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It’s All in the Details - Bennington 2575 RLX
by the Go Boating Test Team
See the difference that sets Bennington’s 2575 RLX apart from other pontoons
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Some of you may have noticed in the February issue of Go Boating that the boat pictured in the Bennington 2575 RLX performance test wasn’t actually a Bennington. In our deadline haste during the holidays, we inadvertently published the wrong photos.
On the day the magazine hit newsstands, a few of our eagle-eyed readers immediately caught the mistake and called it to our attention. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused and would like to take this opportunity to present the real Bennington 2575 RLX.
There’s no mistaking Bennington’s style and thoughtful attention to detail. Measuring 24 feet, 11 inches in length, with a beam of 8 feet, 6 inches, this luxury pontoon also boasts one of the roomiest floor plans we’ve ever set foot on.
The seating arrangement includes wrap-around bow settees and three corner chaise lounges. We’ve sat in some comfortable helm seats, but Bennington’s was the first “two-fisted” model we’ve tried -- meaning there’s a cup holder in both armrests, so you can put your beverage container next to your drinking hand (whichever one that happens to be). The seat also features a flip-up bolster, which adjusts forward and back, and swivels.
The huge helm console has a sink with a lid that sports molded-in cup holders. The chaise lounges lift up to reveal cleverly disguised waste containers. A portable cup holder travels easily from seat to seat, so there’s less chance of spills. In the event of a mess, there’s also a portable vacuum for fast and easy cleanups.
Other notable features include inset rubber molding (to cushion you against the dock), cleats (which, surprisingly, are not found on every pontoon we’ve tested), courtesy lights throughout, molded-in docking lights and a power-boosted antenna. The new 2002 model also has a removable bow gate seat for additional seating while under way.
Smooth Operator
We tested the 2575 RLX on Georgia’s Lake Lanier. Our twin-tube pontoon was powered by one of Yamaha’s new four-stroke 115 hp outboards. The boat is rated for engines up to 135 hp -- but with a performance package, it can handle power options up to 225 hp.
The performance package incorporates a third 25 inch tube, which offers additional buoyancy, stability and speed. It also increases the fuel capacity by more than 10 gallons.
With only two tubes, our test boat handled the lake chop better than any modified-V runabout we’ve driven in recent months. It sliced through the swell being dished out by the fleet of boats (some as large as 45 feet) on the lake, which we constantly had to dodge while seeking out spots to open up the throttle. The 2575 RLX turned effortlessly, even at high speed, and we experienced no cavitation or blowout during a series of extreme maneuvers.
With three adults and 3/4 a tank of fuel on board, our test boat’s 115 hp Yamaha four-stroke topped out at 23.4 mph. We estimated the optimum cruising speed to be approximately 18 mph, at 3,800 rpm. This works out to 5.29 mpg, which gives the 2575 RLX a range of nearly 132 miles with a 25 gallon fuel tank.
With its long list of standard amenities and superb handling characteristics, this boat is ideal for entertaining large groups (up to17 people). With a base price of $19,300 (less engine), it’s also very affordable.
For the ultimate in comfort, safety, performance and value, there’s just no substitute for the Bennington 2575 RLX.
Contact Information: Bennington Marine; (219) 264-6336; fax (219) 266-1820; www.benningtonmarine.com. Circle reader service TK.
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This article first appeared in the April 2002 issue of GoBoating Magazine. All or parts of the information contained in this article might be outdated. |
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