Bennington 2572 QCWWA

March 2016 Boat Test Monday PDB Staff

This article originally appeared in our 2016 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing this in print along with 28 other boat reviews, click HERE to purchase the back issue.

Three Things

High-end features, a user-friendly layout and a well-performing hull are the highlights of this pontoon, but it doesn’t stop there.

Breakdown

As far as amenities and key features are concerned, if you need it, you’ll probably find it on this boat. If you don’t think you need it, you soon will after getting out on the water. When it comes to high-end luxurious pontoons, Bennington sets the bar high with this QCW.

New for 2016, the fiberglass-clad exterior is beautiful and sets the tone for the rest of the layout that includes a sport arch that folds down for storage or for low bridges. The center walkthrough layout includes not only dual helm chairs, but basically dual helm stations too that are connected with a full wraparound windshield. This is a unique look that also happens to be very functional as well.

For the captain is a sporty-looking helm console with multi-function Yamaha gauges in the center and a Garmin Echo map positioned on the right, plus a new stainless tilt Corvina steering wheel. The rocker switches are lighted and well-labeled and the driver has easy access to the main Bluetooth Kicker stereo controls.

Directly across for the first mate is a faucet and sink, as well as a second stereo with a 12-volt outlet and USB/Auxiliary port to increase you music options. Speaking of tunes, there are four LED backlit speakers in the bow and four more in the stern for a total of eight that really complement the sound system.

Also new is the two-tone vinyl furniture with Espresso diamond stitching and Pillow Top Q upholstery that is as comfortable as it looks. Plus, it flows well with the bamboo fabric weave vinyl flooring and large in-floor ski locker. In the bow are two comfy chaise lounges, but arguably the two best seats onboard are the rear-facing loungers in the stern. They are extremely comfortable and when you factor in the Yacht-like stainless steel gate and railings we consider this stern area to be safe too. Built into the side of the port rear lounger is a wash-down to help keep your interior clean and just outside the rear gate is a four-step boarding ladder and a receiver for an optional ski pylon on the swim deck.

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 a consistent 26 inches tall, which includes the bow and stern gates on this safe family-friendly model.

Handling

When you combine the ESP hull with a Yamaha 350hp four-stroke, you have a recipe for fun, given that we reached the 50-mile-per-hour mark at full throttle with a zero-to-20-mph time of under five seconds! But it’s how easily this pontoon banks in the tight turns that impressed us the most. This ‘toon performs as sporty as she looks and is a lot of fun to drive.

Final Thoughts

You’re going to pay more for a top-of-the-line model and that’s the case with this specific Bennington. While the price tag won’t work with everyone’s budget, the quality and luxurious features speak for themselves.

2016 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 15

Maximum Speed 50.1 mph

Wild Ponies 350 hp

No. of Gates 2

0-20 MPH 4.71 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ 7” deep

Why we love this boat…At a quick glance you can get a feel for the high-end quality, but the performance side you have to experience yourself to truly appreciate.

Just being picky…The only downside to the two-gate layout is not having side entry access, which could make boarding a challenge at some marinas.

PDB Days Reader Choice Feedback

I like the overall quality, styling and the ride the most.

The fiberglass sides, captain’s chair and back lay down seats are perfect. The fit and finish and options are all high-end.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Duraframe seat bases, 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, stainless steel cup holders, interior light dimmer, waste container, self-draining bench seat cooler, stainless steel and woodgrain accents throughout, Pillow Top Q upholstery w/ Diamond stitching, stainless steel Corvina steering wheel, Marideck vinyl aft flooring, Illuminated Kicker speakers, privacy enclosure, Xtreme open arch w/ Bimini top, LED lighting, back-lit V3 brushed aluminum gauges, dual console and windscreen, Echo 100 Garmin fish/depth graph, Kicker KMC10 Ultimate All In One speaker system, Custom Sterling Gauge Pkg. and Illuminated Rocker switches w/ dash-mounted breakers and master power switch.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Elliptical Sport Pkg., center tube fuel tank, power hydraulic assist steering, sport tower/sport arch color match, stainless steel sink upgrade, wash down CW, and ski pylon and Blue Ice LED underwater/cup holder/ side lighting.