Bennington may position the G25 Fastback as one of its mid-class models, but this pontoon boatbuilder’s well-known focus on luxury and premium features remains on full display. Vinyl upholstery has been upgraded to two matched tones for the 2019 model year, in Bennington’s typically rich, upscale colors. An elegant dash at the helm station features matte-finish faux-wood accent panels. That distinctive color and finish carries over to the steering wheel. Rather than the standard aluminum we’re accustomed to aboard many boats, the aft boarding gate is an open framework fabricated from gleaming, polished stainless-steel tubing.
The G25 puts a premium on passenger space and comfort. Outside the confines of the fence, spacious bow and aft decks are perfect for both boarding and coving. Within that perimeter, seating lines nearly every inch of fence space. Forward, twin lounges include a 4-foot bench to port and 6-foot bench to starboard, as well as a removable cockpit table. Aft, a 9-foot couch awaits to port, with a 3-foot couch to starboard. All feature soft, fabric-feel vinyl for added comfort on a hot day. Roto-molded storage units have gutters and drains topside to keep contents from getting soggy. Cushions open on two-part hinges so that seat bottoms pivot out of the way to let passengers load them up with gear. A recessed toe kick means you won’t load at arm’s length. Additional storage can be found behind the seat backs of both portside lounges as well as in the forward lounge adjacent to the helm.
Underway the G25’s power and agility proved impressive. A powerful Yamaha 350 V-8 pushed the boat rapidly onto plane in under 4 seconds. We reached 30 miles per hour in a crisp 6.2 seconds, while top speed peaked at 48 mph. It’s the craft’s handling, however, that left the most lasting impression. Bennington’s ESP Performance Package pairs 25-inch outer pontoons with a 32-inch elliptical tube on center. Paired with our test boat’s power-assist hydraulic steering (optional), the result was smooth, confident banking through the turns and a tenacious bite on the water, with near-effortless input from the helm.
High Points
- New, one-piece fiberglass helm console with custom gauge package.
- Kicker KMC1 stereo with Blue Ice illuminated LED Kicker speakers.
- Optional electric Bimini top, elevated helm.
Price: $89,120 (with ESP Package)
How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha V-8 F350
Prop: Yamaha Saltwater Series XL 16 1/4" x 15" 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.73:1
Fuel Load: 14 gal.
Crew Weight: 330 lb.
Bennington Pontoon Boats - Elkhart, Indiana; 888-906-2628; benningtonmarine.com
