While a traditional wooden sanpan was a small, flat-bottomed fishing boat propelled by oars and at least as old as the Han Dynasty, Godfrey’s reincarnation is a luxurious vessel splendid for entertaining. With amenities such as plush seating, advanced audio systems, and thrilling power, it’s a tall order to find greater comfort on the water. Even if both the ancient and modern versions of the sanpan can glide tranquilly across a lake edged with waterlilies, Godfrey’s Sanpan is spacious, versatile, and fast.

Recently, we had the opportunity to take the latest Godfrey Sanpan 2500 MTF out for a test drive on a sunny lake with wide open spaces. We spent the afternoon admiring everything from the adaptable layout to the dynamic performance.

Outstanding Comfort

Our specific model had ultra-soft furniture in a calming new Riverstone gray with navy accents. Luxurious touches, such as stitched-in logos and powder-coated rails, were found throughout the boat. We especially liked the bow and port gates which opened with a touch of a button. The flooring, in a muted Voyager Gray, added to the high-end look and feel of everything on the Sanpan.

With leg bolsters, tall seatbacks, and lumbar support, the furniture was incredibly comfortable. The chaise lounges in the bow featured armrests and recessed cupholders, and the multi-position sun lounger at the stern can face rearward during a cruise, or forward and nestled up to the table when you stop for lunch.

The raised fiberglass helm has a beautiful dash, a wireless charger for the driver, and a heated/cooled cupholder. The helm chair slides, swivels, and reclines, and also features a flip-up bolster so you can easily see over your passengers.

A fully equipped sound system is ready for a party on the water, with the JL Audio stereo, six speakers, a subwoofer, and a stereo remote conveniently located in the starboard chaise lounge. Other helpful amenities include a portable cooler, wash down station, 21 cupholders, tucked-away pet dishes, and a fire extinguisher.

Multifaceted Floorplan

We tested the Mid Table Flip floorplan, which had an incredible amount of counter and table space, yet still maintained plenty of open room to roam. Adjustable bow benches are on either side of the spacious midship dinette table, and can be flipped to face either direction. This permanent table featured multiple wireless phone chargers and cupholders—the perfect place to stop for snacks or a game of cards with your friends. From Boat Outfitters (a division of Teak Isle) was a folding table in the back of the starboard chaise lounge, which offered additional counter space, as well as the counter cubby (with underneath storage) near the stern.

Tall railings, at just over 30 inches high at the port side, and eight grab rails made for a safe and family-friendly design. Additional safety features included the enclosed swim deck, so passengers can enjoy the swingback sun lounger while underway. Dual stern gates are lift and lock, and the swim deck has plenty of room to climb aboard after a refreshing swim. The large ski/tow bar across the transom means the Sanpan is equipped for water sports, too.

Excellent Storage Options

Thoughtful storage was tucked into nearly every corner of the Sanpan. The spacious, in-floor ski locker was lined with a mat and had an inside length of 8 feet. The keyed-entry helm storage had enough room for a cooler and trash can, while the glass fiberglass stern cabinet was lined with storage net pockets and perfect for loose items. Of course, the chaise lounges each had spacious under-seat storage with easy hinge access.

Impressive Performance

The sporty Sanpan with a Yamaha F250 outboard on the back lived up to its reputation. With triple pontoons, a full splash skin, and lifting strakes, this boat flew across the water. We easily topped 41mph, with a zero-to-20 mph time just under five seconds. The power steering makes the Sanpan responsive and thrilling to drive. The pontoon banked in the tight corners, was quick out of the holeshot, and is capable of carving up sharp turns with ease.

Our upgraded performance package included the larger 29-inch diameter center tube with 27-inch diameter outer tubes, as well as the XP Steering Wheel iMPACT. Along with the solid keel, 63-gallon fuel tank, and saltwater anodes, this pontoon seemed ready for anything.

Noteworthy Standards

In addition to the amenity-packed features mentioned above, the Sanpan also comes with a full spectrum of RGB color lighting with everything from underseat mood lights and underwater lights to lighted cupholders and speakers. A stainless steel safety barrier at the stern, along with two stern gates make safety a priority. Heated and cooled cupholders and plentiful USB charging ports enhance convenience. A towable, black canvas playpen cover is included.

Desirable Upgrades

Our model as tested had the stunning Blackout package with black seat pedestals, a black ski/tow cage, and the sleek and convenient LilliPad ladder in matte black. We also appreciated the reclining helm platform, the changing room tucked away in the lounger, and the windlass anchor with quick release.

We easily echo an online customer review of the Sanpan: “This is a superior boat in every way. The cockpit is delightful, the seating is spacious and luxurious, and the ride is awesome—smooth, nimble, and fast.” With quality workmanship and unparalleled performance, the Sanpan is a pontoon worthy of a closer look.