Rear ladders on "14" Benningtons

[dodger]

We are just about ready to put in an order for a new Bennington but, why did they go to the different rear ladders this year? They are like what they put on runabouts with swim platforms, they slide out from under the deck and extend out and down into the water. The steps are very narrow and uncomfortable to say the least. To say nothing about having to get on your knees on the hard rear deck, not good for old knees to say the least, to either unlatch it or to pick it up, pull it in to collapse it, then fasten it.

Is it possible to still get the previous model one from the company? Anyone? The dealers say no and frankly, it could be a deal breaker. They had great ladders yet last year that they put on extended rear decks. Did they have trouble with them? If someone has one and needs it replaced or parts they would have to get them to them. So, why can't we get one on an order?

I think it is a shame that if we do go with the Bennington that we would have to put after market rear steps on it.

Love the Benningtons, it is our dream boat and probably the last one we will buy at our age, so wanted THE boat.

Hope there is someone that can help on this forum to at least give us an answer other than, not available.

Thanks.

[Bamaman]

My Bennington has the extended aft deck. It does have the fold out 3 step stainless steel ladder, but I have not noticed any problem getting out of the water. The hardest part about the folding ladder is getting the rubber strap unclasped so I can pull it out.

The 2013 literature says the extended aft deck has a new optional 4 step rear ladder ($229 MSRP), and it should be well worth the price.

By all means, get the extended rear end. It makes the boat seem so much longer, it's very easy to walk around the engine and getting on and off the boat is so much easier.

And you will be very satisfied that you went with the Bennington. They are one of two pontoon/tritoon brands that are up substantially in sales in a rather flat marine retail market. And Bennington is now the largest purchaser of Yamaha engines in the world. That says something about the direction of the company.

[Jack65K]

I too have the pull out stainless ladder on my Bennington and have had no problems with entry or exit and my knees are also old (66 years old). With the raised hand rails on the swim platform I cna step in and out while holding the rails so I really do not get on my knees like I did on my runabout with no hand rails. If you plan to do any beaching in shallow water, you can sill use the telescoping ladder and the other "step" ladder may not be as usable in that situation.
Jack

[tms0425]

Another new option for '14 that, if I'd known I'd get it for sure, is that they allow the front deck to be extended on the bow over the tips of the pontoons. It adds maybe 1' of walk space where on mine it is just not useable.

[ToonGuy]

While I have no experience with the Benningtons, I think every one is so anxious to convey their good experiences that the original question got missed.

If I'm reading this correctly, the 2014 model in question has a ladder similar to this:

[ToonGuy]

If this is correct, it doesn't have the standard candy cane hand rails that most boats offer, like this:

[ToonGuy]

Again, if this assumption is correct, it does indeed make it very difficult to clime aboard. While I can't answer the OPs question of weather or not the "old" ladder is still avialble, I can offer a tip. If it is not, ask if you can order the boat with out the factory ladder, and have your dealer install the aftermarket ladder of your choice at no charge. There are some very nice aftermarket ladders entering the market place and that may be your best compromise.

[Bamaman]

Again, if this assumption is correct, it does indeed make it very difficult to clime aboard. While I can't answer the OPs question of weather or not the "old" ladder is still avialble, I can offer a tip. If it is not, ask if you can order the boat with out the factory ladder, and have your dealer install the aftermarket ladder of your choice at no charge. There are some very nice aftermarket ladders entering the market place and that may be your best compromise.

I agree with this. There are some very heavy duty 4 step ladders that have steps on an angle--not straight up. They're much easier to climb from when in deep water.

See model 65F at http://www.bearcatcorp.com/marine/swim.php for an example of what I'm talking about.

[curtiscapk]

this looks good as well.

http://www.everythingpontoon.com/pontoo ... r-811.html

[Rascal]

I really like Bennington pontoons. I would have bought one if the one and only dealer in Ft Myers FL was not so high in price. I mean... if he had a hunch back you would have thought it was his ass. Everything else was so high at his store.
I ended up buying a Premier it was cheaper in my market, had plusher seats, and generally as high or higher quality.

But, I really like the Bennington's twin elliptical tubes better than the Premiers standard twin tubes. I just thought the "S' model seats were cheap looking compared to Premiers unless it was a "G" series and above on a Bennington and they're way more money than a Premier.

The stainless 3 step under deck ladder sucks. I had a four step on my last boat. It was hard to use, it would swing back and forth under the boat. If the price is right. I would buy the Bennington and replace the swinging ladder with a after market old style ladder as a prior poster suggested. (Good thinking). Enjoy your new Benny

What the hell was Bennington thinking when they replaced a perfectly good ladder with this junk. It must be cheaper? As if they don't already make enough on their boats?

Rascal

[Jack65K]

My 2012 QCW does still have the "candy cane" grab handles attached to the top part of the swim platform and has the telescoping ladder that pulls out under the grab handles so no problem getting up or down the ladder.

[dodger]

I really want to thank everyone that replied, it has been a good discussion that is for sure!!!

We have had the boat for 3 weeks and the jury is still out on the rear ladder as, we havn't been in the water as it is just warming up here in the north. If the ladder is not to my liking, there are a lot of really great ones that you have recommended here. We did keep the side mount ladder from the other boat and had that installed, so, that might be my go to ladder.

We are happy with the boat even at the entry level. We did order a few upgrades. For us, the entry level would work with the lift we have, the next level up was too heavy. I have no problem with the rotocast bases and with little ones,grand kids, I don't have to worry if they scratch or bang into the bases. We also got the vinyl flooring for the same reason. Sand will not be a problem or, spilled juices!!!

Thanks again to everyone for there input!!

[curtiscapk]

try this one it is awesome!

http://www.pontoonstuff.com/collections ... oon-ladder

and we get 10% off.