Bennington 25 QXFBWA

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First Impression

With the use of fiberglass up top combined with the attractive color scheme and sport arch, you could almost classify this Bennington as artwork in motion as it beautifully glides across the water. As luxury pontoons continue to evolve, so does this manufacturer and the Q 25 is proof of that.

Breakdown

Throughout the boat is a great symmetrical floorplan that begins in the bow with the chaise lounges with fold-down armrests and cupholders built in. The pillow top upholstery incorporates a diamond stitching pattern accent piece and the different shades of tan vinyl create a solid combination that complements the maroon exterior.

Dual helm stands with a full walk-through windshield continue the symmetrical theme that goes so far as to include fire extinguishers on each side next to the lighted cupholders and identical high-back helm chairs that slide, swivel and recline with both having flip-up bolsters.

For the captain at the helm console are two multi-function gauges that anchor the dash with a 12-volt outlet and USB/Auxiliary port on the left with controls to the Kicker stereo system below. Just right of the stainless steel Corvina steering wheel is a built-in GPS map with lighted rocker switches all along the bottom of the console. Directly across, the first mate also has a 12-volt outlet and USB/Auxiliary port as well as a small table top with storage below.     

The optional well-braced sport arch with Kicker speakers is one of the boat’s main features and it really adds to the overall sporty look. Color-wise it flows perfectly and the two speakers are part of the eight total speakers found on this boat. We especially love the two rear-facing speakers on the swim deck that are protected by a mesh screen, but found it a little surprising with so many speakers onboard not to have any speakers in the stern seating area.  

That stern area behind the helm includes two more rear-facing plush lounges with plenty of storage below as with all the other seats onboard. As you exit through the stern gate you enter a small swim deck area where we discovered a stereo remote and a very unique boarding ladder. It includes tall handholds at the top, and the actual four-step telescopic ladder is built into the deck and designed to pull out when needed. Rounding out the features is a beautiful woven vinyl floor and a deep in-floor ski locker.

Inspection

The Elliptical Sport Package (ESP) includes two 25-inch diameter outer pontoons with performance foils, a patented 32-inch elliptical center pontoon with lifting strakes and an under deck wave shield. The boat comes with a lifetime structure warranty that includes the deck, pontoons, transom, fencing, cleats and corner castings with a seven-year warranty on everything else with a Club Bennington registration. Up top, the rail height is over 26 inches tall for the majority of the boat, with the stern height slightly lower at 24 inches, which help earn this boat a high safety and family-friendly rating.  

Handling

We were hoping to see the Mercury 400hp four-stroke at our test and were thrilled when it was paired up with this Bennington that was equipped with the Elliptical center pontoon. Reaching the 50 mph mark was not a problem at full throttle, but it’s how well it turns that impressed us. A lot of performance pontoons dive into the sharp turns, but what surprised us was how easily this ‘toon banks.

Final Thoughts

You never have to worry about quality with Bennington so if the price as tested falls within your budget range you know you’ll be getting a top-of-the-line luxury model with the performance capabilities to back it all up.

Stats

Number of Occupants            15                   

Maximum Speed                     50.2 mph                    

Wild Ponies                             400 hp

No. of Gates                           2

0-20 MPH                               5.85 seconds  

Ladder Measurement             3’ 3” deep

Why we love this boat…Beautiful, well-built and sporty with impressive power, what more could you possibly ask for? This ‘toon is loaded from bow to stern.   

Just being picky…Sound systems are important so we love the eight speakers onboard but would like to see two speakers in the rear lounger section instead of four by the helm.  

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Pillow Top upholstery, bow storage doors, stainless steel Corvina steering wheel, restyled V2 Pure Comfort helm chair, 2 portable cupholders w/ espresso teak trim, 2 stern-facing super lounges w/ enhanced headrests and grab handles, 2 wide-berth chaise lounges w/ fold-down armrest/cupholder, interior light dimmer (console lights excluded), self-draining bench seat cooler, ss and woodgrain accents throughout, RGB lighted Kicker speakers, woven vinyl floor, Xtreme open arch w/ Bimini top (forward and aft), LED lighting, new side-mount pre-rigging system, laser-cut Bennington thresholds, extended aft deck, custom sterling gauge pkg., and console footrest.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Stereo remote, cladded sport arch w/ Kicker speakers (fastback), dimensional chrome, RGB underwater illumination, RGB cupholder lighting, RGB side illumination, reclining helm chair w/ bolster (2), Sharkhide on 3 tubes, graywood rectangular table, center tube fuel tank, and Elliptical Sport Pkg.   

VITAL STATS

LOA                  27’ 3”             

Beam                 8’ 6”

Hull Design       Three Pontoons

Dry Weight       4,154 lbs.

Fuel Capacity    23.2 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine                                                             Mercury 400

Cylinder Type                                                 Inline 6

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower           158ci/400hp

Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                   1.75:1

Propeller                                                          15 X 15 Enertia

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A

500                  1.6                     76

1000                3.1                     78

1500                4.9                     85

2000                7.4                     84

2500                10.0                   87

3000                13.4                   88

3500                17.1                   91

4000                19.8                   94

4500                24.3                   96

5000                30.1                   98

5500                35.6                   100

6800                50.2                   110

www.benningtonmarine.com