Newbie with Bennington Questions!

[Emsflyer84]

Ok guys, this forum is awesome. I'm looking at trading in the bow rider for a Bennington pontoon. Need some advice. Can anyone tell me the LOA differences between the 2250 and 2275 in the G series boats? I'm looking at a 2250 GPD (dinette), a 22 SSLDX (rear facing lounge/dinette, or having a 24 SSLDX built. The only reason I'm looking at the 22 SSLDX is it's an incredible deal. All boats are SPS tri-toons with Yamaha 150's.

I saw a 2275 today that I loved and it looked like plenty of space inside. Is that a lot bigger then any I'm looking at? Is there a big difference in ride quality between a 22 SSLDX and a 24?

Any input in general would be great. Thanks!

[Bryden24shp]

I can't really help you out with a Benny question. My buddy Bamaman can answer that for sure. Or many of the Benny owners here. The extra 2 feet in length does make a difference in comfort, may take away some maneuverability and a little speed with the same size engine as a 22 footer. Mainly I just wanted to say.... Welcome to the forum! Lots of great folks here. We have the best and biggest pontoon forum on the net for 1 reason. The people here are fantastic. We are like a family, get along well most days, do a little sparring on other days! All in all... You found a great group of boaters here! I'm proud to call this home. Watch out for Curtiscapk, he's a wild one! (sorry Craig, gotta tell it like it is! )
Again..... Welcome!

[Emsflyer84]

Thanks for the reply! I'm sure I'm over analyzing this but it's a long term investment for me, gotta get it right!

[Flattop]

Welcome to the Forum!

[robertm]

There will be a speed difference going from 22 to 24. My dealer swears the 22ft with 150 Yamaha will do 41 mph GPS. My 24ft with 200 Yamaha only goes about 38 max with 2 people aboard.

This is a dealer telling me this of course. I have seen multiple people on here with 22ft/150 combos stating the same though. With a 24ft and 150 combo I'd expect you to still be able to get low 30s. Of course if you have 10 people aboard that will drop to 20s.

Not sure how much top speed really matters to you. Options would be stay 22 or go 24 with bigger motor if you want speed. I can tell you 30 on a pontoon with no windshield 'feels' way faster than it is.

As for pulling a tube or skier either length with 150 will be fine.

[Bamaman]

I tried to look up lengths on the different G models, but Bennington's new website is running slow today. There's relatively little price or length difference between the 22' or 24' boats. I have the 24SSLX with the very popular 48" rear facing lounge and my boat has the $1K extended rear deck that adds so much more room.

The most popular selling Benningtons are the G series. That said, we're completely satisfied with our S series' quality and seating--price, ride and performance. It's as nice of a boat as I need. And the new SSLDX floorplan is fantastic.

The 150 hp is the sweet performance spot on these boats. I have the Express Tube hull, and with the Yamaha F150 I'm seeing 40 mph @ 6000 rpms with the Yamaha Reliance 15 pitch stainless prop. My engine's sitting 1 notch or 3/4" above the lowest setting on the transom--a perfect setup.

If you have room to handle a 24' model, go for it. I have all the seating room that I need.

My only suggestion is to make sure you're getting a quality trailer and that it has surge brakes. My trailer came without brakes which would be illegal in many states for the weight carried. It's not a big deal as my tow vehicle is a 3/4 ton diesel equipped for towing 13K lbs.

Boat dealers should be going to Fall Order Writing Meetings shortly, and Bennington (and other boat companies) often throw dealers freebies at these meetings. Sometimes it's a group of free options or other sales incentives to fill up production slots (in slow production months.) See if you can wait for your dealer to order the boat at the big sales meeting if he can take advantage of incentives.

Another great time to buy is at boat shows. Often, manufacturers will give dealers special sales incentives and engine manufacturers might give you another year or two free warranties. You may not need the boat until late Spring, and have plenty of time to order the boat in February.

Boat dealers don't sell any boats in the Fall, and chances are they'll be paying wholesale (floorplan) interest on that boat until next April when the retail market picks up. If you find any Bennington boats (or any other brand boat) on dealer lots right now, they can afford to deal with you on price.

[smltooner]

Welcome to the club.

[tms0425]

Ok guys, this forum is awesome. I'm looking at trading in the bow rider for a Bennington pontoon. Need some advice. Can anyone tell me the LOA differences between the 2250 and 2275 in the G series boats? I'm looking at a 2250 GPD (dinette), a 22 SSLDX (rear facing lounge/dinette, or having a 24 SSLDX built. The only reason I'm looking at the 22 SSLDX is it's an incredible deal. All boats are SPS tri-toons with Yamaha 150's.

I saw a 2275 today that I loved and it looked like plenty of space inside. Is that a lot bigger then any I'm looking at? Is there a big difference in ride quality between a 22 SSLDX and a 24?

Any input in general would be great. Thanks!

Just a caution that the Bennington series numbering is a bit inconsistent. I know my 2275 is actually 24'0" LOA with 22'4" toons, but the S 22 series is 22'8" LOA and 21'4" toons. Extended fore and aft decks also make a big difference in the models on their "feeling of space", so shop around and verify the specs on their site.

Also, be sure to join http://www.clubbennington.com to get answers from owners who are very helpful in the pre-sale process. Take your time

[Bryden24shp]

Also, be sure to join http://www.clubbennington.com to get answers from owners who are very helpful in the pre-sale process. Take your time

Yes, I should have mentioned this too! Good forum, nice members...