Can The Bennington QX27 Swingback Go On A Trip With You?

Bennington QX27 Swingback Review

• Reference price: from $305,473
• Type: Pontoon boat
• Body weight: 4,702 lbs
• Capacity: 18 persons

What we like about it: The reasonable spatial layout and detailed design give the rider a comfortable experience.

What we don’t like about it: It may not be budget-friendly for individuals with limited budgets.

Rating (4.8/5)

The Bennington QX27 Swingback, as a classic model from the Bennington brand, is primarily designed for leisure gatherings. This boat has gained popularity in the market. With a length of up to 28′ 3″, it can accommodate a maximum of 18 people, making it suitable for medium to large parties. Additionally, the dual-engine design ensures ample horsepower and excellent endurance, but it can lead to increased fuel costs.

Now let’s dive into a detailed description of the Bennington QX27 Swingback, covering the driving experience, passenger experience, specifications, and features.

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Driving Experience

After completing another semester and finishing all the assessments, Jack suggested taking his newly acquired Bennington QX27 Swingback to Lake Havasu for a party. A group of us, who have good relationships on regular days, eagerly agreed.

The day we planned for quickly arrived! It was a sunny day, perfect for outdoor activities. Standing by the lake and looking at the boat moored in front of us, my first impression was that the boat was quite large, and the refreshing blue and white color scheme appealed to me.

Jack was the first to board and headed towards the driver’s seat. I followed his footsteps and sat down in the co-pilot seat next to the driver’s seat. The seats in both the driver’s and co-pilot’s areas were the same, equipped with adjustable heights. The softness of the seats made us feel like we were sinking into our home sofas. Jack leaned back, resting his head on the integrated headrest. The snug fit of the headrest ensured a comfortable resting position even during long drives.

Jack started the engine, and the boat quickly began to move. He introduced, “The dual-engine design ensures the speed of the boat during the drive. Moreover, I can control the boat’s direction by adjusting the angle of the engines to reach my desired destination. Additionally, the stainless steel Corvina steering wheel is worth mentioning. The feel of my hands gripping it is very comfortable, without any hardness or discomfort.”

The boat headed towards our prearranged destination. Jack skillfully turned on the audio equipment, and high-quality stereo sound surrounded us through the Kicker speakers. The party atmosphere reached its peak. Bathed in sunlight, we swayed our bodies to the music.

Riding Experience

The fresh lake breeze on my face felt incredibly pleasant. It would be a shame not to soak up some sun under such a bright sky. I walked to the sunbathing platform at the rear of the boat and adjusted the backrest of the sofa to the front. Now I had more spacious room to stretch my limbs freely. Facing the rear of the boat, I laid down on the soft and comfortable sofa platform, also putting on my sunglasses to protect my eyes from direct sunlight. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the warmth that enveloped my entire body under the sunlight. The backrest behind me provided support for my waist and back, ensuring that even in a prolonged position, my body wouldn’t feel tired.

“Come over, Jimmy!” friends sitting on the long sofa at the bow called out to me. I picked up a drink from the cup holder next to me and walked towards them. There were already seven or eight buddies on the two sofas at the bow. I took a seat in the available space, thanks to the high-density foam padding. The soft and skin-friendly feel of the sofa enticed me. Additionally, the premium vinyl fabric used for the interior offers advantages such as corrosion and mold resistance, and it is also easy to clean.

Specification

The Bennington QX27 Swingback features a Windshield and Arc design. Its driver’s cockpit is scientifically designed, with a captain’s seat featuring an integrated headrest to ensure the captain’s comfort. Additionally, the two cup holder designs located to the right of the driver’s seat are very convenient for the captain to access.

The slim windshield in front of the helm is designed to reduce glare and water surface reflections, ensuring safety while driving. Moreover, this windshield also protects passengers and drivers from weather factors such as wind, mist, and water spray.

Most importantly, this boat is equipped with a co-pilot seat, positioned on the left side of the cockpit next to the driver’s seat. The design of dual captain’s seats primarily considers the potential fatigue that may arise during long journeys. Having someone in the co-pilot seat allows for timely replacement and alternating driving, contributing to the overall safety of the boat.

The Bennington QX27 Swingback Windshield and Arc also pay attention to detail in several configurations. The Power folding cladded sport arch ensures the stability of the Bimini top. The marine-grade vinyl flooring and interior are well-suited for the boat’s wet environment. The dual-engine setup and an 83-gallon fuel tank not only ensure the boat’s speed but also improve its endurance.

Other Versions

Apart from the Bennington QX27 Swingback Windshield and Arc, the Bennington QX25 Swingback Windshield and Arch is also a highly competitive boat model.

Bennington QX25 Swingback Windshield and Arch

These two boats belong to the Bennington brand’s Swingback series and share significant similarities in their basic layout. However, there are certain differences in the details.

Firstly, in terms of boat size, the Bennington QX25 Swingback w/ Windshield and Arch has a length of around 27′ 3″. Although this is considered a relatively large boat based on the numbers, it falls slightly short compared to the QX27 series’ 28′ 3″ length.

Secondly, the QX25 has reduced the number of engines to only one. Although it doesn’t offer the speed advantage of the dual-engine design like the QX27, it provides a more cost-effective solution in terms of engine maintenance and fuel consumption.

Lastly, the performance reduction in the QX25 has led to a significant decrease in its price. The QX25 has a base price of around $173,000, which is nearly 40% lower than the QX27’s base price of $305,500. Therefore, the QX25 is more suitable for individuals with a limited budget.

Unfortunately, even the relatively affordable Bennington QX25 requires a price of at least $170,000, which may not be affordable for most people. Fortunately, at NeoBoats, we offer the Fiberglass Frontier model, which is cheaper, more affordable, and offers a similar layout and features to the QX series. If you’re interested, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

What we like about it

• Spacious design accommodating up to 18 people, providing a comfortable experience for passengers.
• Vinyl flooring and interior made from marine-grade materials that are easy to clean and resistant to mold and water.
• Large 83-gallon fuel tank ensuring long-lasting endurance for the boat.
• Co-pilot seat facilitating alternating driving with the captain during long journeys.
• Slim windshield protecting the helm from wind and rain intrusion.
• Comfortable captain’s and co-pilot’s seats with integrated headrests providing support for the head and neck.

What we don’t like about it

• The boat itself is quite expensive and may not be suitable for everyone.
• The dual-engine setup increases fuel consumption and maintenance costs.

FAQ

• What is a pontoon boat?

A pontoon boat is a type of watercraft that utilizes two or more cylindrical pontoons to support a wide, flat deck on the water’s surface. These boats are known for their spaciousness, shallow draft, and suitability for leisure activities such as fishing, recreation, and cruising.

• How many people fit on a pontoon boat?

The Bennington pontoon boat discussed here can accommodate up to 18 people at the same time, making it a relatively large-sized boat. With a length of 28′ 3″, it is well-suited for hosting medium to large parties in calm waters.

• How to dock a pontoon boat?

Pontoon boats do not have braking devices. When docking, it is necessary to reduce speed in advance and approach the dock carefully. Additionally, if the docking area has fast-moving water currents, starting the engine in the opposite direction can help counteract the water’s impact on the boat.

Bennington QX27 Swingback w/ Windshield and Arc SPECS

Standard

MODEL	27 QXSBWA X2
BOAT WEIGHT	4,702 lbs
HULL TYPE	Aluminum
LENGTH	27′
BEAM	10′
FUEL TANK SIZE	83
FUEL TYPE	Gas
CATEGORY	Pontoon
ENGINE MAKE	Yamaha
ENGINE MODEL	F300
HORSEPOWER	600
CLASS	Power

Video

Comparison Table

Boats	Deck	Maximum horsepowerLimits	Maximum capacity limit
Harris Crowne SL 270	Overall length 29′ 9″	450 HP	16 persons
Avalon Catalina Versatile Rear Bench	Overall length 23′ 6″	400HP	11 persons
Premier 270 INTRIGUE RL	Overall length 27′ 5″	900 HP	19 persons

Harris Crowne SL 270 vs Bennington QX27 Swingback

These two boats have some similarities in terms of functionality, as they are primarily used for leisure outings.

Compared to the Bennington QX27 Swingback, the Harris Crowne SL 270 has a larger size. With a length of 29′ 9″, it can accommodate a maximum of 16 people. For the latter, passengers will have more spacious activity areas without feeling crowded or cramped.

In terms of space layout, the Harris boat does not have a co-pilot seat. Instead, it features an L-shaped sofa area next to the driver’s seat. This design allows for more people to sit and enjoy the ride together in that area. However, it also presents a challenge for the captain during long drives without a designated co-pilot seat.

In conclusion, both boats are great choices for outings, and you can choose according to your preferences.

Avalon Catalina Versatile Rear Bench vs Bennington QX27 Swingback

If you prefer participating in smaller to medium-sized gatherings, then the Avalon Catalina Versatile Rear Bench would be more suitable for your needs. Compared to the Bennington QX27 Swingback, the Avalon boat is smaller in size and can accommodate up to 11 people.

Additionally, the single-engine setup of the Avalon boat is relatively more practical. While it may lack speed compared to the other boat, it has an advantage in terms of fuel consumption. Finally, Avalon has also considered some thoughtful design features. They have added a small table between the two rows of long sofas located at the bow, making it convenient for placing snacks within reach.

Of course, when it comes to the comfort and color scheme of the sofas, I prefer the configuration of the Bennington boat. The soft and skin-friendly fabric and the refreshing blue and white color combination appeal to me.

If you are not entirely satisfied with either of them, you can visit our homepage to learn more about other similar pontoon boats.

Premier 270 INTRIGUE RL vs Bennington QX27 Swingback

If you prioritize the comfort of the passengers when purchasing a pontoon boat, then the Premier 270 INTRIGUE RL may be a good choice.

In terms of space layout, the Premier 270 INTRIGUE RL features a fully encompassing U-shaped sofa area at the bow, providing convenience for accommodating more people for a party.

Additionally, there is a hidden storage space below the deck of the boat, allowing for the storage of items such as skis. There are also some differences in the configuration of the co-pilot area. Premier has reduced one co-pilot console compared to Bennington’s design, which may have a certain impact on the co-pilot’s seating experience.

Summary

If you are looking for a pontoon boat for leisure parties with your family or group, the Bennington QX27 Swingback is undoubtedly a good choice. Especially for larger groups, its spacious design and thoughtful details are intended to provide safety and maximum comfort.

Of course, if you have a limited budget, opting for the Fiberglass Frontier pontoon boat, which is similar to the Bennington QX27 Swingback but more affordable, is also a good choice. Contact us to learn more about the boat information.