I'm in the process of ordering a 2026 25RX Sport and the dealer tells me Bennington is starting to phase out Simtex across their lineup in favor of a more traditional vinyl. I supposedly can still get Simtex if I want it but eventually the Simtex material will runout. I asked if it will be the same as the 2025 M series veneto soft touch vinyl and they said it will probably be a little better on the R and Q series compared to the M series. I saw an early 2026 RT bowrider and it had a combination of simtex in the accent areas (cross-stitched seat back areas and the side faces of the bench seats that would be up against your calves) with very smooth (no texture at all) vinyl in other areas. On the Bennington website for the new 2026 QX it describes "veneto premium soft touch vinyl furniture". I'm wondering if this is a cost cutting move or more in response to complaints of cleanability of simtex and also while being an improvement in technology over the old traditional vinyl.
I am undecided what upholstery material to order. I was satisfied with the eight years on my 2018 23R with simtex even though it was more difficult to clean as many have commented. I liked the abrasion/wear resistance. We have two big dogs in the extended family and their toenails can be quite rough on the seats especially when we pass other aggressive dogs on the river and they start barking and digging in their toenails (yes, we do try to mitigate with towels and keep them off the seats but not always successful). We've only got a couple very very minor scratch marks on the simtex that are barely noticeable, certainly no tears. I'm a bit nervous the new soft touch vinyl won't be as abrasion/wear/tear resistant as the simtex. Comments?
I am undecided what upholstery material to order. I was satisfied with the eight years on my 2018 23R with simtex even though it was more difficult to clean as many have commented. I liked the abrasion/wear resistance. We have two big dogs in the extended family and their toenails can be quite rough on the seats especially when we pass other aggressive dogs on the river and they start barking and digging in their toenails (yes, we do try to mitigate with towels and keep them off the seats but not always successful). We've only got a couple very very minor scratch marks on the simtex that are barely noticeable, certainly no tears. I'm a bit nervous the new soft touch vinyl won't be as abrasion/wear/tear resistant as the simtex. Comments?