Bennington

24 MSB Standard

First Impression

Since the new M-Series is focused on being a luxurious line that performs well but is also customizable, we say, “Mission accomplished.” With the new dock speed exterior with its signature bow sweep and aft rails (along with its distinctive bow louvers) it’s easy to recognize this one as a Bennington when you see it on the water.

Highlights

The new Vivid UX digital dash with integrated GPS is a game changer and the intuitive display just might be one of the easiest to navigate. The 7-inch display automatically switches from “running” to “float” mode when the boat stops. While underway you have a different set of gauges on display, for example RPMs, speed, depth, trim and fuel level. As soon as you stop, the digital dash automatically switches to float mode with a different set of gauges including music details, depth, and temperature.

Also at the Horizon helm console behind the tall glass windshield is a panel of push buttons for your nav and docking lights and other controls. For the captain there are USB and 12-volt ports, a phone charger pad and access to the Rockford Fosgate stereo. The PMX-1 head unit paired with the six new Rockford Fosgate lighted speakers will get this boat rocking. The dual helm chairs slide, swivel and recline, and both have tall seat backs with integrated headrests.

The Vaneto soft touch vinyl with the Azure blue accent is both durable and beautiful; below the Duraframe seat bases there are plenty of storage options. There are also two in-floor storage lockers, one for your water toys and the other for your anchor that includes a cleat inside for tying off.

The two chaise lounges in the bow include fold down arms, and each offers lumbar cutouts with recessed cupholders and a USB port. Built into the back of the port side chaise is a pop-up table with a pullout drawer below, plus a hidden waste container that is in a convenient location to be used frequently. Other features include a multi-function stern lounger with a swingback and a LilliPad Marine REVO ladder, which makes boarding the boat from the water a cinch.

Why we love this boat…The Horizon helm console with the new Vivid UX digital dash is the focus of this model, but it’s also loaded with other great features for the complete package.

Inspection

The Sports Performance System (SPS) includes three full-length 25-inch diameter pontoons, lifting strakes on the center pontoon, performance foils on the inside of the outer pontoons, solid round keels, under deck wave shield, and SeaStar hydraulic steering. Up top the 1.25-inch rails vary in height from 24 inches tall in the bow to 26 inches tall in the stern.

Performance

The SPS performance package is designed for boats with four-cylinder engines and 200 horsepower or less, so the hull pairs nicely with the Yamaha 150hp outboard. At full throttle we reached a top speed of 36.2 mph after a zero-to-20 mph time of 4 seconds. To maximize the enjoyment of this combination you might want to upgrade to electric steering, but as is she handled well and was responsive.

Just being picky…The new Vivid UX digital dash is available as an option for every series Bennington offers, but in reality it should come standard on more lines, including this M-Series.

Final Thoughts

Quality craftsmanship is part of Bennington’s DNA and is the reputation the manufacturer works hard to maintain. As expected, this new M Series model delivered on both construction and comfort with a solid combination of standard features with a handful of key upgrades to create a model that will appeal to those looking for a loaded pontoon in this price range.