About to pull trigger
Moderators: Redneck_Randy, badmoonrising, lakerunner
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About to pull trigger
I know, not another one of these posts. I have been following this forum and have reached the end of the internet while researching new pontoons. I have narrowed my choices down to:
2015 Bennington 24SSRX30 with 115hp Yamaha
2015 Sylvan Mirage 8522 LZ LES with 115hp Mercury (no RPT tubes)
Both are similarly equipped including full seagrass flooring and ski bars. They are priced very close, the Benny is $700.00 more.
The small details on the Sylvan seem better to me. Such as recessed cup holders in seats, more speakers, speaker location, recessed seat bases, nicer helm.
However, the Benningtons are very popular around here.
Anyone care to push me one way or the other?
2015 Bennington 24SSRX30 with 115hp Yamaha
2015 Sylvan Mirage 8522 LZ LES with 115hp Mercury (no RPT tubes)
Both are similarly equipped including full seagrass flooring and ski bars. They are priced very close, the Benny is $700.00 more.
The small details on the Sylvan seem better to me. Such as recessed cup holders in seats, more speakers, speaker location, recessed seat bases, nicer helm.
However, the Benningtons are very popular around here.
Anyone care to push me one way or the other?
2015 Premier Sunsation 23 RF 115 hp Merc
Re: About to pull trigger
I love the looks off the 2015 sylvans, nice in and out. I would think the price would be further apart. nothing against the sylvan but for the difference in price it would be hard not to go with the Benny.
2015 Qwest LS 818XRE Tri-toon w/mercury 115.
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Re: About to pull trigger
I hear what you are saying about the price point. Is the Bennington better? The Sylvan has better attention to details. Also, the Bennington is 24" on center vs 16" for the Sylvan.
2015 Premier Sunsation 23 RF 115 hp Merc
Re: About to pull trigger
Bennington has capitalized the name and image of the pontoon world as Harley has in motorcycles. Both are recognized quality products and their competitors can and do sometimes produce a superior product but it will still be looked down upon because it fails to have the right trademark embossed upon it.
Respect Our Recreational Resources
Leaving Only "The Footprints of Your Passing"
Boating the Muskingum River
1972 35' Crest Pontoon Houseboat
2007 90 hp. Yamaha
Leaving Only "The Footprints of Your Passing"
Boating the Muskingum River
1972 35' Crest Pontoon Houseboat
2007 90 hp. Yamaha
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- Capt Sully
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Re: About to pull trigger
Go with your gut feeling.... Sometimes the Name isn't everything........
Enjoy your new Toon
Enjoy your new Toon
2012 Xcurison X23C
Yamaha 90 hp 4 stroke
Dual axle full bunk trailer ready to go
All pulled with Z71 4WD Silverado
Maritime mobile KD4LZL
Lake Allatoona, NW Ga.
FVC USCG Auxiliary
Vietnam 66 / 67
Yamaha 90 hp 4 stroke
Dual axle full bunk trailer ready to go
All pulled with Z71 4WD Silverado
Maritime mobile KD4LZL
Lake Allatoona, NW Ga.
FVC USCG Auxiliary
Vietnam 66 / 67
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Re: About to pull trigger
I think I will go with the Sylvan. A guy can only research so long. Eventually ya just have to pick one.
The wife and kids really like the Sylvan. Generally the wife is always right.
The wife and kids really like the Sylvan. Generally the wife is always right.
2015 Premier Sunsation 23 RF 115 hp Merc
Re: About to pull trigger
Sorry, but the S series Bennington's are 24" on center from the steering wheel to the bow. They're 16" on the back half. Out of all the hard waves I've experienced, my boat's bow is completely solid--never any sign of flexing. And because their weight is a little lighter on the front end, they're relatively fast.zoraduntov wrote:I hear what you are saying about the price point. Is the Bennington better? The Sylvan has better attention to details. Also, the Bennington is 24" on center vs 16" for the Sylvan.
Many pontoon/tritoon buyers go Bennington for the incredible number of inventive floorplans that suit every boater's needs, a 7 year warranty and the top resale value in the pontoon industry.
'12 Bennington 24' SSLX Yamaha 150
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Re: About to pull trigger
Sorry?
So the "innovative" Bennington has the exact same floor plan but fewer crossmembers. Which makes it faster? Think how fast a pontoon could be with 30" spacing.
Thanks, I will try to fit that convoluted logic into my decision process.
So the "innovative" Bennington has the exact same floor plan but fewer crossmembers. Which makes it faster? Think how fast a pontoon could be with 30" spacing.
Thanks, I will try to fit that convoluted logic into my decision process.
2015 Premier Sunsation 23 RF 115 hp Merc
Re: About to pull trigger
are you sure about sylvan being 16 on center? I was looking at them in the fall,I could be wrong of course. there weren't many companies that were. I don't own a benny and not pushing them. there are a few builders that go 16 till mid point then 24 bow, I don't believe it's to save money I think they found better performance from there particular set up. just as some companies go with 6 strakes some 4 & some 2. good luck.
2015 Qwest LS 818XRE Tri-toon w/mercury 115.
Re: About to pull trigger
sorry me again, we almost bought the sylvan with 27" rpt tri-toon. that thing was a monster I loved it, but after all options I wanted it was about 5k higher than I "wife" wanted to go. I didn't like the base seats or helm but your right about the upgraded versions, awsome seats.
2015 Qwest LS 818XRE Tri-toon w/mercury 115.
Re: About to pull trigger
You could get the boat and add some of the options later and not necessarily from the dealer.
Keep in mind that your expenses will add up even after bringing the boat home.
Keep in mind that your expenses will add up even after bringing the boat home.
Denise and Jim
2015 Encore 22' Cruise SE Grey
2001 Ford F250 Turbo Diesel
2015 Encore 22' Cruise SE Grey
2001 Ford F250 Turbo Diesel
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Re: About to pull trigger
I have learned after having several different boats that get what you want not what someone tells you to. You are buying it and paying for it. Everyone has their opion on what is the best. Me the best for the buck is what I have after looking at all the toons in the area. I got everything I wanted and the price I wanted. So it was a deal to me. Just one thing get the most motor you can afford and that the toon can handle. May not need the power now but it is there if you do. Good luck and enjoy
Bob Jacksonville, Nc
2013 Excursion X23 RFC
2013 115 Yamaha
Pulled with a Ford King Ranch
2013 Excursion X23 RFC
2013 115 Yamaha
Pulled with a Ford King Ranch
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Re: About to pull trigger
Are lifting strakes helpful with a 115 hp motor?
2015 Premier Sunsation 23 RF 115 hp Merc
Re: About to pull trigger
We love our Sylvan. Great build quality!
2014 Sylvan Signature 8523 LZ
2014 Yamaha F200 2.8l
Iowa
2014 Yamaha F200 2.8l
Iowa