lower angle view of the black and coral accented Godfrey Sweetwater 2486 SFLC pontoon sailing on water
Godfrey
Sweetwater 2486 SFLC
First Impression
The Eclipse cool touch vinyl furniture has become a game changer for Godfrey, and we love that the dark luxurious colors often found in the auto industry have made their way to the pontoon segment. The color scheme both inside and out of black and gray with a red accent will have you wondering whether you’re on a more expensive boat than you really are.
Highlights
Let’s start with the new furniture that goes beyond just high-end looks. The dark colored vinyl stays cool to the touch, even when the summer temperatures are at their hottest. Plus the deeper and wider seats are extremely comfortable and provide even more storage room below. The interior colors pair well with the Voyager gray flooring and the Marine Mat that covers the in-floor ski locker door. Even the Rotocast seat bases are wrapped to complete the high-end look on this value-driven model.

Behind the captain and co-captain high back helm chairs is the single flip lounger that converts into a variety of different positions including lying completely flat. Hidden below the lounger is a pop-up changing room that stands 70 inches tall when fully open.

Dual multi-function gauges anchor the simplistic helm and include a row of lighted rocker switches, storage cubby, and access to the upgraded Clarion stereo system. The Clarion color plus package includes the full LCD display head unit, a Bluetooth/Auxiliary, and four RGB speakers with chrome sport grilles.

Why we love this boat…Interior colors, dual helm chairs, multi-use stern lounger, additional storage, the list goes on and on, but the biggest selling point is how much you get at this price.

Other key features include a “toy box” bench seat behind the captain’s chair which offers additional seating, but even more useful is the storage below which is ideal to store tubes and other large items when not being used. Standard features include a power Bimini top and an extended stern deck just beyond the stainless steel railing with dual gates, which incorporates a ski/tow bar and a five step boarding ladder.

Inspection

The foundation of this Sweetwater includes a 27-inch diameter iMPACT center tube with two 25-inch diameter outer tubes. Included in the performance package is an under deck skin, inside skirting, lifting strakes, a 45-gallon fuel tank, GPS gauges, and heavy-duty channels. Up top the rail height is 26 inches tall for the majority of the perimeter with slightly lower rails in the bow, which helps earn this layout a high safety and family-friendly rating.

Just being picky…It’s nice having a hidden changing room below the stern lounger, but you do need to step over the entry to access it once open.
Performance
Having a black Suzuki 200hp four-stroke helped tie in the exterior colors, but we like the pairing for a different reason: torque. We reached the 40 mph mark easily after a zero-to-20 mph time of just 4.5 seconds. The hydraulic steering makes it easier to turn, but it could use some type of electric power assist to truly maximize this engine’s power.
Final Thoughts
If you’re willing to live with a little less horsepower and fewer options you could really get your payment down but we wouldn’t recommend going that route. We love the complete package that as tested includes the cool touch darker vinyl colors and other key upgrades. Sweetwater has typically been known for its budget-friendly offerings in the full Godfrey lineup and the added value of this model is clearly evident.
the helm and captains chair of the Godfrey Sweetwater 2486 SFLC
direct aerial view of the Godfrey Sweetwater 2486 SFLC
long bench seating on the Godfrey Sweetwater 2486 SFLC pontoon
the Godfrey Sweetwater 2486 SFLC pontoons single flip lounger
the Suzuki outboard on the Godfrey Sweetwater 2486 SFLC pontoon
RPM
vs.
SPEED
vs.
DB-A
600
2.5
66
1000
4.3
74
1500
5.9
82
2000
8.0
84
2500
11.0
83
3000
15.3
90
3500
19.6
93
4000
23.8
96
4500
27.1
96.5
5000
30.6
98
5500
34.8
101.5
6000
41.3
102
6150
42.6
104.5
Stats
  • Number Of Occupants15
  • Price As Tested With Power$87K
  • Maximum Speed42.6mph
  • Wild Ponies200hp
  • No. Of Gates4
  • 0-20 MPH4.5 seconds
  • Ladder Measurement42” deep
Vital Stats
  • LOA25’ 9”
  • Beam8’ 6”
  • Hull Design27” iMPACT Center Tube Package
  • Dry Weight3,200 lbs.
  • Fuel Capacity45 gals.
Test Drive
  • EngineSuzuki 200
  • Engine TypeInline 4
  • Displacement/Horsepower2.8L/200hp
  • Lower Unit Gear Ratio2.50:1
  • Propeller16 X 18.5
Price
  • Price As Tested$87,006
(Boat & Engines)
  • Base Price, No Options$39,445
(Boat w/ Std. Engine)
Options on Test Boat
27” iMPACT Center Tube Pkg., Coastal Edition Pkg. (Saltwater Anodes, Solid Keel, Coastal Edition Decal, SS Corner Caps, SS Pull-Up Cleats), Full Spectrum RGB Pkg., Fire Extinguisher, Black Canopy Frame, Nightshade Towable Boat Cover, Dual Battery Switch w/Trays, In-Floor Ski Locker, Sunburst Graphics: Lowband, Black EZ Climb Ladder, Quick-Release Fender Locks, Black Rail Frame w/Smooth Black Rail Skin, Voyager Gray Woven Flooring, Eclipse Cool Touch Furniture Vinyl w/Sunburst Accent Vinyl, Recliner Seat Upgrade For Capt & Co-Capt Seats, Wrapped Rotobase Panels, SeaStar Hydraulic Steering w/ Tilt Wheel, and Clarion Color Plus Stereo Upgrade.
Notable Standards
Fastback Rails, Power Canopy, Extended Deck, EZ Climb Ladder, Ski/Tow Cage, SS Barrier Gates, Co-Capt Storage Box w/Cupholders, Interior Courtesy Light, Aft Toy Storage Box, 20” Transom and Cupholders & Speakers In Lumbar Of Benches.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Elkhart, Ind. – 574-522-8381
www.godfreypontoonboats.com
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