Barletta vs Bennington: Which Pontoon Boat Is Better?

You’ve narrowed down your pontoon search to Barletta and Bennington – two premium brands that dominate the luxury pontoon scene. Both promise exceptional quality, but their corporate DNA, construction philosophies, and feature sets differ significantly. With Barletta’s prices running 10-15% higher than comparable models, choosing the wrong one could mean overspending by $20,000 or settling for a boat that doesn’t match your lifestyle. The Barletta vs Bennington decision comes down to understanding what matters most: innovative technology versus proven reliability, exclusive dealer support versus nationwide service networks, and all-inclusive luxury versus customization flexibility. Here’s what you need to know.

Table of Contents

• Brand Overview
• Build Quality
• Design & Aesthetics
• Comfort & Amenities
• Performance & Handling
• Models & Pricing
• Customer Support & Warranty
• Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
• FAQs – Barletta vs Bennington

Brand Overview

In the premium pontoon market, Barletta and Bennington represent two distinct approaches to excellence. Barletta Marine, founded in 2017 by former RV executive Bill Fenech, entered the scene with a mission to revolutionize the industry through customer-focused innovation. Operating from Bristol, Indiana, the company quickly earned recognition, winning the NMMA’s “Most Innovative Pontoon Boat Brand” award in 2018. Barletta later joined the Winnebago Industries family, leveraging their recreational vehicle expertise while maintaining its premium identity.

Bennington brings deeper roots, established in 1997 and now operating as the nation’s largest pontoon manufacturer. Since 2018, the company has been part of Polaris Industries, following an $805 million acquisition that placed them within a powersports giant’s portfolio. Based in Elkhart, Indiana, Bennington leverages Polaris’s resources to offer over 200 base models through approximately 500 dealers across North America.

While Barletta focuses on creating an exclusive dealer “family” with their customer-centric philosophy, Bennington capitalizes on Polaris’s vast distribution network and financial backing. Both brands share a commitment to American manufacturing and innovation, with Barletta introducing patented V.I.P. Technology and Bennington offering extensive customization options. These contrasting corporate structures and brand missions give buyers distinct choices in the luxury pontoon segment.

Build Quality

Barletta’s frame features C-channels combined with Box/I-Beam crossmembers, creating the industry’s heaviest structure. Their game-changer is the patented VIP Technology (Vibration Isolation Pads) – rubber pads between M-brackets and frame that eliminate metal-on-metal contact. Think of it like built-in shock absorbers for a whisper-quiet ride.

Bennington counters with fully-welded aluminum construction using thicker cross-channels (¼” versus standard ⅛”) and extruded M-deck brackets. This beefier approach minimizes frame twisting and delivers rock-solid performance in rough water.

Both brands trust marine-grade 7-ply pressure-treated plywood decking. Barletta uses rust-free coated screws with special bonding agents for self-sealing connections. Bennington backs their decking with a lifetime warranty, fastening rails directly through the understructure for less flex.

For pontoons, Barletta builds with 0.090 aluminum tubes featuring chambered designs, heavy-duty baffles, and reinforced nose cones. Bennington’s tubes include full-length keels for shallow water protection and improved tracking, with every weld fully sealed for maximum strength.

The result? Barletta excels at smooth, quiet rides thanks to their vibration isolation tech. Bennington delivers bomber-built durability with superior warranties. Both brands have pushed pontoon construction beyond yesterday’s standards.

Related: Catamaran vs Pontoon — Facts Buyers Should Know

Design & Aesthetics

Bennington’s 2025 lineup goes full throttle with personalization. Their M-Series offers three interior trim levels: Standard with aluminum finishes, Luxe with premium materials, and Sport featuring racing stripes. Their Crowne series lets you pick any custom color to match your personality, while the Blackout Luxe Package delivers muscle-car vibes with glossy blacks and satin finishes.

Barletta counters with sophisticated options. They’re offering Ghost White and Tempest Gray Fade on Reserve models, plus Linen with Carbon & Carmella Tan interiors on Lusso models. Their game-changer? Industry-first addressable lighting technology that won their fourth Innovation Award – RGB LEDs, where you control individual colors, brightness, and patterns.

Helm designs showcase different approaches. Barletta’s Reserve features a touchscreen controlling RGB lights, Harmen Kardon audio, and 360-degree cameras. Bennington’s 7-inch Vivid UX touchscreen switches between Running and Float modes, adapting to your needs.

The real differentiator? Barletta includes power bimini tops standard across their lineup – typically a $1,500-$2,000 option elsewhere. If cutting-edge tech appeals to you, Barletta leads. For maximum customization options, Bennington delivers.

Comfort & Amenities

Barletta’s Ultra-Lounge transforms into five different seating positions—forward-facing, aft-facing, or full lounger mode. Combined with front chaise lounges, it maximizes versatility for any situation. Bennington’s Swingback features a reversible double-wide stern lounger, plus they’ve added 8 inches of helm legroom and relocated throttle controls for 2024.

The standout difference? Noise levels. Barletta’s patented V.I.P. (Vibration Isolation Pad) Technology places rubber pads between metal components, eliminating rattles and vibrations for a whisper-quiet ride. Think built-in shock absorbers for your pontoon—you’ll hear conversations without engine noise drowning them out.

Material-wise, Barletta uses scratch-resistant vinyl with quilted accents, while Bennington’s Serene Soft Touch upholstery delivers plush comfort. Both integrate storage under seating, but Barletta adds clever touches like slide-out pet bowls and their unique Doggie DockView—see-through panels in bow and port gates that help shorter pets (and captains while docking) see out.

Seating configurations vary by model—Barletta maximizes perimeter seating, while Bennington offers everything from basic benches to Pure Comfort reclining captain’s chairs. Choose Barletta for the quietest ride and innovative pet features, or Bennington for proven comfort with modern ergonomic updates. Either way, you’re getting all-day comfort on the water.

Performance & Handling

Barletta revolutionized the game with their 2024 center-mounted twin-engine design—the industry’s first. This innovation delivers up to 900 HP with dual Mercury 400s, plus safer swimming areas with ladders on both sides. Their V.I.P. Technology acts like built-in shock absorbers, creating an incredibly smooth, quiet ride while two-stage lifting strakes help slice through waves instead of bouncing over them.

Bennington’s ESP (Elliptical Sport Package) offers sport-boat handling with patented elliptical tubes that maximize buoyancy and lower the center of gravity. In turns, ESP-equipped models lean like ski boats rather than sliding flat. Their twin-engine configurations reach up to 1,000 HP, with one test model hitting 58 mph and accelerating to 30 mph in under 7 seconds.

Engine options differ significantly. Barletta primarily partners with Mercury Marine, ranging from 90 HP to those twin 400s, including joystick steering on premium models. Bennington offers more flexibility—Mercury, Yamaha, Honda, and Suzuki options—letting buyers match their preferences or existing dealer networks.

Choose Barletta for the smoothest, quietest ride with innovative twin-engine technology. Pick Bennington for sport-boat handling characteristics, maximum engine flexibility, or the highest available horsepower. Both excel at performance—it’s about matching their philosophy to your boating style.

Related: V-Hull vs Catamaran: Which Boat is Right for You?

Models & Pricing

Barletta Line-Up

• Corsa Series ($55,000-$75,000): Entry-level aluminum rail construction with standard power tilt steering and full vinyl flooring
• Cabrio Series ($85,000-$120,000): Mid-tier models featuring fiberglass consoles, premium stereo systems, and VIP Technology
• Reserve Series ($150,000+): Flagship boats with touchscreen controls, Ghost White fade paint options, and standard power bimini tops

Bennington Line-Up

• L Series ($40,000-$60,000): Value-focused entry models with aluminum construction and essential amenities
• S Series ($70,000-$100,000): Step-up boats offering upgraded upholstery and expanded customization
• R Series ($90,000-$130,000): Performance-oriented models with ESP packages and sport styling
• QL/QX Series ($130,000-$200,000+): Premium flagships featuring Pure Comfort seating, Blackout Luxe packages, and maximum horsepower options

Here’s what matters: Barletta’s pricing runs 10-15% higher than comparable Bennington models, but they’re including features that typically cost extra, like those power biminis worth $1,500-$2,000. Meanwhile, Bennington’s broader range means you’ll find more sweet spots at various budgets, especially if you’re shopping below $100,000.

Both brands offer extensive customization through builders’ programs, potentially adding $20,000-$50,000 depending on engine choices, electronics packages, and premium upgrades.

Customer Support & Warranty

Both Barletta and Bennington offer comprehensive warranty packages—lifetime structural plus 10-year bow-to-stern coverage. The official title of the Barletta warranty is Limited-Lifetime Structural and 10-Year Bow-to-Stern Warranty. You don’t have to request or pay extra for this coverage, it’s automatically included with the boat. Bennington edges ahead with transferable warranties that boost resale value, while Bennington warranties are transferable through your local Bennington dealer, adding to the resale value of your boat.

Dealer networks reflect different philosophies. Bennington leverages Polaris’s 500-dealer footprint across North America—you’re never far from service. Bennington dealers receive 100% of the retail shop labor rate for warranty repairs. This ensures that your warranty work is a priority & completed quickly with your satisfaction in mind. Barletta selectively partners with fewer dealers, prioritizing quality: “We commit to partnering with only the best dealers in the industry.”

Customer service approaches differ, too. Barletta offers innovative programs like their Summer Season Helpline and mobile-friendly Customer Resource Center with manuals and how-to videos. They’re the only manufacturer providing white-glove pre-delivery inspections on every boat. This mobile-friendly site will house owner’s manuals for our boat, our boat’s components, FAQ’s, walk-throughs, and how-to videos.

Bennington counters with proven excellence—Bennington has earned the Customer Service Index (CSI) award for “Excellence in Customer Satisfaction,” an industry-leading 23 times. They handle warranty claims directly without third-party handoffs.

Choose Bennington for extensive dealer coverage and proven satisfaction. Pick Barletta for personalized service through selective dealers and cutting-edge support programs.

Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?

So here’s the bottom line – choosing between Barletta and Bennington comes down to your specific boating lifestyle and what matters most to you when you’re out on the water. Here’s my take on who each brand best serves:

Choose Barletta if you’re:

• A tech enthusiast who geeks out over the latest innovations
• Someone who values the quietest, smoothest ride possible
• Looking for all-inclusive luxury where premium features come standard
• A pet owner who wants built-in conveniences for your furry first mate
• Willing to pay 10-15% more for cutting-edge engineering

Go with Bennington if you’re:

• A customization junkie who wants to spec every detail
• Someone who values dealer support and service availability
• Looking for the widest selection of models and configurations
• Budget-conscious but still want quality (Bennington’s prices start at around $15,000)
• Interested in proven performance packages and resale value

Both Barletta and Bennington are industry leaders, each excelling in different areas. Remember, though – the bottom line is: if you want a pontoon that will move a lot of people quickly and last you 10+ years, you’ll need to spend A LOT of money. Neither brand builds junk, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with either choice.

At the end of the day, the best pontoon for the money isn’t necessarily the cheapest – it’s the one that matches your boating persona. Are you the type who wants to impress at the marina with the latest tech, or do you prefer the confidence of owning what everyone else is buying? Your answer to that question might just steer you toward your perfect pontoon.

FAQs – Barletta vs Bennington