Bennington 2350 QCL

Bennington 2350 QCL

Bennington 2350 QCL

Bennington 2350 QCL

Bennington 2350 QCL

Bennington 2350 QCL

Bennington 2350 QCL

Bennington 2350 QCL

Bennington 2350 QCL

Bennington 2350 QCL

Bennington 2350 QCL

Bennington 2350 QCL

Bennington 2350 QCL

Bennington 2350 QCL

Bennington 2350 QCL

Bennington 2350 QCL

Bennington 2350 QCL

Bennington 2350 QCL

Comfort and luxury are Bennington trademarks, and nowhere on the 2350 QCL are those traits more evident than in the aft “club” seating. Decked in supple, hand-stitched vinyl, the 2350 QCL offers multiple seating positions so you can host a number of scenarios with grace and ease. In one setup, the aft seating is a comfortable J-shaped lounge, clustering passengers around a removable pedestal table. Add a pair of filler cushions and that lounge transitions to a large bed, perfect for tanning. For 2014, Bennington thought to incorporate a notch in the filler cushions to allow the use of the table whether in bench or bed mode. Talk about a party barge. The vinyl, like all carried throughout the boat, has an attractive, leatherlike finish that feels good to the touch. The table features the latest trend, a matte maple wood grain. That same matte maple finish is carried throughout the boat, including at insets on the helm, the steering wheel and even the tops of the removable cup holders. Bennington knows that details often make the difference.

Lest you think all the best features are located aft, the wraparound U-shaped bench forward carries through all the same details. The forward edge of each seat is bolstered to offer more comfort and security. At both ends, forward-facing seat backs offer stretch-out comfort. Each features a flip-down armrest with cup holder, and below all is roto-molded storage, easily accessible thanks to two-part cushion hinges that allow seats to pivot fully out of the way for easy loading and unloading. The elevated helm ensures the captain a clear view over all the partygoers forward.

Our test boat featured Bennington’s optional hybrid top. Raised, it functions much like a normal Bimini, but pull the quick-release and it pivots 90 degrees to allow easy access to inflatable tow toys that can be secured on top. With that top raised and a Yamaha 115 hp four-stroke outboard on the stern, the 2350 QCL hopped onto plane in 3.5 seconds, reached a 25.1 mph top speed, and cruised quite comfortably at 19.6 mph, burning only 5.4 gallons per hour.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*The large, extended aft deck is covered in faux teak and features a longer, wider, deeper ladder with quick-release latch.
*Hand-stitched upholstery features diamond-stitch lumbar supports and pillow tops.
*New, extended bow deck arrives for 2014 providing an additional 8 inches of deck space; a self-draining ­cooler is built into the starboard bow corner seat.

Specs
LOA: 25’6″
Beam: 8’6″
Dry Weight: 2,702 lb. (without engine)
Seating/Weight Capacity: 11/not available
Fuel Capacity: 34.1 gal.

How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha F115
Prop: Yamaha Performance Series 13¼” x 14″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.15:1
Fuel Load: 5 gal.
Crew Weight: 325 lb.

Price
$52,205 (as tested)

Contact
Bennington Pontoons
Elkhart, Indiana; 888-906-2628; benningtonmarine.com