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156 Ocean107 / Tenders and Toys

Left: Pontoon boats
may look slightly
cumbersome but
they’re surprisingly
nimble, offering
performance and
manoeuvrability
alongside all-mod-
con electronics and
a powerful sound
system for partying.

Below: Aside from
numerous layout
options, the 25QXFB
offers multifunctional
seating and dining
areas that are not
only highly practical
but also extremely
comfortable. And
quick-drying vinyl
upholstery means
they’re just perfect
for days out on
and in the water.

But, with such a broad demographic Going for a spin Step aboard the vessels and you’re
enjoying Bennington’s range of pontoon boats I’ve spent a fair amount of time aboard a immediately struck by their sheer volume.
right across Australia – from the Sunshine We have people in variety of pontoon boats over the years, both There’s seating for as many people as you like,
and Gold Coasts in Queensland to the Hunter, on magazine assignments in the US and plus room to spare and storage galore. And
Sydney Harbour and Port Hacking in New their 50s and 60s, as enjoying the hospitality of American friends, there are lots of clever features, like adjustable
South Wales, all the way down the Murray in well as retirees, who just and I can definitely understand their appeal. seat backs, generous ski lockers, bimini tops,
Victoria and Port Philip Bay in Melbourne – Comfortable, incredibly stable and relatively drink holders, docking lights and the sort
it’s hard to typify those enjoying these want to take out a group easy to handle, they provide versatile, spacious of entertainment options that American
versatile boats on our freshwater lakes, rivers of friends to watch the platforms to enjoy time on the water. boatbuilders do so well.
and estuaries. sun set, glass of wine So, I was keen to get on board when Potter The boat is fitted out with a Rockford
“They’re good in saltwater too,” notes and the dealer team from Cobalt – Bennington PMX-2 sound system with transom speakers
Potter. “Obviously, they can’t handle a big in hand. Boats Queensland organised a demonstration and Bluetooth controls, Simrad electronics,
swell, but 3 or 4 feet of chop is fine,” he says, day on the waterways around Coomera on integrated ski/tow bar or solid drop-in ski
adding they handle the shallower waters the Gold Coast, showcasing the luxury Q pole, and LED mood lighting.
extremely well too. “We have people in their series. The boat Bennington made available, Quick-drying Simtex vinyl upholstery is
50s and 60s, as well as retirees, who just want the 25QXFB – denoting the quad bench – used, with stitched diamond cushion tops and
to take out a group of friends to watch the sun “With 40 different configurations for represents the pinnacle of excellence and is perforated accents. The QXFB also has a pop-
set, glass of wine in hand. the Australian market, which are all fully part of Bennington’s flagship range. Let’s go. up canvas enclosure under the rear lounger
“Then there’s the younger generation who customisable, we’re well supported by First thing to notice: the 25QXFB rides on that provides a private space for changing or a
want to cut doughnuts or push the throttle Yamaha – in fact, we’re their largest outboard three pontoons – some Bennington models are portable toilet.
down and tilt them up on their sides like a purchaser in the world – but can fit any of the also available with only two pontoons, making The QXFB is eye-catching, with fibreglass
normal boat – and everyone in between,” he major brands of engines up to 900 hp.” them slightly cheaper, but at the expense of nose cones (more storage) and fibreglass
says. Bennington owns a large chunk of the performance and ride – and the boat was rather than painted aluminium sides. The
Benningtons can get up to speeds of 60 Australian market, especially at the luxury equipped with a single outboard, but twin moulded fibreglass interior is modular,
miles per hour, and are available up to 30 feet end, having sold more pontoon boats than outboard configurations are also offered. allowing different layout options from the People are just really surprised. You can do everything
in length. You can even add a waterslide to any other manufacturer. “We’re appealing to The QXFB comes with Bennington’s factory, and the options list is extensive.
the hardtop. “People are just really surprised,” newcomers to the boating market, for sure, as Elliptical Sport System (ESP), with a larger from cruising to waterskiing and fishing – all with up to
he says. “You can do everything from cruising well as those looking to upgrade their current diameter elliptical centre pontoon (with On the water 15 passengers on board. The possibilities are endless, both
to waterskiing and fishing – all with up to 15 pontoon boat – with boats ranging from storage) for added performance and a carrying So, how do Benningtons perform? Very nicely, in terms of their application and performance. There are
passengers on board. The possibilities are AU$100,000 to AU$500,000, Bennington is capacity of up to 15 people. Tube thickness thank you. The boat climbs onto the plane
endless, both in terms of their application and definitely at the top end of the market, and can be upgraded, and the pontoons have spray without any real feeling of transition and 40 different configurations for the Australian market.
performance. many aspire to owning one,” Potter says. deflectors and lifting strakes/chines. steers and tracks nicely.