You step down to step up aboard the Bennington 24RTFBA Bowrider. The recessed forward seating area is made possible by the Integrated V-Hull Performance Package, which replaces a traditional center tube with a V-bottom hull between 23-inch-diameter outboard tubes. That center hull mates directly to the underside of the deck. Cut away the deck, and you have space for a molded fiberglass footwell for a step-down U-shaped lounge that’s about a foot lower than the main deck. The primary benefit is to enhance visibility forward—passenger heads don’t block the captain’s view, and you get a better look when approaching a dock because the rails and sides slope down slightly. Bennington View Ports— open gaps between the top rail and the seatback—further enhance forward visibility. During our session, we found this design really improved sightlines forward, and while it adds some weight, the boat handled well and rode admirably in a stiff chop.
The R Series is the sporty line from Bennington, so it figures that a tubular sport arch is standard, but our test boat had the optional power-folding cladded arch with Kicker speakers ($14,551) that incorporates the sun top. The U-shaped forward seating has lounge backrests with adjustable headrests. Lumbar pockets—open spaces between the seatback and bottom cushion—enhance comfort and provide recesses for drink holders, fast-charge USB ports and speakers. Helm and companion seats are high-back recliners. The Fastback rear seating wraps around aft to a center gate, with lounging backrests facing aft. Pillow-top diamond-stitch upholstery is standard. The optional fiberglass port console ($1,889) adjacent to the port entry swings open on new gas struts to provide added stowage that’s not under a seat, so nobody has to get up.
At the helm, an optional Simrad GO7 multifunction display ($1,644) replaced the standard analog gauge package, and the optional leather-wrapped Corvina wheel ($467) is a luxurious touch. A Yamaha digital control and SeaStar power steering are also perfectly suited to this luxe pontoon.
High Points
- Bowrider design improves forward visibility.
- Understated luxury in colors and upholstery.
- Bow seatback tops flip open to dry stowage for small items reachable from in the boat or on the dock.
- Standard sport arch and LED docking lights.
Specs
LOA: 26′6.5″
Beam: 8′6″
Draft: 2′7″
Dry Weight: 3,753 lb.
Seat/Weight Capacity: 15/2,060 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 58 gal.
Price: $130,825
How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha F300
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Salt Water Series II 15.75″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 44 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
More Information
Bennington Marine – Elkhart, Indiana; 888-906-2628; benningtonmarine.com
