(Boat and Motor)
(Boat w/ Twin Yamaha)
In 1958, Godfrey established its name in the industry with the introduction of the Sanpan pontoon at the World’s Fair in Chicago, Ill. It’s safe to say there have been a “few” tweaks in the past 60 plus years, as those in attendance couldn’t even begin to envision the future of pontoons or have any idea that something as impressive as this 2022 Sanpan could even be possible.
Highlights
There is a very symmetrical feel to this boat where one half seems to perfectly mirror the other for a clean and open look. It has a high-end posh interior with unique features including the Ultra Lounge in the stern, which is one of our favorites. The innovative design gives you the benefits of U-shaped seating without sacrificing swimdeck access through a rear gate. It’s something Godfrey has been doing for years and unless you enjoy stepping on your seats, you’ll absolutely love it. The seat cushion in front of the stern gate folds over and stows in the bench seat compartment next to it and then you just open the fiberglass door. On the swimdeck is a 2.5-inch diameter ski pylon, a stereo remote and a curved easy-to-use stainless steel boarding ladder that’s located between the outboards. (Don’t worry. We’ll get to those twin Mercurys.)
There are USB ports recessed into the back of the bench seats just above the dual cupholders in the stern seating area with two more in the bow so your passengers can stay charged up. However, the captain’s chair on the elevated platform is where you’ll want to be. While there is an identical chair for the first mate, the captain will enjoy the fully-loaded helm console with the boat’s best features including a wireless charging pad, cooled cupholder, a dial for the RGB lighting and multiple USB ports. And even though the JL Audio stereo can be controlled from the massive 12-inch Garmin touchscreen at the helm, we love the JL Audio volume control knob at the dash for quick access. The sound system upgrade, which Godfrey refers to as its GXS or Godfrey Xtreme Stereo, is amazing to listen to through the unique and sporty-looking speaker covers.
Designed specifically for its dual-engine boats, the Twin Engine 29-inch iMPACT + Center Tube Performance package includes a 29-inch diameter full-length center pontoon with 27-inch diameter outside ones, plus lifting strakes and an aluminum underskin. Above deck the rail height stands nearly 27 inches tall in the bow and 30 inches around the rest of the perimeter for an extremely safe design.
Performance
With the sporty arch tower and wrap-around windshield, this is one of those performance pontoons that looks fast, even when sitting still. Luckily the sporty look is backed with an extremely quick acceleration that had us going from 0 to 20 mph in less than 4 seconds! Not bad for a set of twin Mercury 300hp FourStrokes. We just missed the 60 mph mark at full throttle, and I can only imagine the reaction this boat would have received at the World’s Fair in 1958.
Final Thoughts
The nice thing about dream boats is that if it fits within your budget, you know you’re getting an amazing pontoon. From the hull up, this Sanpan offers high-quality comfort, amazing power and forward-thinking features from a manufacturer who has been a staple in the industry since the late 50s.
Complete Full Spectrum RGB Lighting Package, Twin Engine 29-inch iMPACT + Performance Package (29-inch Full-length Center Tube, 27-inch Outer Tubes, Full-length Lifting Strakes, Full-length Under Deck Skin, Inside Skirting, 121-gallon Fuel Tank), Hydraulic Power Assist Steering, Solid Keels, 25-inch Transom, VSR Triple Battery System, Polished Stainless Steel Corner Castings w/ Integrated Pull-up Cleats.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
ProTour Red Color Option, Midnight Package (Black Rails, Canopy, Rubrail w/ Vinyl Insert and Skirting), Black Sport Arch w/ Canopy, GXS (Godfrey Xtreme Stereo) System, Co-captain Cooled Cupholder, Quick Release Fender Locks, 3 Tube Saltwater Anodes, Verado Power Assist Steering.