Molded fiberglass, not conventional aluminum fencing or panels, constructs the look of Bennington’s 25 QX Fastback Windscreen Sport Arch. Forward, it wraps the sides before curving stylishly to the deck, incorporating dual storage compartments into the real estate created at the bow. Amidships, it’s fashioned into dual consoles, topped off with a low-slung wraparound windshield. Aft, it finishes off the boat’s matching lounges with a sloping radius to the deck. The only aluminum is found in subtle perimeter railings, the bow gate, and our test boat’s cladded sport arch overhead; it’s strong enough for watersports and features an integrated Bimini. The overall effect is a decidedly upscale, cutting-edge combination that Bennington says will inspire creativity. More than 20,000 color options are possible, allowing owners to truly make their individual dream machine. Even the interior lighting can be dialed in to nearly any color scheme.
Little touches demonstrate Bennington’s classic attention to detail throughout. Seat bases are covered in vinyl, but the flooring material carries partway up the recessed toe kick. Cushions are comfy pillow-top, with hand-stitched, diamond-pattern accent panels. Two-part hinges pivot seat bottoms fully out of the way to access storage. Both the helm and port console offer multiple padded nooks for those ever-present cellphones. The two-zone sound system includes rear-facing speakers on the swim platform to keep you tuned in when taking a dip in the lake.
The 25 QX Fastback Windscreen Sport Arch featured Bennington’s triple-pontoon ESP package. It pairs the 25-inch outer pontoons with an oversize 32-inch center pontoon with an elliptical shape. The result is handling reminiscent of a V-hull. Paired with a Mercury Racing Verado 400 outboard, the 25 QX carved aggressively through the tightest of turns at speed, yet never sacrificed its silky smooth ride.
High Points
* Dual aft lounges offer room to stretch out and generous storage capacity below.
* Finishing touches include hand-stitched quilted vinyl, stainless-steel gates and multiple flooring choices matched to the interior color.
* In-floor locker uses space provided by center tube, features both bilge and woven matting to protect contents.
How We Tested
Engine: Mercury Verado 400R
Prop: Mercury Enertia 15″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 28 gal.
Crew Weight: 155 lb.
Price
$132,970 (as tested)
Contact
Bennington Pontoons Elkhart, Indiana; 888-906-2628; benningtonmarine.com
