Bennington 2572 QXCW Review

Since it debuted on the market in 1997, Bennington Marine has earned a well-earned reputation for building high-quality pontoon boats with luxurious appointments. Perhaps no models in the lineup better exemplify this design approach than the company’s forward-looking Bennington 2572 QXCW. The “W” in its model designation stands for “windshield” and, in this case, the plastic bubble over the helm console is replaced by a full-width walk-through type for maximum occupant protection.

The tinted, walk-through windscreen works pretty well at deflecting the airflow up and over the heads of passengers in spite of its streamlined appearance. You’ll still feel the breeze in your hair, but you won’t have to shout to be heard, and in that sense the windshield does a fine job of contributing to making the overall ride that much more enjoyable.

With its racy styling and full windshield, Bennington’s 2572 QXCW is one of the most distinctive looking pontoons on the water.

The innovative Bennington 2572 QXCW follows a proven layout with twin wrap-around lounge seats in the bow, luxurious high-back Captains chairs amidships for the driver and co-pilot, and twin, rear-facing lounge seats in the stern. Up front, the beautifully upholstered bow offers super-comfortable, forward-facing twin loungers with pull-down arm rests. The wrap-around seat backs follow the fencing all the way to the bow entry gate, allowing them to be used as rear-facing loungers as well. With the boat’s generous eight feet, six inches of beam, the bow can further provide living room-style seating for six or more, making it a prime spot for sharing a cool drink on evening cruises. An available filler cushion placed in front of the entry gate provides still more seating room.

There is substantial storage space in each of the seat bases, making it easy to stow items like PFDs and other bulky gear. An in-floor storage compartment in the center pontoon accommodates yet even more gear, including large items like water skis and wakeboards.

There’s plenty of storage space beneath the wrap-around bow lounge seats, which feature fold-down arm rests for forward-facing passengers.

Step through the bow entry gate and you’ll note the front deck offers more space than one might expect. Stereo speakers neatly integrated into the front fencing keep the music coming when you stop for a swim, while LED lights neatly integrated into the beautifully sculpted, fiberglass fencing facilitate twilight returns to the dock. Pop-up cleats retract when not in use to protect against stubbed toes and provide a smoother overall look. The addition of a second retractable boarding ladder here, complementing the one on the rear swim platform, would have been a nice touch as the bow deck sits high enough above the water to make re-boarding difficult otherwise.

The bow swim platform is large and spacious, but sits high enough above the water it could benefit from a retractable boarding ladder.

The stern of the Bennington 2572 QXCW is perhaps even more luxuriously arranged than the bow, with twin rear-facing lounge seats. The rear lounge seats feature a neat stainless steel railing in place of the traditional wrap-around seat backs. This arrangement provides a clear and unobstructed view aft, but prevents these seats from being used in anything other than a rear-facing orientation. It’s a trade-off that will appeal to some buyers, and not others. The port side rear lounge seat lifts to reveal a spacious privacy enclosure that’s the ideal place to change out of wet swimwear.

The rear swim platform is spacious, and does offer a retractable, wide treat boarding ladder and stainless steel grab handles for easier reboarding after a dip. Marideck vinyl flooring in the aft section of the boat is a sensible choice where wet swimmers will congregate. Elsewhere, Bennington’s high performance marine carpet provides comfort and a sure grip underfoot.

The attractive helm console provides a luxurious feel with its custom Corvina steering wheel.

At the helm, both the driver and co-pilot enjoy Bennington’s restyled Pure Comfort reclining Captains Chairs on height-adjustable pedestals. Each features fold-down arm rests for comfort and flip-up bolsters for enhanced visibility when navigating confined spaces.

The helm console itself is neatly styled, with its one-piece fiberglass body including an integrated foot rest panel. The custom Sterling Gauge Package provides fuel, trim, volt, tach/hour meter and speedometer, with a GPS antenna-driven compass heading. To the right side of the dash, there’s space for aftermarket electronics, while below, illuminated rocker switches handle the electrical accessories. The boat’s high-end sports car feel is further augmented with the beautiful stainless steel Corvina steering wheel. Storage in the console base is accessed through a large entry door with stainless steel hinges and latch.

A solid surface top, sink and faucet in the passenger console make this a natural spot to prepare snacks.

The passenger console houses the stereo control head, while its solid surface top, sink and faucet make it a handy spot to fix lunch. Stainless steel cup holders, and stainless steel and wood grain accents throughout, give the boat an elegant, upscale appearance.

Overhead, a quick-release 10-foot Bimini top with embroidered storage boot provides an escape from the mid-day sun.

With a variety of tube options and the ability to handle outboard engines of up to 400 horsepower, the Bennington 2572 QXCW has legitimate performance credentials. Those looking for a well-made pontoon with luxurious amenities and a bit of zip underway will find this boat has what they need.

Bennington 2572 QXCW Specs

• LOA:    27’ 1”
• Beam:    8′ 6″
• Dry weight: 4,154 lbs.
• Fuel capacity: 23 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 15
• Maximum horsepower: 400 hp