Next Step in the Pontoon Revolution
Bennington Pontoons revamps its offerings for the 2025 model year.
Pontoon boats have been one of the marine industry’s most popular selling segments for years, evolving into today’s versatile models that offer advanced technological features, incredible performance and low maintenance.
Leading the pack, Bennington Marine in Elkhart, Indiana, has been building high-quality pontoon boats since the company’s founding in 1997. With options in 2025 that range from entry-level models to high-performance, luxury offerings, Bennington has taken the pontoon boat far from its origin.
“We’re really excited to have new technology throughout our product line,” says Mike Shedivy, Bennington’s general manager.
A new species
One of Bennington’s biggest announcements for the 2025 model year was the launch of its new M series models. Perched between the smaller, entry-level S Series and Bennington’s ultra high-end, high-performance Q Series, the new M Series models offer the perfect middle ground.
“The M series brings Bennington DNA to life in our mid-range,” says Larry Teeling, Bennington’s vice president of marketing and marine strategy.
Built with the same focus on quality and design, the new M Series models offer an impressive list of standard features along with many more upgrade options than the S Series.
The new M Series features Bennington’s Dockspeed DNA — a combination of design and engineering elements that make its models look sleek and sexy while also increasing function and form.
M Series models feature a tapered bow to improve docking, an extended aft deck that provides lots of additional space and a heavy-duty rubrail to help protect the boat. Exceptional keel designs and heavy-duty splash fins help keep passengers dry while providing great performance on straight runs or while cornering.
Other features include 6-inch stainless steel cleats, a quick-release Bimini top, and Veneto base vinyl to provide passengers and crew with a soft, durable upholstery package.
A huge selection of floorplans and seating options are available on all of Bennington’s models, and the new M Series is no different. With so many choices available, each boat can be configured to match any owner’s wants and needs.
The dash leaps ahead
For the 2025 model year, most models are available with newly designed digital dashboards and Bennington’s new proprietary Vivid UX software system. The new system provides easy, single-layer access to a host of engine and performance data, vessel controls and more.
“Our customers are now expecting digital tech in their dash,” says Teeling. “They are expecting things to be intuitive for their use, and we’ve delivered it.”
Available in a 7- or 12-inch display, the new system displays information in two modes. While running, the touchscreen shows boat-specific info including engine RPM, speed, engine oil info and trim, along with other functions like audio controls. When the boat is stopped, the screen gives one-touch access to digital switching for vessel controls, audio, lighting, power tops and arches, and much more.
“This is a pontoon solution,” says Teeling. “This is designed for pontoons so you’re not going to get lost in it.”
Bennington also offers options for additional electronics packages from Garmin and Simrad.
Credit Chuck Warren
Advancements throughout
The new digital dash technology isn’t the only major advancement for 2025. Bennington also focused on new helm designs, with big improvements in appearance, ergonomics and functionality.
A new carbon fiber arch is available in some configurations, which includes an integrated Bimini top. Weighing about 30 pounds and assisted by gas actuators, the new arch is easy to raise or lower.
Bennington’s new helms have a lower profile for better visibility at the wheel and include features and options like tempered glass windscreens, improved placement of joysticks and controls, wireless phone charging pads, and lots of storage locations that include a lockable glovebox and easily accessible space for a 40-quart cooler.
One of the nicest features of the wireless charge pads is that they are designed to keep the phone protected and out of the sun.
Bennington has partnered with Rockford Fosgate for its audio solutions, which can also be controlled from the Vivid UX digital display.
However, the helm can include an additional audio head unit so simple changes like volume adjustments or skip/play/pause actions are a touch away, no matter what screen is active on the dash.
“This is really just the beginning with them,” says Teeling. “The capabilities are endless, and we’re really excited to see what this is going to look like.”
New Bennington models also include USB-A and USB-C charging ports throughout the boat.
Simple but powerful changes
Anyone who has had to climb out of the water with bare feet on two tiny rungs will appreciate Bennington’s decision to include Lilipad boarding ladders. With wide steps, deep-water access, and easy deployment and recovery, Lilipad ladders are the perfect match for any size pontoon boat.
Although it’s a simple feature, one of the best improvements Bennington has made to its lineup is the installation of a true anchor locker on the bow. Instead of wrestling an anchor and line from under a seat or out of a cooler, dedicated deck-mounted space is provided where it’s most useful and convenient. Anchor lockers are now standard on many models and available on all.
Through its 2025 product line, Bennington has made improvements to nearly every model, with a wide variety of upgrades to comfort and style, technology and functions, and convenience or ease of use.
Step aboard one of Bennington’s 2025 models to see how the company easily maintains its position at the top of the industry food chain.
Credit Chuck Warren
The post Next Step in the Pontoon Revolution appeared first on Lakeland Boating.
Source: https://lakelandboating.com/next-step-in-the-pontoon-revolution/
