INDEPENDENT BOAT TEST RESULTS |
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"Pontoon & Deckboats" 01/01/01 |
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 Godfrey has so many boat lines and models to choose from, it can make your head spin. Emerging as a great fishing craft is the 2222DF Sweetwater, a truly multi-purpose craft with more than just fishing amenities on board.Consumer Test Notes Functional and smart - these are just two of the adjectives we use when describing this fishing pontoon. With a locking rod box, two aerated live wells and a dry well, four fishing perches and rod holders, this boat is built for angling. On this bout it's the little things that we like, such as the tact that the fishing seat backs lock in the down position and that the engineers have made it virtually impossible to pinch or cut your fingers on the hinges. Also, all the seatbacks on all the fishing chairs as well as the helm seat have an open design that allows water to drain quickly, making it easier to keep the chairs clean and mold/mildew free deep in the cracks. Also ranking very high on the smart scale is the ingenious way the fishing seats store neatly in the pop-up change room area. This is more than just a super fishing boat, it is also a great cruising pontoon. The fun-filled craft has something for everyone in the family including the pit group chaise lounge and changing room. What the perma-life fishing stations on the bow lack in eye-appeal they make up for in endurance and functionality with plenty of top/counter space for dressing fish. The helm console is a one-piece, perma-life structure with an excel- lent recessed foot area to tuck your toes into and get leverage if necessary. The steering wheel is sturdy with good grip, but steering is slightly difficult while under way. The boat leans when turning to the right and banks when turning to the left with good propeller hookup both ways. The throttle is in good position in relation to the adjustable helm seat and the furniture through- out is above average comfort wise, especially for a fishing boat. The refreshment center is on the front of the helm console. It is small, but adequate to prepare a light lunch. Plus it has two drainable mini coolers under the lifting lid. We couldn't find any ladders, so swimming from this craft is only for the young and agile. But for fishing, this boat can't be beat. It made us want to stop testing and start casting, Inspection Notes Below Deck The undercarriage is neat and tidy. Stainless steel fasteners were used throughout and all the bolts have nylocks. The below deck wiring connectors are waterproof and the wiring is well secured and chaff protected. A full-length keel is present and the weld quality is excellent. Above Deck The furniture bases are made of Rotocast material, are single walled and are screwed to the deck. Total seating area is 7 feet plus four folding fishing chairs, two on the bow and two on the stern. The seatback height is 14 inches. The console is Rotocast and is through bolted to the cross- members. The instrumentation layout on the dash is automotive style with a removable windshield. The non-tilt steering wheel obscures the view of the instruments. The barrel helm chair base is sturdy and is well supported. The chair swivels and slides and is very stable. The controls are readily at hand. The port side pop-up changing room enclosure is vented. The gas-assisted shocks make the changing room easily accessible and easy to use. Two five-gallon live wells can be found on the bow and one three-gallon live well in the stern. The use of Rotocast on the console and live well makes for hassle-free boating because it is maintenance free, but the material is colorless and it does leave a plain impression. Railings The anodized 1 1/4 inch aluminum railings are through bolted with drainage standoffs. There is extra support on all the gates. The maximum rail height around the parameter is 27-inches tall and is 20 and a half inches tall at the bow with pinch guards. There are four lift and lock gates and the locking mechanism is metal, not plastic. Finish Work The wiring under the console is well secured and tie wrapped every six inches with no wires hanging down. The hidden areas are well finished. Storage areas are all nicely carpeted including the locking rod storage. The Verdict As a fishing pontoon, this boat has everything you need. It's got a lot of smartly designed elements on board as well as an appealing over- all look and feel. Steering is tough at higher speeds, but overall it handles quite well. |
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