Godfrey Aqua Patio 256 UL Twin Review

It’s impossible to not immediately notice the Godfrey Aqua Patio 256 UL Twin at the dock or in the water.

Twin-engines have been a standard on center console boats for years, but it’s only recently that they’ve begun to appear on high-end pontoons. While the sight of twin 250s or double 300s pushing a pontoon boat is guaranteed to turn heads, there are real benefits to the design that go beyond just looking great and going fast.

The biggest benefit of twin engines is their far greater level of control, and this is one area where the big Godfrey Aqua Patio 256 UL Twin really shines.

Twin engines are about more than just going fast. They also provide vastly improved handling and easier docking control.

Riding on triple 27-inch tubes with the propellers placed squarely on the outside back corners, the big Aqua Patio enjoys an enormous amount of steering leverage with even the gentlest turn of the wheel, for a thrill ride that neither the driver nor their guests will soon forget. Slaloming a 25-foot pontoon isn’t the easiest thing to do under normal circumstances, but with its twin screws, this big boat handles more like a PWC than a pontoon with seating for 13.

With its twin engines, the Aqua Patio 256 UL Twin handles more like a PWC than a pontoon boat.

The other great thing about twin engine power is the complete lack of steering torque, as the twin counter-rotating propellers cancel each other out. It makes for a much more rewarding driving experience behind the helm, while eliminating the need to constantly correct for propeller torque improves the boat’s hydrodynamic efficiency.

Counter-rotating engines cancel out each other’s steering torque for a vastly improved ride, whether you’re cruising along or going for a spin on a wakeboard.

Most importantly, twins look cool, they go like stink and you never have to worry about getting home if you suffer a breakdown on the far side of the lake.

The entire boat looks pretty cool as you walk up to it at the dock. Godfrey has been making pontoon boats for a long time, and it’s Aqua Patio models have long been best-sellers on the strength of their comfortable appointments, careful attention to small details, and terrific value.

The bow follows a traditional format with twin lounge seats and a central boarding gate.

The easiest way to board is via either the bow or stern swim platform or the convenient port-side entry door, all of which sit at dock level. There’s no need to climb over seats or step on slippery gunnels on this boat.

The Godfrey Aqua Patio 256 UL Twin follows a fairly traditional pontoon layout up front, with a central entry gate between two bow lounge seats with full wrap-around back rests. Neatly integrated drink holders and fold-down arm rests make these loungers the best seats in the house when the boat is underway, while there’s a ton of storage space for gear in the seat bases.

The upholstery work on the Aqua Patio’s seating is truly first class throughout, recalling the seats in a fine sports car.

The upholstery work on the Aqua Patio seating deserves special mention, in part for the near perfect balance of support and plush comfort, and in part for the attractive diamond quilting pattern on the back rests, which recalls the appearance of a high-end European sports car.

Moving aft, a discreet floor hatch beside the helm console opens to reveal a large storage space in the center tube, which is ideal for stowing big, bulky items like boards, skis and fishing rods. The in-floor storage is an optional feature, but one which virtually all buyers are going to want.

The driver is spoiled by an elegant Captain’s chair with fold-down arm rests and a flip-up bolster.

Amidships, the driver and co-pilot ride on elegant high-back Captain’s chairs, each with fold-down arm rests, a flip-up bolster, and more of that delightful diamond quilting. The driver, in particular, gets spoiled with a stylish fiberglass console with a neatly integrated, low profile windscreen that does a surprisingly good job of deflecting the slipstream.

The stylish helm is organized around its large multi-function display.

The helm console is centered around a large central multi-function display that’s flanked by twin digital multi-gauges for the engines. Below the tasteful dash, a neat row of push-button switches which control electrical accessories like lighting and pumps, while a gorgeous chrome-on-black sport steering wheel anchors the console. The stereo control sits just to the left, where it can just as easily be accessed by passengers. The boat is rated to handle up to twin 300 horsepower outboards, but the efficient hull design makes it a blast to drive with even twin 150s.

Yes, that’s a wireless cell phone charger at the helm. There’s also a standard 12-volt outlet, and twin USB plugs.

Aqua Patio has long been known for equipping its boats with thoughtful features, and that’s definitely the case on the 256 UL. For starters, to the right of the dash is a wireless charging station for the driver, providing a convenient spot to keep phones fully charged. Ahead of the twin throttles, Godfrey has also provided a joystick for the ultimate in docking control.

Optional joystick docking control makes it a breeze to dock the boat or negotiate tight spots.

Docking a pontoon boat can be intimidating for less experienced boaters, and especially in gusty winds. But the joystick on the Godfrey Aqua Patio 256 UL Twin makes it as easy as it gets – just push the joystick where you want the boat to go, and let it figure out the steering and throttle controls for you. Push the stick forward, backward, spin the boat around on the spot or even crab it sideways if you like. Coming in to the dock too fast? Just push the stick the opposite direction and the boat puts on the brakes. It really couldn’t be easier, and it’s a functionality that only twin engines can provide.

Stern cockpit seating includes a filler seat ahead of the gate to the swim platform, and an offset dining table.

The aft cockpit more or less mirrors the bow, with the exception of a filler cushion that provides an additional seating position in front of the offset rear gate leading to the swim platform.

A removable pedestal-mount table with four integrated drink holders makes the stern a perfect spot for lunch. It too is slightly offset, so that passengers traveling to or from the swim platform don’t disturb anyone enjoying their meal.

Godfrey’s Aqua Patio 256 UL Twin is a versatile, well-appointed pontoon that does a lot of things very, very well.

The Godfrey Aqua Patio 256 UL Twin is a high-end boat, so it’s fitting that it comes with a high-end option list that lets owners personalize it exactly as they see fit with upgrades like a wake tower, a power canopy, designer interior packages, audiophile stereo systems, lighting upgrades, a pop-up change room, a Porta-potti and more.

Looking to take your boating experience up a level? Then check out the Godfrey Aqua Patio 256 UL Twin. This is a fast, smooth-handling and luxurious boat that every member of the family will have love.