What You Need To Know
For some it would seem like an impossible task to try and improve the popular 2275 GCW, but Bennington was up for the challenge. New for 2013, the 2375 GCW with arch is the enhanced version and you gain a lot more than just an extra foot.
The Highlights
As minimal as it may appear, the 23-foot version actually gains a second bow chaise lounge with the extra space, giving the boat a total of two. Of course in the stern, the two rear-facing loungers will continue to be two of the most popular seats onboard. One thing we noticed about the soft-touch vinyl is the different colors as well as textures used to help complete the high-end look. A lot of the vinyl colors like this Sand Stone interior, is a custom color that was created to perfectly match the rest of the boat.
The majority of the pontoon is carpeted, but just before you get to the rear gate there is a nice teak-looking composite deck that we really like. The swim deck is complete with a very heavy-duty ski pylon, as well as a three-step boarding ladder with excellent handholds.
As attractive as this rear deck is, it could be overshadowed by the massive wakeboard tower/arch that is complete with a bimini. With the solid design, it’s more than just a decorative item, it’s heavy-duty and built to be used and will get plenty of good use with the Yamaha power plant on the back.
Bennington refers to the second helm chair for the first-mate across from the helm as king and queen seating. It does seem to be a popular trend and we agree the captain shouldn’t be the only one with the comfy seat. The setup for the driver includes an elevated helm stand as well as one of the most attractive-looking consoles on the market today.
A quick note on the exterior: the aluminum rails when combined with the two-tone smoky granite color with midnight black accent, are beautiful. If you think it looks great in a showroom, you should see it out on the water. We also like how the docking lights have been integrated into the stainless corner castings, plus the stainless rubrail is a nice added touch too.
Inspection Notes
Not only does the large elliptical-shaped center pontoon offer better performance, it also allows for a larger (50-gallon) fuel tank to be built inside. The two outside pontoons are 25 inches in diameter and the center elliptical pontoon is 32 inches wide, but still only 25 inches tall for easier trailing options. The outside logs are chambered and each has an inside performance foil to grab in a turn, while the elliptical center tube has a pair of lifting strakes. With the elliptical tube you get better displacement so you get more performance, using less horsepower.
After a close inspection, this ‘toon earned high marks for its quality, craftsmanship, as well as for its overall fit and finish work. It’s truly a well-constructed boat that has a nice family-friendly design to it.
Performance Evaluation
Complete with the Elliptical Sport Package, turning on a dime is not a problem. She handles like a dream with the Yamaha 250hp outboard and our zero to 20 mile per hour time was less than 5 seconds. Now that’s fast! It truly is amazing how well she dives into the sharp corners like a v-hull boat. This is a fun boat to drive, to say the least.
Final Thoughts
This Bennington is a great all-around boat that really is an ideal fit for most families. You don’t need to be power hungry to appreciate its performance, but of course it doesn’t hurt either.
Elkhart, Ind.
888-906-2628
benningtonmarine.com
Number of Occupants 15
Price As Tested With Power $62K
Maximum Speed 44.8 mph
Wild Ponies 250hp
No. of Gates 3
0-20 MPH 4.9 seconds
Ladder Measurement 19’ 9” deep
Why we love this boat…Extra-mile effort can be found at every turn. Nothing is an afterthought on this Bennington and the more we looked the more we liked. This 23-footer is packed with great features.
Just being picky…The throttle is mounted a little high, which is great when you’re standing but it takes some getting used to when sitting. Once you get a feel for the placement though, it becomes a non-issue.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
2 Stern Facing Super Lounges w/Enhanced headrests & Grab handles, 25 gallon fuel tank, Duraframe Seat Bases, Fire Extinguisher, G Series Reclining Captain’s Chairs, High performance Carpet, Illuminated Kicker Speakers, Privacy Enclosure, Soft-touch Base Vinyl, Stainless Rimmed Cupholders, 25” Pontoons, Crystal Cap Logos, Extended Aft Deck w/ Telescoping Ladder, Xtreme Arch w/ Bimini Top (Forward & Aft), LED Lighting and Ski Tow, 12 Volt Receptacle, Custom Sterling Gauge Package, Full instrumentation, Helm Courtesy Lights, Custom Wheel w/ Etched center cap, Sony GT Series CD/MP3, Tilt Steering.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Elliptical Sport Package (ESP), Dual battery with switch, Center Tube Fuel Tank, Carpet Platinum Matrix, Black Accent Teak Aft Flooring, Elevated Helm, Garmin Color GPS, GPS Speedometer w/Compass Heading, Sony M6 Stereo w/USB Port, Dock Lights in LED Stainless Housings, Ski Pylon, SS Rub Rail
VITAL STATS
LOA 25’ 1”
Beam 8’ 6”
Hull Design Aluminum Pontoons
Dry Weight 2,816 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 50.1 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Yamaha F250XA
Cylinder Type V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 204.6ci/250hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 2.00:1
Propeller Saltwater SDS 17 X 15 1/2
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
700 1.8 69.5
1000 3.3 72.5
1500 5.4 81
2000 7.2 83.5
2500 10.6 81.5
3000 14.4 86.5
3500 19.4 88
4000 24.2 92
4500 28.2 94
5000 33.7 96.5
5500 37.3 98
6000 42.3 99
6600 44.8 101.5
PRICE
Price As Tested $62,014
(Boat and Motor)
Base Price $26,694
(Boat Only)
