Pontoon and Deck Boat Shootout 2022
Bennington
30 QSBWA x2 Swingback
Bennington
30 QSBWA x2 Swingback
Elkhart, Ind.
574-264-6336
www.benningtonmarine.com
Why we love this boat… With so many high-end and luxurious features to grab your attention, you almost forget the twin engine pontoon performs extremely well too.
Just being picky… As much as we love the helm console, it would be nice if there was a locking glove box for the captain to secure smaller items such as keys and wallets.
PRICE
Price As Tested
(Boat and Motor)
$284,902
Base Price
(Boat Only)
$232,543
First Impression
Having extra space on board is one thing, but understanding how to make the most out of the spare room is another. This is where the 31-foot long, 10-foot wide Q30 really shines. As tested, there is a great blend of standard features and optional upgrades packed into every square inch of this model.

Highlights
Starting in the bow, the sculped fiberglass front end with integrated navigation lights is new this year and the modern-looking docking lights tie in the high-end look. Besides the open floor plan, the diamond stitching on the upholstery is sure to catch your eye when you first come on board. There are two chaise lounges in the bow and hidden below the port side is a “Mega Privacy” changing room that raises and lowers the seat with a push of a button. Inside the changing room is a flush-out head.

Behind the smoked glass walkthrough windshield are two identical helm chairs with a sink, multiple USB ports, a 12-volt outlet for the co-captain, and an amazing dash console for the captain directly across. As far as touchscreens go, the massive 12-inch Garmin is the focal point of the helm with access to the Rockford Fosgate stereo control, RGB lighting controls and two rows of push-button switches highlighting the rest of the dash. Also worth noting, the optional Yamaha Helm Master joystick controls at the helm will help even the newest boater dock like a pro.

Directly behind the captain’s chair is a small storage box since you really can’t have too many places to store your items. However, if we’re being picky, it would be nice to have some type of a locking glove box on board to secure smaller items such as keys and wallets.

30 QSBWA x2 Swingback Top View
In the stern is the Deluxe Swingback 5-in-1 lounger. Our favorite position was being completely flat with split ratcheting backrests so you can face forward while lounging. Below the sundeck is a second pop-up changing room; its height is over 6 feet tall and it’s easy to use. Some other great features of the Swingback layout are two USB ports, a second control for the stereo that includes an amp and subwoofer and eight total speakers counting the two in the cladded arch tower.

The Luxury Keeper Rail in the stern provides an elegant look, and just outside the gate is a swimdeck, twin outboards and a deep four-step boarding ladder in between.

Inspection
Bennington’s Elliptical Sport Package (ESP) includes two 25-inch diameter outer pontoons with performance foils, splash fins, and .100-gauge aluminum, with a patented 32-inch-diameter Elliptical center pontoon with lifting strakes, plus an under-deck wave shield.

Performance
Paired with dual Yamaha 300hp outboards, we easily reached the 50mph mark at full throttle after a quick 0-to-20 mph time of less than four seconds. She handles great while turning on a dime for a fun and exhilarating ride that you almost have to experience first-hand to truly appreciate.

Final Thoughts
As the price of high-end luxury pontoons has climbed, so have the amenities and creature comforts. This is a feature-rich, extremely well-built pontoon that lives up to the high expectations that Bennington has set for itself in this industry.

30 QSBWA x2 Swingback seating
30 QSBWA x2 Swingback Steering
30 QSBWA x2 Swingback
30 QSBWA x2 Swingback Engines
NOTABLE STANDARDS
Stainless Steel Corvina Wheel, All-new Exterior Rails and Bow w/ Integrated Docking and Navigation Lights and Bow Storage, Dual Console w/ Tinted Windshield, High Speed USB Charge Stations w/ USB-C In Bow, Pillowtop Diamond Stitched Sport Upholstery.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Cladded Power Folding Arch, Mega Privacy (Powered), Cladded Luxury Recliner with Bolster, Yamaha Helm Master, Dual 83-gallon Fuel Tanks, Dual Exterior Accents, Aft SS Trim and Emblem, Swingback Deluxe 5-in-1 Lounger, Porta Potti, Pressurized Water System, Swingback Stern Lighted Speaker/Grill, Seagrass Silver Vinyl Flooring, Luxury SS Swingback Keeper Rail, SS Sink, Mooring Cover Storage Bag, RGB Cupholder Lighting, Dual Metallic White Accent, Sharkhide Tube Protectant, Yamaha Saltwater Anode Package, Twin Engine Rigging.

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants
14
Price As Tested With Power
$285K
Maximum Speed
51.6 mph
Wild Ponies
600 hp
No. of Gates
2
0-20 MPH
3.57 seconds
Ladder Measurement
5’ 2” deep
VITAL STATS
LOA
31’ 3”
Beam
10’ 0”
Hull Design
Triple 32” Elliptical
Dry Weight
5,423 lbs.
Fuel Capacity
166 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine
Twin Yamaha 300hp
Cylinder Type
V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower
256ci/300hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio
1.75:1
Propeller
17×15 1/2
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
600
2.6
75
1000
4.6
80.5
1500
7.1
81
2000
10.8
89
2500
17.0
88
3000
25.7
93
3500
27.9
93
4000
33.1
96.5
4500
38.2
100
5000
43.7
103
5500
46.9
104.5
6000
51.6
109