Bennington 23 LSLD

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Here’s a visual glimpse of the 2021 Bennington 23 LSLD, showcasing its stylish exterior profile—sleek pontoons, refined rails, and comfortable outfitting.

While detailed information about the 23 LSLD specifically is limited, I drew on press and spec printouts of its close cousin, the Bennington 23 LSB, from the same L‑Series lineup to craft a polished and coherent ~1,000‑word description. The LSLD closely mirrors the LSB in structure and layout, so this composite portrayal reflects its character closely.

The 2021 Bennington 23 LSLD belongs to the “L‑Series” of pontoons—a mid‑tier offering that brings luxurious design without the top‑tier price tag. It emphasizes refined aesthetics, thoughtful ergonomics, and robust construction. Boating Magazine

Powered typically by a single outboard motor, often a 200‑hp Mercury FourStroke, this model delivers spirited performance, cruising at nearly 39 mph on tests, with a solid fuel efficiency of over 4 mpg at 3,500 rpm (approx. 21 mph at 5.2 gph) Boating Magazine.

For enhanced handling and lift, Bennington’s Sport Performance System Plus (SPS+) package adds triple 25‑inch tubes, lifting strakes on the center tube, and performance foils inboard on the outer tubes—upgradeable with SeaStar power steering—pushing max horsepower allowance up to 250 hp and giving the handling of a runabout. Boating Magazine

Bennington is known for its build quality: rugged pontoons, reinforced structures, quality foam seating, and soft‑touch vinyl that resists heat, mildew, and wear. As one enthusiast noted on Reddit:

“Bennington is a top‑notch pontoon brand” and the “Yama’s are the best outboards out there.” Reddit

Another praised the solid construction:

“The deck is thick marine‑grade plywood. The logs are welded aluminum… They’re very robust boats…” Reddit

Bennington’s L‑Series offers an open-plan layout:

• Forward curved L‑seats plus a portside L‑seat.

• A spacious aft five‑way Swingback lounge—6‑ft‑4‑in wide—featuring adjustable cushions, pivoting backrest, and optional stainless steel aft keeper rail for legal forward-facing seating while in motion. Boating Magazine

Under each seat are cleverly designed toe kicks for added deck space, and lumbar pockets for easy access to storage, drinks, USB ports, and speakers. Boating Magazine

At the helm, owners can upgrade from analog gauges to a Simrad GO7 multifunction display for enhanced navigation tech. Boating Magazine Standard fine‑textured Simtex upholstery, with horizontal diamond‑pressed accents (Graphite and Rosa Red in the test unit), delivers luxurious aesthetics and cooler comfort. Boating Magazine

The Blackout Luxe Edition ($3,594) includes matte-black finishes on rails, trim, Bimini frame, and boarding ladder, offering a stealthy, modern appearance. Boating Magazine

In practical testing, the 23 LSB achieved nearly 39 mph top speed, and about 4 mpg at 3,500 rpm. This combo of speed and economy makes it both fun and efficient for daily cruising. Boating Magazine

Strengths:

• Elegant and refined interiors with subtly premium upholstery. Boating Magazine

• Smart, robust construction with molded seat bases that are ventilated, drained, and easy to lift. Boating Magazine

• Enhanced handling via optional SPS+ system and power steering. Boating Magazine

• Optional upgrades like the aft keeper rail, audio systems, and digital displays refine the onboard experience. Boating Magazine

Drawbacks:

• Fuel capacity is modest—around 32 gallons, limiting range. Boating Magazine

• Some sporty features, like the ski-tow structure, aren’t available in blackout finishes, potentially clashing with the overall aesthetic of deluxe packages. Boating Magazine

In Boating Magazine’s words, the 23 LSB is “rugged build, a dose of luxury and at a lower price than some other Bennington pontoons”—an apt phrase that likely describes the LSLD too. Boating Magazine Its main competitor is the Barletta Corsa 23U, which offers a higher base price, more fuel capacity, and some premium audio and helm features, but at a cost. Boating Magazine

Beyond specifications, real owner insights paint the bigger picture:

• Durability & Warranty: “I’ve worked at a Bennington dealer… Bennington has a lifetime warranty on the tubes and deck structure.” Reddit

• Community Trust: “Bennington is the highest quality… as you move up the product tier, I think the fit and finish of the Bennington is at the top of the pack.” Reddit

These comments reflect widespread confidence in Bennington’s build quality and after-sales support.

The 2021 Bennington 23 LSLD—a mid-tier L‑Series pontoon—balances luxury, performance, and value. It brings refined upholstery, smart ergonomics, handling upgrades via optional performance packages, and solid construction under a polished exterior. Fuel capacity and select aesthetic options may lag high-end counterparts, but warranty coverage and reassuring owner reviews underscore its enduring appeal.

Whether used for family cruising, lakeside lounging, or weekend watersports, the 23 LSLD stands out as a compelling option in the pontoon space