LaurencetheAdventurer
Well-Known Member
Saved up for a decade: 2021 = no more leaching off my Friends! Took me almost a month to figure out the options, but here is my new Benny just ordered and on the way (ideally before lake season in June!):
BENNIGNTON 26 LXSB
Functional:
The LX model did not have a few features the RX had, but it saved me over $12K even after upgrading the engine and electronics and again, I LOVED the Swingback Plus (vs the Swingback Deluxe on the RX). I still have not been able to determine why it is 6" longer than the RX with the same sized deck and pontoons, I chalked it up to an error in the online specs (as confirmed by the detailed floor plan CAD drawings, the RX25 and LX26 models are the same deck and toon size). Important to note that the LX model had the wider seats (like the RX) just no armrest, that was not an easy detail to find. The biggest unknown is the performance of the ESP vs SPS - looked everywhere and could not find a side by side comparison. So, sprung for the additional upgrade. Figured First and Last boat - Just Do It!
Now I really can't wait for SUMMER! Thank you Benny Members for your posts and advice! Looking forward to some amazing family memories.
Happy Boating! Larry
PS - feel free to suggest anything I might have missed - I thought about the kitchen sink, but then I would have to do dishes.
BENNIGNTON 26 LXSB
Functional:
- 350 HP Mercury Verado (everyone said you can't have too much, and a V6 - apparently quiet vs V8's).
- Elliptical Sport Package .125 – ESP (we beach our boats a lot and with a big family, need lots of float).
- Mercury Digital Go7 Simrad Display (engine diagnostics was the primary reason, otherwise I tend to be an analog guy).
- Center Tube Fuel Tank (52 gallons - hate stopping for gas).
- Dual Battery System (love backup systems).
- Master Power Switch (keep it easy).
- Wavetamer to Bow 3 Tube Upgrade (Sound interesting)
- Heavy Duty Rub Rail (Well, I am a new at this)
- Pop Up Cleats (I like my toes)
- Dock Lights in LED Stainless Housing (always dropping ice chests)
- Ski Pylon 54" Aluminum (they say I can tow towables). I wanted a tower, but they did not accommodate use while Wakeboarding? Already designing modified Wakeboard holders to attach to side of boat that will swing out of the way when not in use.
- Smooth Panels: Midnight with Monaco Blue Accent
- Double Bimini Monaco Blue Canvas with cable stays
- RGB Side Illumination & Controller (could not resist, and we like night swims).
- Seating: Silver Simtex with Pillowtop Diamond Stich Upgrade and Metallic Carbon Accents (Consensus = artic white hard to keep clean)
- Helm & Co-Captain Seats with V2 Pure Recliner with Bolster Upgrade (Trying to get the CoCaptain Seat relocated further forward - please!!!). Wife and I like to take our own trips sans all the kids, and great to have a co-captain.
- Swingback Plus with Stainless Keeper Rail (We selected the LX model for this SB Plus with an extra long flat space to nap - LOL).
- Bow Gate Seat (hoping to get to fit behind 2nd Captain Chair next to Swingback when not needed upfront)
- 2 Cupholders (or Phone holders as my kids use them).
- Helm/Stereo Rockford PMX 2 (Less power drain and apparently plenty of volume, no loss of storage)
- Woven Vinyl Sliver Flooring (liked the SeaGrass but concerned about coolers and equipment / coolers tearing it up)
- In-Floor Storage (must have - need to store most of our stuff in the boat).
The LX model did not have a few features the RX had, but it saved me over $12K even after upgrading the engine and electronics and again, I LOVED the Swingback Plus (vs the Swingback Deluxe on the RX). I still have not been able to determine why it is 6" longer than the RX with the same sized deck and pontoons, I chalked it up to an error in the online specs (as confirmed by the detailed floor plan CAD drawings, the RX25 and LX26 models are the same deck and toon size). Important to note that the LX model had the wider seats (like the RX) just no armrest, that was not an easy detail to find. The biggest unknown is the performance of the ESP vs SPS - looked everywhere and could not find a side by side comparison. So, sprung for the additional upgrade. Figured First and Last boat - Just Do It!
Now I really can't wait for SUMMER! Thank you Benny Members for your posts and advice! Looking forward to some amazing family memories.
Happy Boating! Larry
PS - feel free to suggest anything I might have missed - I thought about the kitchen sink, but then I would have to do dishes.