Tested By Capt. Bob Smith

Bennington says this model is one of its best selling pontoon models. No wonder, since it can handle a small family or a small family reunion of about 14 people! The RL Series are the latest in Bennington’s contemporary styling with wrap-around bow loungers, radius bow deck and snazzy graphics.

Our test boat had the all new Sahara Series Colorado Green colors with Boca carpet. The wrap-around bow seating has a center front gate on our test boat. Bench seats are plush and comfortable. Molded seat bottoms provide significant space for storage below. One side has a lounger back with stand up storage while the other has a removable trash bin in it. The cup holders for the bow seating is removable, they simply slip into the break between the back and seat bottoms and are firmly in place until you want them stored away. Seating at the back has an L-shaped bench with a kidney shaped table that can be set up with three cup holders.

The helm pod has nice accents giving a modern and tasteful touch. The tilt steering includes a deluxe steering wheel. The windshield is the quick release type. The captain’s chair is roomy and comfortable with a cup holder to the right and left side. A Sony CD player will keep the tunes playing while you entertain your friends. Our test boat had the upgrade JBL package. The bimini has a slick quick action connection making it much easier for a couple to quickly set up or strike the bimini when needed.

Our test boat had a large sun pad across the back of the stern bench. The center of the pad lifts up and becomes a roomy changing lounge for the more timid among us. As a six foot big guy, I can tell you I was not crammed into this unit, so it really is functional. The 26-gallon fuel tank resides in a box to the port side in the stern while the engine well is in the center. Both are covered by the back part of the stern sun pad. Access onto the pontoon is from one of three gates. If you want to get a wheel chair through the gates, you need to ask for a version with the extra wide doors. You lose some bench space, but otherwise you have the same carefully crafted pontoon. A flip over ladder makes getting into the boat from the water simple.

We did not test this one yet, so we will have to get back to you on the numbers, but we did take some video for you to look at. This model can handle engines up to 115-hp and is rigged for Mercury, Yamaha, Johnson, Evinrude or Honda engines. If you are into more power for your pontoon, then you can go with three 25” logs and bump up the power to a maximum 175-hp.

This pontoon measures in at 21’11” deck length and 22’0” pontoon length. The deck width is 8’6” and she is capable of carrying 26 gallons of fuel standard or 35 gallons in the performance package. Weight on this model is 1890 pounds with standard pontoons.

I did get the chance to take this one out into the bay. And while we had mild chop and a growing breeze with two aboard, she still ran strong. We were running a four-stroke outboard that made for very little noise, and this 2275 was easy to maneuver and took some quick turns well. If you are looking for a family pontoon that is both stylish and functional, the Bennington 2275 RL meets that goal. She handles smoothly and delivers a stable, safe ride.