When you’re in the market for a pontoon boat that’s ready to create endless memories on the water, the Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX and the Godfrey Xperience 2086 SBX are two models worth considering. Both are designed with comfort, practicality, and fun in mind, offering plenty of features for family outings, social gatherings, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon cruise. But how do they compare when it comes to meeting your needs? Let’s dive into what these boats offer.

Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX: Spacious and Family-Friendly

The Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX delivers on its name by creating a party-ready atmosphere with a spacious layout. Measuring 21’11” in length and with a passenger capacity of 10, this boat is all about maximizing room for your guests. Whether you’re hosting a picnic on the water or cruising with a group of friends, the open floor plan and well-cushioned seating ensure everyone has a comfortable spot to enjoy the ride.

One of the boat’s notable features is its full-width aft swim deck with a telescoping ladder, making it easy for swimmers to jump in and out of the water. Accessibility is also a key focus, with three gates on the boat, including one that is wheelchair-friendly. Powered by a standard 60-horsepower Mercury® ELPT FourStroke engine, the Party Barge is perfectly suited for leisurely cruising. However, for those who want a bit more power, you have the option to upgrade to a 115 HP Mercury engine.

With a starting price of $32,870, this model is built with value in mind, offering an affordable entry point into the world of pontoon boating while still delivering quality and functionality.

Godfrey Xperience 2086 SBX: Compact with a Performance Edge

The Godfrey Xperience 2086 SBX brings a slightly different vibe to the water, combining practicality with a sleek and efficient design. Measuring 21’10” in length, it offers almost the same footprint as the Party Barge but with a higher passenger capacity of 11 -14 depending on the package you go with. This makes it a great choice for slightly larger groups who want to maximize their fun on the water.

Where the Xperience shines is in its ability to handle more powerful engines. When upgraded to the largest package, the iMPACT +, it has a maximum horsepower rating of 250, making this pontoon well-suited for those who enjoy a faster-paced ride or plan to tow tubes and other water toys. Despite its powerful potential, the boat maintains a lightweight feel and smooth handling, making it an excellent option for new and experienced boaters alike.

The design is all about efficient use of space. Plush seating wraps around the deck, and thoughtful storage solutions keep everything organized, allowing you to bring along all your essentials without cluttering the boat. With a starting price of $32,925, the Xperience 2086 SBX offers a well-rounded package that balances comfort, practicality, and performance, making it an attractive option for boaters seeking value without sacrificing quality.

Choosing the Right Fit

Both the Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX and the Godfrey Xperience 2086 SBX offer unique strengths. If you’re drawn to a family-friendly design with great accessibility and ample room for lounging, the Party Barge may feel like the better match. Alternatively, if performance and a touch of versatility are higher on your list, the Xperience offers that extra edge with its higher horsepower capacity and smart layout.

Design, Layout, and Comfort

When it comes to spending a day on the water, the layout and comfort of a pontoon boat are key to creating an enjoyable experience. Both the Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX and the Godfrey Xperience 2086 SBX are thoughtfully designed to offer maximum usability and comfort, but they approach these goals in slightly different ways.

Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX: A Spacious and Relaxed Layout

The Party Barge 20 DLX is built with a focus on space and comfort, making it a great choice for families and groups. The open floor plan ensures there’s plenty of room to move around, whether you’re enjoying a meal, playing games, or just lounging under the sun. Its plush, multi-density foam seating is wrapped in premium marine-grade vinyl, which is both soft to the touch and resistant to the elements.

A key feature is the multi-purpose helm console, which includes a storage compartment to keep essentials organized and easily accessible. The helm is topped with Sun Tracker’s SUN TRACKER FLARE™ touchscreen gauge display, offering the captain an intuitive way to monitor the boat’s systems and performance at a glance. This modern, user-friendly addition enhances the overall boating experience, making it both functional and stylish.

In terms of accessibility, the Party Barge excels. Its three entry gates allow easy boarding, and the wheelchair-accessible design ensures everyone can get out and enjoy the water. The aft swim deck, spanning the full width of the boat, is perfectly designed for water activities, offering plenty of room and easy access for swimmers and gear alike.

The Party Barge is all about providing a comfortable environment where passengers can kick back and enjoy their time on the water. Whether you’re stretched out on the lounge seating or diving into the lake from the swim deck, this pontoon prioritizes relaxation and ease.

Godfrey Xperience 2086 SBX: Efficient Use of Space

The Godfrey Xperience 2086 SBX takes a slightly different approach, focusing on smart, efficient use of its space to maximize functionality. The 4 lounge area provide ample seating for passengers to sit comfortably while maintaining an open feel. With seating for up to 11-14, the layout creates a balance between social interaction and personal space.

One of the key features of the Xperience is its attention to storage. Beneath the seats, deep storage compartments keep gear and personal items secure and out of the way, leaving the deck free of clutter. This is particularly useful for active families who bring plenty of supplies on board.

The helm station is simple yet effective, offering ergonomic design and straightforward controls for the captain. The Xperience’s layout focuses on seating versatility and smart organization, ensuring passengers have ample room to relax and move around while keeping the deck tidy and functional.

Comparing Comfort and Design

Both boats excel in creating a comfortable environment, but their designs cater to slightly different needs. The Party Barge 20 DLX emphasizes openness and accessibility, making it a better choice for families who want plenty of room to spread out or require wheelchair-friendly features. Meanwhile, the Xperience 2086 SBX delivers a more compact and efficient layout with an emphasis on functionality and storage, ideal for boaters who value a tidy and organized deck.

Entertainment and Onboard Amenities

A great pontoon boat transforms a day on the water into a memorable experience, thanks to features that enhance entertainment and convenience. Both the Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX and the Godfrey Xperience 2086 SBX offer amenities designed for relaxation and fun, but their approaches to entertaining passengers differ in subtle ways.

Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX: Casual and Convenient

The Party Barge 20 DLX is all about creating a laid-back environment where passengers can enjoy themselves without a fuss. Its multi-purpose lounge seating ensures everyone has a comfortable place to sit, chat, or stretch out. The boat includes a removable table that’s perfect for setting up snacks, playing cards, or enjoying lunch on the water. The placement of the table allows it to be easily shared among passengers, promoting a social atmosphere.

For music lovers, the Party Barge comes equipped with a Bluetooth-capable stereo system that lets you stream your favorite playlists. The four speakers are strategically placed to provide even sound coverage, so whether you’re at the helm or lounging on the aft deck, the music is crisp and clear.

Water activities are a breeze, thanks to the boat’s full-width swim deck and telescoping ladder, which make re-entering the boat easy and safe. The boat also comes equipped with an aft receptacle base for the optional ski tow pylon for when you want to break out the water toys. Cupholders scattered throughout the deck ensure everyone’s drinks stay secure, even during a bumpy ride. These small but thoughtful details make the Party Barge ideal for families and groups who want a mix of relaxation and activity.

Godfrey Xperience 2086 SBX: Practical with a Touch of Luxury

The Xperience 2086 SBX focuses on providing the essentials in a way that feels refined. Its bow and aft loungers encourage conversation and offer enough space for passengers to sit comfortably. The boat also features a removable table, making it easy to adapt the space for meals or games.

The sound system on the Xperience is a standout feature, offering Bluetooth connectivity and high-quality speakers that deliver excellent audio. Whether you’re cruising quietly or hosting a lively gathering, the sound system creates a great ambiance for any occasion.

For water lovers, the Xperience is well-equipped with a rear swim deck and ladder, making it easy to jump in for a swim or pull out a water toy. The Xperience features a generously sized aft deck, offering even more space than the Party Barge for water activities. Its swim platform is well-designed and easily accessible, making it perfect for casual water access or staging gear for a day of fun.

Comparing Entertainment Features

The Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX leans into a more casual, family-friendly vibe, with practical amenities that focus on comfort and accessibility. It’s perfect for passengers who prioritize relaxed gatherings, easy water access, and straightforward entertainment options.

The Godfrey Xperience 2086 SBX, on the other hand, brings a more refined approach to entertainment, with premium audio features and thoughtful design elements that enhance the onboard experience. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate a polished, comfortable environment while keeping things functional and efficient.

Performance

A pontoon boat’s performance and utility can make or break its versatility on the water. Whether you’re seeking smooth cruising, towing capabilities, or practical features for outdoor activities, both the Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX and the Godfrey Xperience 2086 SBX deliver solid options. However, their approaches to performance and utility cater to slightly different boating styles.

Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX: Easy Cruising with Practical Features

The Party Barge 20 DLX is designed for a relaxed cruising experience. Powered by a standard 60-horsepower Mercury® ELPT FourStroke engine, it provides dependable performance for casual outings on lakes or rivers. For those who want a bit more power, an upgrade to a 115-horsepower engine is available, allowing for slightly faster speeds and the ability to tow small water toys.

The handling of the Party Barge is smooth and predictable, making it a great option for families or new boaters. Its construction provides excellent stability, even when the boat is fully loaded. The wide deck ensures a steady ride, while the lightweight construction makes it easy to trailer and launch.

Godfrey Xperience 2086 SBX: Performance with a Punch

The Xperience 2086 SBX brings a slightly sportier edge to the table, with a maximum horsepower ranging from 90 -250. This makes it a better choice for boaters who want a little more excitement on the water, whether that means faster cruising or towing tubes and other water toys. Even with its higher power capabilities, the Xperience remains efficient, offering a smooth ride that balances speed and comfort.

The handling of the Xperience is responsive and nimble, aided by its compact yet well-engineered design. This makes it an excellent option for navigating smaller lakes or tighter marinas. The boat feels agile, even when it’s carrying a full passenger load, and the construction ensures stability during turns or in light chop.

Comparing Performance and Utility

The Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX is a steady, reliable cruiser with a focus on accessibility and family-friendly features. Its performance is well-suited for relaxed outings and light water activities, making it an excellent choice for families or groups who value simplicity and stability.

The Godfrey Xperience 2086 SBX leans toward versatility and performance, offering more power and sharper handling. It’s a better fit for boaters who want a little extra speed or plan to tow water toys regularly.

Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Pontoon

Choosing between the Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX and the Godfrey Xperience 2086 SBX ultimately comes down to how you plan to use your pontoon and the features that matter most to you. Both models offer excellent experiences on the water at an affordable price point.

Best for Relaxed Family Outings

The Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX is an excellent choice for families and groups who value a spacious, accessible design. Its open floor plan and thoughtful features, like the wheelchair-accessible gate and full-width swim deck, make it ideal for creating a comfortable environment. Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful lake cruise, hosting a picnic on the water, or letting the kids jump off the swim deck, the Party Barge delivers dependable performance and family-friendly convenience.

This model is perfect for those who prioritize straightforward functionality and a laid-back boating experience. The option to upgrade to a more powerful engine gives it enough versatility for light towing or slightly faster cruising, but its core appeal lies in its comfort and practicality.

Best for Versatility and Performance

If you’re looking for a pontoon that brings a bit more versatility and power to the water, the Godfrey Xperience 2086 SBX is a strong contender. Its higher horsepower capacity and nimble handling make it well-suited for more adventurous outings, including towing tubes or zipping across the water at higher speeds.

The Xperience is a great fit for boaters who value performance, sleek design, and a touch of luxury. Its compact yet powerful build makes it ideal for those who want to explore a variety of activities without compromising on comfort or style.

The Bottom Line

If you’re drawn to easygoing cruises and a relaxed atmosphere, the Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX will feel like home on the water. On the other hand, if you crave versatility, speed, and a boat that can seamlessly transition from cruising to fishing or water sports, the Godfrey Xperience 2086 SBX is the way to go.

Ultimately, the best pontoon for you will depend on your lifestyle and how you envision your time on the water. Visit your local dealership, step aboard both models, and picture yourself cruising with your family or friends. No matter which you choose, you’re sure to find a pontoon that transforms your days on the water into unforgettable memories.

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