A limited-edition model in 2019, Bennington’s feature-packed 23 RX Sport Swingback enjoys full-time status for 2020. In addition to the Swingback bench aft, the RX Sport comes with an impressive list of standard features. Aluminum-cladded rails ring the perimeter, with sweeping lines and stainless-steel and mesh accents aft. Deck trim, deck skirt and Bimini frame are stylishly blacked-out. Within, Bennington’s Sport interior adds a linen-like texture to vinyl seat coverings, with contrasting accents. Add the Bennington wing logo to the entry gates and the seat backs, and similar aluminum cladding for the interior rails and the net effect is a decidedly upscale vibe and look.
The bow features twin chaises, the port 4 feet in length and the starboard 5 feet, both offering abundant stowage below. Note the starboard seatback: It pivots up and out to continue storage well under the helm. Aft, a 5-foot-8-inch port couch adjoins the 5-foot-wide Swingback seat to form an L-shaped lounge. Pivot the Swingback seatback forward and it creates an inviting aft-facing recliner over 6 feet in width with 4 feet of length to stretch your legs. A stylish, beefy stainless-steel rail rings the perimeter. Stereo controls are at the ready, as are a pair of rear-facing speakers. Pop-up changing room and additional storage are found below.
Bennington opts not to raise the helm, instead gently sloping the bow rails and seat backs to offer a few more degrees of visibility for the captain and create a sleeker profile. The dash showcases the builder’s typical attention to detail, with neat rows of stainless-steel toggle switches and, on our test boat, an optional SIMRAD flat-screen display, arrayed neatly around a three-spoke wheel with matching wood-grain accents.
Our test boat’s Yamaha 250 outboard pushed the RX onto plane in 4 seconds, past 30 mph in 7.5 and topped out at 42.4 mph. The optional Elliptical Sports Package provides V-hull-like handling via a unique, 32-inch elliptically shaped center pontoon and produced a sporty, intuitive bank into corners and some of the smoothest cornering we’ve experienced while testing a pontoon.
High Points
⋅Dual, Rockford Fosgate PMX-2 digital-media receivers.
⋅Elliptical Sports Package provides V-hull-like handling.
⋅Standard pop-up changing room; additional storage below the Swingback seat.
LOA: 25’3”
Beam: 8′6″
Draft (max): 1′3″
Dry Weight: 3,238 lb.
Seat/Weight Capacity: 14/1,974 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 50 gal.
Price: $121,528 (with test power, Elliptical Sport Package)
Engine: Yamaha 250
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15 3/4” x 15” 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 50 gal.
Crew Weight: 390 lb.
Bennington Pontoon Boats - Elkhart, Indiana; 888-906-2628; benningtonmarine.com