f you haven’t bitten the bullet yet and bought a new boat for the upcoming season, it’s not too late. And wouldn’t it be great to have more than just Valentine’s Day to get excited about this month?
Bennington has got you covered on that front. With a variety of choice models to select from, it’s impressive when you think of all this Indiana-based manufacturer has to offer. Its 23 LSB Swingback, 27 RXFBWA T2, and 24 RTFB Fastbacks all stand as testaments to its wide variety. Having had the opportunity to test drive each of these three models recently, I can honestly say it’s hard to pick a favorite.
23 LSB Swingback
The 23 LSB Swingback we tested has the stainless-steel docking lights upgrade along with the blackout deluxe anodized railing. The luxury continues from the exterior to the interior with the diamond pressed seats and elegant look.
In the bow you’ll find comfortable plush seating and the seat bases are designed with channels built in so water can drain out of the boat. Bennington also vents the bottom of the seat bases so that if you place wet lifejackets in them, they won’t get moldy.
The boat’s helm is on a raised platform and features a stainless-steel tilt steering wheel. The 23 LSB Swingback we tested has the power-assist steering complemented by the Mercury 200hp outboard on the back. The pleasing symmetry of the dash with the Simrad in the middle allows you a digital dash instead of the old analog style. The dash also features a water draining system that channels any lost water out of the boat.
The 23 LSB Swingback features the swingback plus, offering a four-in-one seating configuration in the stern of the boat so you can lounge and enjoy the view facing forward or backward. Removing the cushion on the port side bench across from the helm allows the swingback backrest to lie flat, giving you a massive pad for sunning. You can even independently raise each of the two cushions next to the swim platform to lounge facing forward.
The swim ladder is black and anodized to match the blackout rails. You’ll also find stainless-steel keeper rail around the swingback, plus seating with cupholders and a remote for the stereo system. Clearly, the seating area in the back of the boat will be one of the most coveted among your passengers.
Next up, we tested the 27 RX Fastback Walk-Through Windshield with the Power Cladded Sport Arch. Like the previous model, this boat also packed quite a punch. Right out of the gate, there’s no mistaking this as anything other than a high-end performance model.
At first glance, you’ve got the Bennington logo on the front gate to catch your eye as you enter. Then as you move into the interior, you also find the top stitching on top of the seatbacks, accompanied by the diamond stitching. Additionally, there are recessed cupholders and storage beneath the seats.
Then there’s also a table in the bow of the boat that’s removable, so you can choose to have it as a free-flowing area or a place to eat lunch and snack. Plus, there’s a huge center storage that’ll definitely be put to good use with water, toys, and other necessities for a good time on the water.
The twin walk-through windshield features the tinted glass with the optional built-in sink in the co-captain’s console. In addition to the sink, you’ve also got storage in the dash above the sink with a USB port and 12-volt as well. Bennington really thought of everything.
The 27 RX helm sports the optional dual Garmin touchscreens. These screens are complemented by the aircraft toggle switches on either side of the steering wheel, giving the boat a sleek and modern look.
Moving to the back of the boat, you’ve got the dual ski pylons with the twin 300 Yamaha engines. These features pretty much guarantee a thrilling time on the water. You’ll also find a center ladder in the back, and the fiberglass fastback aft features stainless-steel trim with black mesh around the speakers, giving it an elegant, high-end feel.
Lastly, we got to test the 24-foot R Series Bowrider from Bennington. The 24 RTFB sported the new tapered front bow deck, giving it a sleek look while being more forgiving while docking.
In the bow of the boat, you step down into the U-shaped lounge that utilizes space in the center tube. This gives the captain a better vantage point so he can see over the top of anybody who’s sitting in the bow. Also in the bow, you’ve got two high-speed USB & USB-C ports and storage in the seats that can be accessed from the dock or within the boat, which is very convenient.
Stepping up out of the bow, you’ll see the captain’s helm with the tilt steering wheel. Naturally, the captain’s chair reclines and has diamond stitching. Plus, the co-captain’s chair is a matching recliner to the captain’s. On the port side in front of the co-captain seat, you’ve got more storage for things such as bumpers, jackets and coolers.
Then you’ll find a stainless-steel gate in the stern. The fastback’s aft has a stainless-steel trim with black mesh in the furniture above the swim deck along with speakers, giving you a handsome and functional space to hang out and relax. Not to mention the boat’s performance is phenomenal.
“The bowrider has the new V-hull style center tube, allowing the boat to corner well when you’re out on the water,” explained Wyland. “It performs like a bowrider, and it’s stable like you’d expect out of a triple-tube pontoon from Bennington, but it gives you that maneuverability from the center tube that’s designed more like the hull of a fiberglass boat.”
The model we tested had the 300hp Yamaha engine on the back, which gives you plenty of power for a good time. Plus, the Kicker sound system with the amp and sub allows you to get the party started with some of your favorite tunes. Everyone’s going to want to go for a ride in this boat.