1986 Godfrey 24' Aqua Patio

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Hello Everyone ! 

I am new to pontooning, always wanted one, but always turned away at the dealership. I just can't spend the kind of money they seek for what are certainly beautiful boats. 

Since I am a fairly handy fella or maybe just a glutton for punishment and seeker of money pits, I found this 1986 Godfrey 24' Aqua Patio. It is in what I think of as it's expected condition for a 34 year old boat. It seems to me that most of the stuff in it is original. Unfortunately, it is all wet, soft and in a state of deterioration I care not to battle.

The floor and carpet are in pretty good shape, so, as much as I want to strip that stuff down to just the toons, I will leave it "as is" for now. All of the furniture is being removed along with the helm. I'm new to outboard engines, so when the time comes, I'll need help with getting everything correct in a new helm. It has a 48HP Evinrude SPL which is enough to push it through the water at about 15kts but that is about it.  That will eventually be replaced with a 100-115 4 stroke, but for now, it is what I have to work with. 

Here is what it looked like when I first backed it into the driveway to power wash all of the grime away. 

A little aluminum cleaner and some really light rubbing shows how amazing toons can end up looking. 

I have ordered new seats from Pontoon Stuff, based on everyone's recommendations. I guess we'll see what can be accomplished. 

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kirkifer Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 08/01/2020 Location: Avon, Indiana Status: Offline Points: 6	Post Options Post Reply Quote kirkifer Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: 1986 Godfrey 24' Aqua Patio Posted: 08/02/2020 at 1:52pm
	Hello Everyone ! I am new to pontooning, always wanted one, but always turned away at the dealership. I just can't spend the kind of money they seek for what are certainly beautiful boats. Since I am a fairly handy fella or maybe just a glutton for punishment and seeker of money pits, I found this 1986 Godfrey 24' Aqua Patio. It is in what I think of as it's expected condition for a 34 year old boat. It seems to me that most of the stuff in it is original. Unfortunately, it is all wet, soft and in a state of deterioration I care not to battle. The floor and carpet are in pretty good shape, so, as much as I want to strip that stuff down to just the toons, I will leave it "as is" for now. All of the furniture is being removed along with the helm. I'm new to outboard engines, so when the time comes, I'll need help with getting everything correct in a new helm. It has a 48HP Evinrude SPL which is enough to push it through the water at about 15kts but that is about it. That will eventually be replaced with a 100-115 4 stroke, but for now, it is what I have to work with. Here is what it looked like when I first backed it into the driveway to power wash all of the grime away. A little aluminum cleaner and some really light rubbing shows how amazing toons can end up looking. I have ordered new seats from Pontoon Stuff, based on everyone's recommendations. I guess we'll see what can be accomplished.

kirkifer Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 08/01/2020 Location: Avon, Indiana Status: Offline Points: 6	Post Options Post Reply Quote kirkifer Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 08/02/2020 at 2:50pm
	So, if anyone has opinions, I need them !!! I am new to all of this and I am trying to learn, so please be patient and explain the best you can ! I like pretty things that are also functional. The Pontoon Stuff helm is what I am planning on putting back into this boat. It has a spot for a "binnacle" mount throttle control. The control (what is the real name?) that I currently have is a side mount for a console. It appears to be VERY old and it probably the original. It seems to work, but like everything else, it is sun bleached and just kinda junky looking. Does it matter what brand throttle control I get? Is there one better than another? If I have plans to upgrade the outboard at a later date, will I need to also change out the throttle? Would you use a side mount or a binnacle mount and why? Thanks.

Motor7 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 02/07/2014 Location: Tennessee Status: Offline Points: 13	Post Options Post Reply Quote Motor7 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 08/03/2020 at 8:56pm
	Binnacles can be brand specific, so if you replace yours make sure it is compatible with that engine. There are also "universal binnacles" available like this one: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Teleflex-CH2700-Universal-Outboard-Marine-Side-Mount-Control-Box-with-Trim-Switch/901749445?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=916&&adid=22222222227107098458&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=392240485846&wl4=pla-372782204298&wl5=9013436&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=113134359&wl11=online&wl12=901749445&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6575BRCQARIsAMp-ksNl3XfwR1j-71oMGDh4Bbz6YWI3ZzQ2JZ-IZemZlJ9xZfMNYftz7-UaAtPYEALw_wcB As far as side mount or on the console it's personal preference. A pontoon usually does not require a ton of throttle input like a ocean dwelling boat does, so reaching out to the console occasionally is not a big deal. Side mounts can be more convenient since they are closer to your right hand. Also, seriously consider ditching the carpet for a marine vinyl....much better in the long run and way easier to clean.

kirkifer Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 08/01/2020 Location: Avon, Indiana Status: Offline Points: 6	Post Options Post Reply Quote kirkifer Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 08/31/2020 at 8:55pm
	So the pontoons were apparently never cleaned or polished. They're old and dented in plenty of places, but the shinier they are, the less the dents are noted.

curtiscapk Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Joined: 01/30/2013 Location: OP KS \Truman Status: Offline Points: 985	Post Options Post Reply Quote curtiscapk Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 09/02/2020 at 6:43pm
	Nice!!!!!!!!!!
	Craig n Paula THE FLOATER Rebuild 94 Party Barge 24' 115 merc 22mph OP KS Truman Lake