Overview
The 23LSB is part of Bennington Marine’s, ” L-series,” boats. This the second tier in Bennington’s four-tier model array, offering some luxury features, rugged construction and at a more affordable price.
Engine
Our test boat was powered by a 200-hp Mercury FourStroke outboard. This engine delivered spirited performance, propelling our test boat to almost 39-mph and posted an economy of over 4 mpg at 3500 rpm ( 21 mph burning 5.2 gph). See our performance chart below for more info.
Interior and Accessories
Bennington lets handsome upholstery make the first impression for its new L-series line. The horizontal diamond-press treatment was executed on our test boat in graphite with Rosa Red accent panels in Simtex, a vinyl material with a slight fabric-like texture that keeps it cool to the touch. Side panels in Rosa Red and Smokey Granite contrast nicely with the optional Blackout Luxe Edition ($3,594; black finish on rails, deck trim and skirt, Bimini frame and boarding ladder). New this year is a choice of standard crimped side panels, or optional smooth side panels for no charge. A manual Bimini top comes standard.
In typical Bennington fashion, there is clever design behind the fancy upholstery. For example, the toe kick below the seat bases creates a few extra inches of deck space, while a lumbar pocket in the bench seats—an open space between the seatback and bottom cushion—makes it easier to lift the bottom to reach stowage, and provides an inwale for drink holders, fast-charge USB ports, speakers and small sundries.
This layout features curved L-seats forward, another L-seat to port, and the 6-foot-4-inch-wide five-way Swingback aft lounge with pivoting backrest plus adjustable lounge cushions. An optional stainless-steel aft keeper rail ($880) makes it legal to sit on the lounge facing aft while underway. Adjacent to the lounge, our boat had an optional remote ($420) for the upgraded Rockford Fosgate PMX-2 audio system ($330). At the helm, an optional Simrad GO7 multifunction display ($1,644) replaced the standard analog gauge package.
Design
The 23LSB’s optional Sport Performance System Plus (SPS+) package ($7,663) includes three 25-inch tubes, with lifting strakes on the center tube and performance foils inboard on the outer tubes. When combined with SeaStar power steering, SPS+ bumps the boat’s horsepower rating to 250. Bennington says its new strake design provides more lift, and we were impressed with this boat’s smooth ride and handling; it carves turns like a runabout.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury 200 FourStroke
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 15.3″ x 14″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 19 gal. Crew Weight: 190 lb.
High Points
- Understated luxury in colors and upholstery.
- Molded seat bases are lipped, drained and ventilated.
- Four angled rail sections forward protect the side panels from fender rash.
- Curved aluminum boarding ladder has great handholds.
Low Points
- Ski-tow structure is optional and not available in a black finish to match the optional Blackout Luxe trim throughout the boat.
- Fuel capacity of 32 gallons limits range.
Toughest Competitor
The 25-foot Barletta Corsa 23U (base price $74,000 with 150 hp outboard) offers an elevated helm with tremendous legroom, high-performance Hertz audio, and a standard power Bimini top. Its triple 26 inch tubes are damped against vibration. Fuel capacity is 48 gallons
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $61,152 (base) |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 24′9″ |
| Beam: | 8′6″ |
| Draft: | 2′7″ |
| Displacement (approx.): | 3,064 lb. |
| Transom Deadrise: | NA |
| Fuel Capacity: | 32 gal. |
| Max Horsepower: | 200 |
| Standard Power: | Single 150 hp outboard |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
Bennington Marine – Elkhart, Indiana; 898-906-2628; benningtonmarine.com
