BENNINGTON 2875 RCW

It isn’t often you see a pontoon boat that reminds you of an Italian sportboat, but the new Bennington 2875 RCW will do just that with its pair of rearward-facing stern lounges. What makes these different than other sun lounger seats is that they have side bolsters that allow you to ride back there while the boat is running, although we would recommend that it be confined to adults only at slower speeds for safety. Introduced last year on the 2575, these “super lounges” feature a centerline walk-through atop the I/O engine compartment hatch that rises electronically with the push of a button.

At 28-plus feet, this is the largest Bennington ever built and our test model features the optional elliptical Sport Package, which give you a larger center tube for 28 percent more buoyancy. This configuration changes the handling dynamic and makes the 2875 lean inward like a monohull when carving a tight turn, which it does very nicely. It also helps rough-water performance by riding higher, which contributes to its excellent performance.

Powered by the 300 hp MerCruiser 350 MAG MPI inboard/outboard, we got on plane in 3.6 seconds and reached 30 mph in 7.9 seconds, which for a near 30-footer is moving right along. Top speed is about 41 mph and it tracks well at top speed. Its happiest cruise speed seems to be at 3500 rpm, which is where the MerCruiser runs effortlessly and quietly (84 dBa), pushing the 2875 at 27 mph while burning 11 gallons per hour less than at wideopen throttle.

Like other Benningtons, the interior is comfortable with overstuffed lounge seating that has loads of storage underneath. There’s a massive 12-foot Bimini top that has LED lights, along with quick-release fittings and an embroidered boot for a neat look when stowed. For rinsing off after a ski run, there’s a standard pressurized freshwater system with a stern shower.