2023 Bennington 26 LX Sport Swingback
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Bennington’s new LX Sport Swingback proves heavily influenced by its popular RX Sport. Smooth-panel aluminum dominates the exterior fencing and is affixed outside of the rails for a sleek, modern look. Paneling moves to the inside of the fence for a contrasting accent stripe that starts high at the bow before swooping to the deck amidships. High-intensity LED docking and navigation lights are integrated into the design at the bow. Aft, fencing terminates at the stern, and a gleaming stainless-steel keeper rail finishes things off. Add a deeply tinted frameless windscreen at the helm, a swept-forward sport arch and the optional Blackout package, and the end result is a bold, masculine look—or a boat much like the RX Sport at a more affordable price point.
Step aboard and the interior continues the impression. Bennington’s trademark winged logo is featured prominently on the bow gate and seatbacks. Dual couches await at the bow. Captain’s and passenger seats are the plush, high-back variety, with flip-down armrests and flip-up bolsters. The aft Swingback Plus lounge offers four total positions. Use the flip-over backrest to create forward- or rear-facing lounges, a completely flat 74-by-36-inch sun bed, or variations when you add in two independent footrests. As to the helm, it’s classic Bennington, with standard brushed aluminum gauges, chrome rocker switches and an upgraded Corvina tilt steering wheel. Option up to a 7-inch touchscreen display from Garmin or Simrad.
Aggressive manners match the LX Sport’s aggressive looks. Belowdecks, our tester had Bennington’s ESP Elliptical Sport Package, a unique pairing of round 25-inch outer tubes with an elliptically shaped 32-inch center pontoon, all outfitted with performance foils. Cut into an aggressive turn and the boat displays the inside lean of a fiberglass sportboat. Punch the throttle and the craft quickly comes onto plane. Paired with a Mercury 300 Verado, our test boat did the latter in 3.5 seconds before reaching the 30 mph mark in just 3 seconds more. Speed peaked at 44 mph.
High Points
- Rockford Fosgate audio system with six speakers and 10-inch subwoofer.
- Full-size audio heads at both the helm and Swingback.
- Blackout Luxe package adds a trendy matte finish to the metalwork.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury 300 Verado
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.7″ x 16″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 19 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $129,347 (with Mercury 300 4S/ESP Package) |
| LOA: | 27’9″ |
| Draft (max): | 2’7″ |
| Dry Weight: | 3,387 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 13/4,316 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 45 gal. |
More Information
Bennington Marine – Elkhart, Indiana; 574-264-6336; benningtonmarine.com
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Source: https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2023-bennington-26-lx-sport-swingback-pbbg/
