its robust undercarriages is a quality the manufacturer is known for, regardless of where the boat falls in the price spectrum.

Up top there is nearly 18 feet of usable space from the bow gate to the stern one, and the rail height is nearly 24 inches tall throughout the boat for a safe and family-friendly design. And we give this pontoon high marks for its quality construction work.

Throttle Down
We like the pairing with the Yamaha 115hp outboard that reached a top speed of 34 miles per hour at full throttle after a zero-to-20 mph time of 5 seconds. She's responsive and handles well for a pontoon with cable steering. For a 115hp four-stroke, we were pleasantly surprised at just how quick it feels.

Why buy|
Godfrey’s construction is built to last using methods meant to outshine other budget pontoon builders. Xperience is a testament to Godfrey’s commitment to excellence without breaking the bank. This offering from the Indiana-based manufacturer perfectly reflects that.

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

Number Of Occupants 12
Price As Tested With Power $53K
Maximum Speed 34.1 mph
Wild Ponies 115hp
No. Of Gates 3
0-20 MPH 5.1 seconds
Ladder Measurement 48” deep

Why we love this boat...There is an amazing amount of value on this well-built Xperience pontoon. Priced well, it offers a nice balance of standard and key options as tested. 

Just being picky...The extra-wide bow and stern gates truly invite you in, but even on a price-point boat we'd like to see some type of a gate stop to keep them secure when open.

NOTABLE STANDARDS
Canopy Frame-Anodized Silver w/Canopy & Nylon Canopy Brackets, Keel Strips, Outside Skirting, 20” Transom, 25” Diameter Tubes, Outer Corner Casting, Silver EZ Climb Stern Ladder, SS Fixed Cleats, Fixed Pedestal w/Standard Gauges and Cable Steering.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
27” Sport Tube (OB): 25” Outer Tubes w/27” Sport Tube, Lifting Strakes. Motor Pan & Fuel Tank, Heavy Duty Channels, Fire Extinguisher, Black Playpen Cover, Ski/Tow, Captain & Co Captain’s Chair Upgrade, Chaise Black Pop-Up Changing Room,Windscreen, Wireless Phone Charger On Gimbal Mount, Yamaha Pre-Rig and Black Nightshade Boat Cover (Towable).

VITAL STATS
LOA  22’ 11”
Beam  8’ 6”
Hull Design: 27” Sport Pontoon
Dry Weight 2,506 lbs.
Fuel Capacity  30 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine                         Yamaha 115
Cylinder Type             Inline 4
Displacement/Horsepower      1.8L/115hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 2.15:1
Propeller 14 X 13 SS

RPM vs. SPEED  vs. DB-A
1000    2.9       72.5
1500    4.8       82
2000    6.5       82.5
2500    9.4       92.5
3000    14        85
3500    17.4     91.5
4000    20.6     89.5
4500    22.8     91
5000    25.8     97
5500    30.6     100.5
6000    34.1     104

PRICE
Price As Tested $53,298
(Boat & Engine)

Base Price $23,635