Bennington M-Series: A Better Pontoon

Bennington Marine elevates the mid-range pontoon market with the new M Series.

By Gregg Mansfield

Whether it’s introducing the V-toon hull design or offering customizable interiors, Bennington Marine has always been one step ahead in the pontoon market.

The Elkhart, Ind., company’s latest move is the launch of the new M-Series that slots between their entry-level and luxury series. Available at 22, 24 or 26 feet, the M-Series offers a higher level of fit and finish without having to pay luxury pontoon prices.

“There’s still a lot of demand, especially for new and exciting products,” said Larry Teeling, vice president of marketing for Bennington Marine. “The M Series offers meaningful innovations with the design and engineering behind Bennington pontoons.”

The M Series offers a new helm with a lower profile for improved visibility and better placement of the controls. The digital dash uses Bennington’s new proprietary Vivid UX software that brings together engine and performance data, as well as control of the stereo system and underwater lights. The display is available with a 7- or 12-inch touchscreen.

“When we developed the Vivid UX we were thinking first about the pontoon boater and not taking existing tech and applying it to pontoons,” Teeling said. “Consumers are demanding more of these boats and they don’t want to compromise, especially at the helm.”

To keep things simple, the display offers the basics including speed, rpm, oil temperature and access to the audio controls when the boat is underway. When the boat is stopped, the driver can get access to other features including lighting and an optional power top. 

New M-Series Features

Bennington based the M Series on its V-toon hull design, which delivers stability and performance, while keeping passengers dry thanks to a unique keel design and heavy-duty splash fins. The bow is tapered to improve ease of docking.

Bennington extended the aft deck by 2 feet for additional cockpit space. A Lilipad ladder on the starboard transom provides easy access in and out of the water.

Like all Bennington pontoons, the M Series offers a variety of floorplans and seating options such as four chaise benches or a convertible flip-back stern lounge. Small design touches such as cutouts in the lumbar provide extra comfort while providing a custom look.

The M Series has a true anchor locker in the bow, so owners don’t have to rummage under a seat to drop the anchor and line. Bennington includes abundant stowage under the seats, as well as pocket storage at the helm and side of chaises for valuables such as cellphones.

Abundant Options

While the M Series comes loaded with standard features, Bennington offers buyers several upgrades including an elevated helm and a carbon-fiber arch. The arch, assisted by gas actuators, has an integrated Bimini top to provide shade on warm days.

The pontoon comes standard with aluminum finishes and the Luxe package has a bronze steering wheel and badging along with integrated docking lights. For buyers looking for something sportier, the Sport has a black steering wheel and badging, while the interior has a racing stripe design. The M Series features upgraded upholstery over the entry-level S Series.

Rockford Fosgate Partnership

Bennington announced over the holidays that all 2025 models, including the M Series, now come standard with Rockford Fosgate Audio. For anyone who appreciates good music on a boat, it’s partnership that rocks.

The sound system is designed to each boat layout, and the partnership with Rockford Fosgate is already paying dividends. Rockford Fosgate is offering an aftermarket subwoofer box that can be installed in multiple locations by the dealer.

“It’s just a really cool partnership, and we’re going to see even more of those types of things going forward between Bennington and Rockford,” Teeling said.

M Series Appeal

Teeling says the M Series will appeal to established pontoon owners looking to upgrade their current pontoon.

“The boats that have higher price points in general, and in our case, are longer, wider and they have more horsepower,” Teeling said. “They have larger deck space and much more refined fit and finish.”

Buyers can opt for outboards from either Yamaha or Mercury. The 22-foot pontoon is rated for a single up to 200 horsepower, while the 24-footer can handle up to 350 hp. The 26’ pontoon is good for up to 500 horsepower.

“It definitely has a sporty or fasting look, faster looking design, even just with the standard offering,” he said.\

Appeal to all Markets

While the pontoon market differs greatly from the lakes of Minnesota to the Florida intracoastal waterways, Bennington offers a broad range of pontoons.

The S line is Bennington’s entry into boating, offering pontoons from 20 to 25 feet. The pontoons come with the basics and Bennington offers a multitude of upgrades including a step ladder, stereo system and touchscreens that come standard in higher-end models.

The R Series, a luxury pontoon, slots just under the Q Series with models available from 23 to 30 feet.

The top-of-the-line Q Series is available from 25 to 30 feet. The 27’ and 30’ pontoons are offered with twin outboards up to 1,000 horsepower. The Q line comes loaded with standard features including four chaise benches, fastback aft and rails, a power folding sport arch and a premium Rockford Fosgate stereo with lighted speakers.

“It has a more refined finish when it comes to the upholstery, the stitching and the helm,” Teeling said.

Bennington backs its pontoons with a transferable 10-year bow-to-stern warranty that includes the structure, pontoons and gates as well as any factory-installed electronics.

The new M Series is the next evolution of the pontoon market and it’s no surprise Bennington Marine is setting the course.