Pontoon & Deck Boat

www.pdbmagazine.com 23 PDB Pontoon & Deck Boat SHOOTOUT 2015 23 PDB Pontoon & Deck Boat SHOOTOUT 2015 www.pdbmagazine.com VITAL STATS NOTABLE STANDARDS Starboard dinette w/ 4 Pure-Comfort reclin- ing helm chairs w/ port stern galley (also includes ottoman cooler located behind 2 Pure-Comfort recliners which swivel 360 degrees for bar seating or stern view lounging), Icon Soft-Touch upholstery vinyl, 4 Illuminated kicker speakers, interior light dimmer, 2 wide berth chaise lounges w/ fold-down armrest/cup holder, underdeck spray deflectors, enhanced LED docking lights w/ stainless steel light housings, extended aft deck w/ wide tread telescop- ing ladder and stainless steel boarding handles, quick release 12' Bimini top w/ Blue Ice LED lighting, and dimensional chrome logos and badge. OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT Mercury SmartCraft gauges, Elliptical Sport Package (ESP), dual battery switch, power distribution, in-floor storage, center fuel tank, faux teak aft deck, mocha matrix carpet, stern lounge, console stereo remote, elevated helm, Bluetooth Sony stereo, galley fridge, lighted Bimini top, Blue Ice LED exterior lights, ski pylon and Sharkhide tube protection. LOA 27' 6" Beam 8' 6" Hull Design ESP Triple Pontoon Dry Weight 3,298 lbs. Fuel Capacity 35.2 gallons TEST DRIVE Engine Evinrude 250 DPX Cylinder Type V6 Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 210ci/250hp Lower Unit Gear Ratio 1.85:1 Propeller 15 1/4 X 18 RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A 500 2.7 82 1000 4.0 82 1500 5.8 84 2000 8.2 89 2500 11.0 89 3000 13.5 93 3500 16.6 96 4000 22.0 97 4500 27.6 101 5000 33.4 106 5500 42.3 106 6000 44.7 107 PRICE Price As Tested $76,107 (Boat and Motor) trademark from day one and on this particular model it's the diamond pattern stitching found in the seating that makes the interior layout feel very inviting. You'll also find the same attention to detail in the helm chair upholstery that includes the diamond pattern as well. Besides being able to recline as well as fully adjust, this is actually one of four total helm chairs included onboard with this floor plan. Directly beside the captain is an identical first-mate chair and both can swivel around to face a stern table that is complete with built-in cupholders. The versatility of this layout is amazing since the other two helm chairs can also be positioned around the table or rotated around to become rear-facing seats. We absolutely love this unique layout for many reasons, plus the driver can be included in the conversation when anchored without ever having to leave his seat. At the helm is a very attractive- looking console with an automotive- style dash that includes three LED-back lit gauges and a built-in Garmin GPS. There is also a Sony stereo remote with the actual unit nicely protected from the elements below the helm stand, which is easily accessible through the side door. Speaking of storage, at nearly eight feet long and 18 inches deep, the in- floor ski locker has to be one of the largest in the industry. Clearly there is plenty of room to store all your water toys on this pontoon. Another highlight for this Bennington is the entertainment galley in the stern that includes a lot of counter space, a sink and faucet, and a mini refrigerator. Obviously this boat is designed for the family who takes luxury and comfort very seriously. Other key features worth noting include the stainless steel boarding ladder with handholds, ski/tow pylon, linen flooring and a pop-up changing room built into the back of one of the bow chaise lounges that stands over six feet tall when open. Inspection Notes The two outside pontoons are 25 inches in diameter and the large elliptical-shaped center pontoon is 32 inches wide, yet still only 25 inches tall for easier trailing. 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. Up top the majority of the rails stand 24 inches tall with the lowest railing being 18 inches in the stern. Performance Evaluation Having a color-matched Evinrude 250hp on the back is a nice touch, but the power of the new G2 E-TEC when paired with the Bennington performance hull is what truly impressed us. We were able to dive into tight corners like a V-hull boat for an exciting thrill ride. As-tested, this is an extremely fun boat to drive. Our Take Rated for up to 15 people, this is where your friends will want to be and there is plenty of comfortable seating for everyone. Plus with key features like the galley with fridge and its performance capabilities, it's easy to see where Bennington gets its quality reputation in the pontoon industry for building great all-around boats.

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