PDB Shootout Bennington

First Impression

Technically the G-Class is considered to be Bennington’s mid-line luxury offering, but based on what we’re seeing it looks more high-end to us. Of course Bennington already has a solid reputation in this industry for building luxury pontoons, so this G25 Fastback fits in nicely with the rest of its lineup.

Highlights

The combination of Ocean Blue and Metallic White exterior panels with the Platinum Simtex with Espresso and white accent colors inside set the high-end feel for this pontoon. Plus features like an electric Bimini top and the contoured exterior rails don’t hurt either.

At the helm, the one-piece fiberglass console is on an elevated platform that includes a tall back reclining chair for the captain. The Zebrawood slate dash features three recessed gauges, a row of lighted rocker switches below and a Garmin GPS mounted on the side. To the left of the three-spoke steering wheel is access to the Kicker stereo controls and on the other side is a glove box with a USB port and a 12-volt outlet inside. Gaining entry to the helm wiring is simple through the bow chaise lounge forward of the helm. You can also completely remove the seat cushion on this lounger to access a large storage area below that will fit a hard-sided Yeti 45-quart cooler.

There are a total of four chaise lounges, two in the bow and two in the stern, and all provide easy access to storage options below. Plus each has plenty of room to spread out, but the rear-facing one in the stern on the port side is especially nice and long, proving there is a comfortable seat for everyone.

On the extended aft deck is a curved four-step aluminum ladder hidden under the deck with solid handholds on top. You will have to get down on your knees to slide it in and out between uses, but the trade-off is a clean swim deck with minimal tripping hazards.

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 underdeck wave shield. Above deck the rail height stands at 26 inches tall around the perimeter of the boat for a safe, family-friendly design.

Performance

The blistering zero-to-20 mph time of less than four seconds only tells part of the story with this performance hull and massive Yamaha 350 V8 on the back. She banks beautifully in the sharp corners and handles amazingly well, while topping out just shy of the 50 mph mark. There is a lot of power with this pontoon as tested, and it lived up to its reputation of being a well-performing luxury pontoon. It is available as an option, but all boats with 350 horses on the back should come standard with a ski/tow bar to take advantage of this setup.

Parting Thought

We found this Bennington to be extremely well-built, but it’s also nice to know it comes with a limited 10-year warrant so you know your investment is protected. She handles well, looks and feels high-end, yet still comes in at an attractive price considering all that you get in return.

For More Information:
Elkhart, Ind.
574-264-6336
www.benningtonmarine.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 15                   
Price As Tested With Power: $113.8K
Maximum Speed: 47.4 mph                   
Wild Ponies: 350 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 3.96 seconds 
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 4” deep

Why we love this boat…A high-end performance pontoon at a mid-line price point, there is a lot to love about this G-Series pontoon that is extremely inviting and comfortable.

Just being picky…With just five permanent cupholders, this layout could use a few more options to put drinks other than the two portable ones that seem to just be in the way.   

NOTABLE STANDARDS

SS & woodgrain accents, 27-qt cooler seat insert, 4 chaise lounges, two-tone vinyl furniture w/ Simtex vinyl upholstery, Infinity Seagrass flooring, Duraframe seat bases, fire extinguisher, Blue Ice LED Kicker Speakers (4), Zebrawood slate rectangular-shaped table & Zebrawood slate accents, ss cupholders, 12-volt, full instrumentation, illuminated rocker switches w/dash-mounted breakers, tilt steering, glove box, Kicker stereo, docking lights in ABS light housings, 10' Sur-last Bimini, ss cleats & corner castings, Sur-last mooring cover and 4-step ladder

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Hydraulic steering, engraved ss cleat, Kicker sub and amp upgrade, Striker 4 Fish Graph, RGB underwater, cupholder, side and panel illumination, master power switch, Yamaha gauges, Sport upholstery upgrade, ss rub rail, rectangle table, Seagrass flooring, elevated helm, docking lights, bow gate seat, battery switch, Elliptical Sport pkg., dimensional chrome, GPS speedometer, electric Bimini top, center tube fuel tank, pop-up cleats, ss ladder, Sharkhide tubes and battery panel. 

VITAL STATS
LOA: 27’ 9”             
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Three Pontoons
Dry Weight: 3,022 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 23.2 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Yamaha 350
Cylinder Type: V8
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 323.4ci/350hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.73:1
Propeller: N/A

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
800                  2.4                     66.5
1000                4.0                     77
1500                6.1                     78.5
2000                8.3                     86.5
2500                12.9                   88.5
3000                18.7                   93
3500                24.5                   95.5
4000                28.2                   99
4500                32.7                   99.5
5000                38.1                   105
5500                42.1                   106
6000                44.3                   108.5
6100                47.4                   111.5

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $113,810
Base Price (Boat Only): $43,482

This article originally appeared in our 2019 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.