Bennington R23 Swingback – Is it the best choice to get started?

Bennington R23 Swingback Review

Reference price: from $87,667 (excluding trailer)

Type: Pontoon boat

Weight: 2496 pounds (net)

Capacity: 12 persons

Maximum power: 150HP

What we like about it: The comfortable seats, premium features, and the visually appealing fiberglass console.

What we didn’t like about it: The limited tabletop space and the somewhat expensive price.

Rating (4.8/5)

With a focus on comfort and versatility, pontoon boats are becoming increasingly popular among families. Since its establishment in 1997, Bennington has consistently prioritized building high-quality pontoon boats, earning a great reputation in the industry for its comfortable seats, spacious layout, and vibrant performance.

Today, our spotlight is on the Bennington R23 Swingback, boasting a 25′ 1″ long and 8′ 6″ wide deck to ensure ample space. Featuring two wrap-around lounges at the bow and versatile, convertible seating at the stern, it offers exceptional comfort. The double-diamond stitched, ultra-soft vinyl-wrapped seats are a classic touch. Despite its aluminum frame, the railings maintain sleek lines. Notably, the console is entirely made of fiberglass, providing an excellent tactile experience for the driver and a visual feast for onlookers.

Now, let’s analyze the driving experience, passenger comfort, specifications, features, and other versions of the Bennington R23 Swingback.

If you want to learn more about boat-related information, please follow us or reach out directly. We are more than happy to assist you.

Driving Experience

My brother, Liam, has the most demanding requirements for boats. He’s a passionate waterskiing enthusiast. It was under his influence that I learned how to drive a boat. Last year, he sold his previous boat and customized a new Bennington R23 Swingback. He wanted to use this boat to propose to his girlfriend, Sophia, on Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada. The day came sooner than expected, and I must admit, I was quite nervous on his behalf. But I was looking forward to his success. Due to his need to coordinate with other hidden planners, I took on the role of the driver for this trip.

The moment I sat on the Bennington R23 Swingback, I was drawn to its comfortable seats. They were incredibly cozy, making me feel like I was sitting in the luxurious leather seats of a classic European car. And when I saw the fiberglass console, my excitement grew even more because it looked very upscale.

However, the most satisfying aspect of the Bennington R23 Swingback was its exquisite dashboard. All the essential gauges – speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, trim gauge, and voltage gauge – were installed on a dashboard with backlit brushed aluminum frames. It looked so professional, and it filled me with confidence, making me eager to experience some speed and excitement. There was also a solid tinted windscreen in front of the display, so I didn’t have to worry about glare obstructing my view of the gauges. With the Covina leather-wrapped sports steering wheel in hand, the wonderfully tense proposal journey began.

Riding Experience

Facing the helm is a leisure seat with a foldable armrest, perfectly positioned for Liam and Sophia to sit and chat with me. There’s a removable table at this spot, making it convenient for them to place their glasses of wine on the tabletop. When they want to take a break, they can also move to the spacious rear lounging area. Not only can they lie flat on it, but they can also lean back on the cushions to enjoy the beautiful view of the lake.

Witnessing this surprise proposal were my brother’s three friends and two of Sophia’s friends. They didn’t have to worry about the lack of good seating areas because there are long sofa seats on both sides of the bow where they can sit together and chat. The boat is also thoughtfully equipped with Blue Ice LED backlit speakers on the base of the rear seats. The engraved “Bennington” lettering between them not only looks luxurious and stylish but also ensures that people sitting at the back can still enjoy the wonderful music.

As the night fell while we were enjoying our time on the boat, Liam’s plan was about to begin. He led Sophia to the bow to feel the breeze and gave me a signal. Upon receiving it, I immediately ran to the stern, pulling out a large bunch of roses that he had hidden under the rear lounge seat in advance. Thankfully, this storage area was quite large; otherwise, the plan would have failed if the bouquet of 99 large roses had been discovered prematurely.

The planned drone performance appeared on time in the night sky. When Sophia saw the large bouquet of roses in Liam’s hands, she realized that this happy protagonist was herself. She was excited, shedding tears while nodding. At that moment, we turned on all the speakers on the boat, playing “Marry You.” The perfect sound quality filled our ears and attracted other boats on the lake to join in the celebration. They all sent their blessings to Sophia and Liam. Watching their happy kiss, we felt genuinely delighted.

Specifications

This boat has so many advantages; I apologize for being too excited to share my brother’s sweet story with you that I didn’t finish describing its features. Next, let me introduce the excellent configurations of this boat.

The design of this boat is highly user-friendly. Hidden USB ports can be found beside all the seats, ensuring that you can charge your phone and other portable electronic devices without having to leave your seat. Of course, the Bennington R23 Swingback also places great importance on aesthetics.

All cup holders are illuminated, not only making the visual effect at night cooler but also making them easier to locate. Safety is also a crucial aspect not to be overlooked. Therefore, an additional fire extinguisher is installed on the starboard side of the console, ensuring your safety during the journey.

Comfort is always a timeless topic for Bennington boats. With its standard 10-foot Bimini Top, the Bennington R23 Swingback stands strong, providing passengers with shade from the intense sunlight. Interestingly, the large rear lounge sofa can be converted into a back-to-back seating layout, allowing more people to dine around the table in the boat.

In summary, the Bennington R23 Swingback is a comfortable and powerful pontoon boat, making it highly sought after by many people.

Other Versions

Although the Bennington R23 Swingback is $10,000 more expensive than the Bennington R23 Swingback and has a smaller seating capacity, it is more solid and stable and comes with more luxurious features.

Furthermore, the Bennington R23 Swingback and R23 Swingback have the same deck size but slightly different layouts. Instead of a lounging area, the former has a copilot seat. The massive tinted windshield connects the boat’s sides to the captain and copilot seats, giving it a cool and eye-catching appearance.

The most significant difference is its luxurious gas-assisted fold-down sports arch. The arch is equipped with speakers and customizable light tubes, making it a sight to behold at night. Compared to the R23 Swingback, this version is more suitable for those with fewer seating needs, a preference for a stylish exterior, and a higher budget.

Of course, the prices of both boats are not extremely cheap, as not everyone can easily afford a pontoon boat that costs over $50,000. Fortunately, the NeoBoats website offers the Opulent Skimmer model, which has a similar layout structure to the Bennington R series but is even cheaper than their used boats. If you are interested, remember to contact us!

What do we like about it

• The comfortable vinyl-wrapped sofa seats come with self-draining coolers, keeping the back and hips cool even during long hours in the summer.
• Ample storage areas greatly enhance convenience during the trip.
• The spacious swim platform allows more crew members to perform diving actions simultaneously.
• The glass fiber console surface adds a touch of luxury and texture.
• High-quality speakers are visible everywhere, satisfying the need for a musical atmosphere during the trip.
• The 7″ digital screen display is very clear and includes abundant features.

What we don’t like about it

• Although there’s a removable table in the boat, it doesn’t accommodate much food.
• The price is indeed not cheap and may not be affordable for everyone.

FAQ

1. How much does a pontoon boat cost?

The price of a pontoon boat depends on various factors, such as its size, engine, features, and build quality. Typically, a brand-new pontoon boat costs between $18,000 to $60,000. However, it’s worth noting that some brands offer better quality and more thoughtful features, making their boats more expensive.

If your needs are substantial, and your budget is ample, investing in a suitable pontoon boat is worthwhile because a high-quality pontoon boat can serve you for a long time.

2. What is the lifespan of a pontoon boat?

With regular maintenance of all components, a pontoon boat usually lasts between 10 to 20 years. Fortunately, the maintenance cost is not high as pontoon boats are not fragile and are not prone to rusting. Cleaning or repainting the aluminum tubes once a year, based on your needs, can save some expenses.

3. Is Bennington a good pontoon boat?

Bennington, being one of the best pontoon boat manufacturers, is an excellent choice. Its pontoons are highly durable and corrosion-resistant, leaving you with little worry about the quality. Additionally, it offers a wide range of models and price points to choose from.

Bennington R23 Swingback SPECS

Overall Length	28′
Deck Length	27’7″
Width	8’6″
Weight	3130 lbs
Person Capacity	15 persons
Tube Diameter	25
Max HP	150HP

Video

Comparison Table

Boat	Overall Length	Maximum Horsepowerlimit	Maximum personnel capacity limit
Harris Crowne SL 250	27′ 11″	400 HP	13 persons
Barletta ULTRA-LOUNGE 23U	25’6″	350 HP	11 persons
Avalon Excalibur Elite Windshield 25	25′ 0″	400 HP	12 persons

Bennington R23 Swingback vs Harris Crowne SL 250

The Harris Crowne SL 250 is an excellent choice for those with a generous budget. Its price is indeed close to twice that of the Bennington R23 Swingback. However, Harris has always been at the forefront of innovation, and the Harris Crowne SL 250 truly showcases its personality on the water.

The Harris Crowne SL 250 comes with electric reclining rear loungers, a stylish helm, and state-of-the-art interior and exterior LED lighting as standard features. These are all features that the R23 Swingback does not come equipped with. Additionally, its 12-foot canopy almost guarantees that the majority of the boat’s crew will be shielded from the scorching sun. If you’re seeking thrilling speed, it can be equipped with a maximum 400HP engine, providing both luxurious comfort and exceptional speed.

Bennington R23 Swingback vs Barletta ULTRA-LOUNGE 23U

Compared to the Bennington R23 Swingback, the comfort of the seats in the Barletta ULTRA-LOUNGE 23U might not be as strong. While it lacks a colored windshield in front of the helm, it doesn’t mean it’s not impressive. The Barletta 23U features thoughtful Yeti-Ready cup holders that can accommodate cups of any size. Its layout also exudes a sense of minimalist beauty, making it more suitable for people who prefer less extravagant decorations.

Moreover, its price is more budget-friendly than the R23 Swingback, making it a better choice for those seeking affordability without compromising on quality. After all, Barletta is also a reputable brand known for producing excellent pontoon boats.

Bennington R23 Swingback vs Avalon Excalibur Elite Windshield 25

The Avalon Excalibur Elite Windshield 25 offers a more striking appearance and a lower budget compared to the Bennington R23 Swingback, making it a perfect choice for younger consumers.

The Avalon Excalibur Elite Windshield boasts large LED lights on both sides under the deck and eye-catching light tubes on the power arch. This gives it a cool and impressive look on the water during nighttime. Inside the boat, the Avalon Excalibur Elite Windshield is considerate with its full windshield. However, its detailed features may not be as luxurious as those of the R23 Swingback. Nevertheless, I believe many customers would be willing to invest in it because it just looks incredibly handsome.

Summary

Bennington has always produced pontoon boats that never disappoint. The Bennington R23 Swingback will undoubtedly be an excellent companion for you, your family, or your friends during your outings on the water.

If you’re still hesitant, you can visit our website to explore and compare more types of boats for more options. We also offer some high-performance pontoon boats with better cost-effectiveness, so feel free to drop by anytime. Thank you!