Founded in 1997 and now owned by Polaris, Bennington has a huge and diverse range of aluminium pontoon craft. The L-series are its mid-range models, fully featured but built to be attainable unless you go crazy with the options.
In Australia, the most popular model is the L23 with the Swingback backrest on the transom sunpad/lounge. This boat can accept a range of single outboard engines from 100hp through to 250hp.
The L23SB models delivered to Australia come standard as a tritoon with three pontoon tubes and the rough-water performance package. This upgrade adds lifting strakes and smooth alloy sheeting to the deck undersides.
Underway, the hull feels ultra stable, solid and well balanced. Similar to most pontoon boats, there’s not a lot of trim range available from the outboard engine, however I was able to drop the nose a little to run into the waves.
Through turns, the hull leans outward initially, but will lean slightly inward once you crank the steering wheel over and sharpen the turn. Paired with the 150hp Mercury outboard, our top speed on test day was 30 knots (55.6 km/h).
The open-plan layout includes bench and lounge seating for up to 13 people. At the bow, you find two longitudinal bench seats that curve into an L-shape each side of the bow entry gate. There’s an additional fenced gate amidships on the port side, and a stainless steel gate at the transom.
An included pedestal cocktail table with four cupholders slots into the floor between the front lounges. A second pedestal table is situated opposite the helm at a large, L-shaped lounge. Overhead, an optional two-piece bimini shelters the entire boat from the weather.
The L23SB has one of the most comfortable helm chairs I’ve ever sat in. It’s like a living room chair, sumptuously soft and comfortable, with wide armrests and pretty much every way adjustment.
It fronts a broad, moulded fibreglass helm station console that’s topped by a short windshield. The helm chair slides well forward toward the console, making it easy to set your seated driving position.
The ‘SB’ in this model’s designation is for the Swingback backrest behind the transverse cockpit bench seat. In the standard position, the backrest is folded back so the crew can sit close to the skipper. For sunbathing and swimming off the rear of the boat, the backrest swings forward to create a giant, chaise-style aft sunpad.
Further aft, the deck continues to a small, central outboard engine splash well, behind an included towsport arch. Other features here include stern cleats and a swim ladder to starboard.
Nothing beats a pontoon boat for bay and harbour day-boating, entertaining and cruising, and the Bennington L23SB is a beauty. I’d consider upping the engine to the 200hp Mercury four-stroke outboard, but otherwise it’s difficult to fault.
The test boat was supplied by RCM Sales.
* Pricing correct as of 19 July 2024
A FULL REVIEW OF THE BENNINGTON L23 SWINGBACK RAN IN THE JUNE-JULY (VOLUME 39.3) ISSUE OF CLUB MARINE MAGAZINE.
VISIT BENNINGTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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