Boat Test Monday: Bennington 20 SVL-SPS

First Impression
Re-designed from the deck up, this latest offering from Bennington is priced to attract those looking for a value-driven model to get them on the water. Though it has options, this 20-footer is packaged well and has a long list of standard options, making it ready to go as-tested.

Highlights
Overall the boat has an asymmetric design and feel and includes a new front fascia and a new Shadow gray color with a Carbon accent on the interior. Worth noting, the soft touch vinyl seating is as comfortable as it looks. The ergonomic one-piece fiberglass helm console includes a spacious design that keeps everything easily within reach for the driver, including a full row of rocker switches as well as access to the KICKER KMC45 stereo controls. There's even a phone holder built into the helm console just right of the analog gauges, with a wireless charger cubby that will also keep your phone out of the sun. Also worth noting is the locking glove box that is perfect for storing your loose items such as your keys and wallet. It's the simple yet practical touches that really complete the helm.





Behind the Pure Comfort reclining captain's chair with an integrated headrest is a kidney-shaped table and an L-shaped bench with a built-in rear-facing lounge. And with the two chaise lounges in the bow, there are plenty of comfortable seats for everyone.

At 18 inches long, there is just enough room to towel off on the swimdeck before coming aboard using the four-step ladder near the stern gate. The in-floor ski locker that is 16 inches deep and 8 feet long is one of the few options not included that was on the boat we tested. Even though it is available as an option, it would be nice if a ski/tow bar was included in that long list of standard features, but we'll get to the power in a moment. 

Closer Look
Below deck, the SPS Performance package includes three 25-inch diameter pontoons with lifting strakes on all three. Fanged elevator bolts secured with stainless steel nylock nuts are used throughout the construction of the boat to beef up the undercarriage and the .250-inch thick bow and stern cross channels provide added strength as well. Above deck there is over 17 feet of space inside the gates with the rail height varying from 24 inches tall in the bow to 26 inches for the majority of the boat.

Throttle Down
We love the pairing with the Yamaha 115hp VMAX SHO outboard that took us from zero-to-20 mph in 5.7 seconds. She's got plenty of power to pull tubes and other toys as we reached a top overall speed of over 30 miles per hour. The pontoon turns flat, handles well, and overall is fun to drive for a value-driven model.

Why Buy
Quality craftsmanship is part of Bennington's DNA so despite the budget-friendly price the 20 SVL-SPS delivers as a great all-around model. We like the comfortable seating and those small added touches such as a locking glove box and a removable trash can – which we feel should be on every boat, regardless of which end it is on the price spectrum.

Elkhart, Indiana
574-264-6336
www.benningtonmarine.com

Number Of Occupants 11
Price As Tested With Power $46.7K
Maximum Speed 31.4 mph
Wild Ponies 115hp
No. Of Gates   3
0-20 MPH 5.7 seconds
Ladder Measurement 48” deep

Why we love this boat...We see tremendous value in this pontoon that is priced well, is well built and includes an impressive list of standard features that will make your day on the water memorable.

Just being picky...With the Super High Output four-stroke from Yamaha we'd like to see a ski/tow bar included as a standard feature because we feel it would get so much good use on this Bennington. 

NOTABLE STANDARDS
Sun Pad Lounge w/Storage Compartment, Transom 24-Gallon Fuel Tank, Two-Tone Vinyl Furniture, Simtex Vinyl Upholstery, Deluxe Flush Mount Speakers, Duraframe Seat Bases, Pure Comfort Reclining Captain's Chair w/Integrated Headrest, Kidney-Shaped Table, 2 Chaise Lounges, Deep-Step Stern Boarding Ladder, Quick Release 10' Bimini Top w/Surlast Embroidered Boot, SS Cleats, Corner Castings & Deck Bolts, Stern Deck Surlast Mooring Cover w/Quick Clips, Underdeck Spray Deflectors, 12-Volt Receptacle Console, Custom Sterling Gauge Pkg., Fuel, Locking Side Access Door, Low Profile Windscreen, One-Piece Fiberglass Console w/Polished Steering Wheel, Zebrawood Slate Dash Accents and All In One KICKER KMC45 Stereo System.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
In-Floor Storage and Saltwater Anode Package.

VITAL STATS
LOA 21’ 11”
Beam 8’ 6”
Hull Design  Triple Pontoon
Dry Weight 1,819 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 21.4 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine Yamaha 115 VMAX SHO
Cylinder Type Inline 4
Displacement/Horsepower 1.8L/115hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 2.15:1
Propeller 13 5/8 X 14 Talon GP

RPM vs. SPEED  vs. DB-A
1000    3.0       72.5
1500    5.0       87
2000    6.6       86.5
2500    7.9       84.5
3000    10.5     87
3500    14.8     91.5
4000    17.8     94.5
4500    21.3     97.5
5000    25.3     94.5
5500    28.3     101
6000    31.4     101.5
6500    31.4      103.5

PRICE
Price As Tested $46,729
(Boat & Engine)

Base Price $33,764
(Boat Only)