Technical Review of Bennington Fishing Pontoons | Livewell Plumbing and Aeration Systems That Keep Bait Alive
You’re drifting over a submerged brush pile, the fish finder lights up with arches, and you reach for the livewell switch—but nothing happens. Now what?
Here’s the thing about fishing from a Bennington pontoon boat. You can have the best rods, the perfect spot, and ideal conditions. But if your livewell isn’t circulating water properly, your bait dies, your day slows down, and you spend more time at the bait shop than on the water. Bennington’s fishing pontoon lineup includes thoughtfully designed livewell systems, but understanding how they work—and where they have limits—separates anglers who catch fish from those who feed them.
TL;DR
Bennington fishing pontoons feature multiple livewell configurations: bow-mounted units (24-gallon), console-front wells (18-19 gallon), stern corner wells, and center console leaning-post wells (19-gallon) . The pump works best when the boat is at rest or moving very slowly—at higher speeds it cannot draw water properly . Standpipe/overflow tubes prevent overfilling by draining excess water below the deck. Optional freshwater washdown systems are available on select models. For serious anglers, center-console models like the 23 SCCTTX offer dual 19-gallon wells and T-top with rocket launchers .
Key Takeaways
- Livewell pumps are speed-sensitive—they only work effectively at idle or very slow speeds
- Stand pipes control water level and can be cut down if lower levels are desired for different bait types
- Bennington offers 4-5 livewell locations depending on model: bow, stern, under helm seat, port/starboard corners, and leaning-post
- The 23 SCCTTX center console model blurs the line between pontoon and serious fishing boat with dual 19-gallon livewells and T-top
- Freshwater washdown systems are available as optional equipment on select fishing models
The Livewell Locations: Where Bennington Puts the Wells
One thing you notice looking at Bennington fishing pontoons across different years is that they don’t have just one livewell configuration. They have several, depending on the model and fishing package.
Bow-Mounted Livewells
On many Bennington fishing models, you’ll find a livewell integrated into the bow area. A 2012 Bennington 22 SF Fishing Pontoon featured a livewell in the port side mini console at the bow, plus another livewell under the helm seat cushion . The bow area also included upgraded reclining fishing seats with swivel, slide, and recline functions—so you can sit comfortably while keeping an eye on your bait.
The 2024 Bennington 188 SVS Fish takes a similar approach, offering a full livewell system as part of its dedicated fishing layout .
Stern Livewells
The back of the boat is where many Bennington fishing pontoons put their primary livewell. A 2014 Bennington 20 SSX Fish n Cruise featured a livewell console between two fold-down fishing seats at the stern, complete with rod holders and cup holders . Between the fishing seats was a livewell console with 2 rod holders, 2 cup holders, and vertical rod storage for 4 rods.
A 2022 Bennington 22 SF continued this tradition with a large console between two rear fold-down fishing seats that included cup holders, rod holders, and a livewell, plus vertical rod storage on both sides of the console .
Console-Front Livewells
Some models place a livewell right at the front of the helm console—accessible to the person fishing from the bow or the captain’s seat. The 2012 model had “a fishing console bench seat integrated into the front of the helm with a livewell underneath the seat cushion” . The 2022 model also featured “a seat built into the front of the helm with a livewell underneath the seat cushion” .
Center Console Leaning-Post Livewell
Here’s where Bennington gets really interesting. The 23 SCCTTX—a coastal center-console pontoon—includes a leaning-post-style seat behind the console that doubles as a 19-gallon livewell with a removable bait bucket . The seat is a 3-foot-2-inch-wide bench with a slide-in backrest. Below the hinged seat, you’ll find another standard 19-gallon livewell, along with a removable bait bucket. A freshwater washdown hose tucks under a pie plate.
Have you ever tried to reach a livewell while fighting a fish? Having it right behind the helm seat means you can drop your catch without leaving the controls.
The Standpipe System: Keeping Water at the Right Level
Here’s a feature that every Bennington livewell owner should understand. The standpipe (or overflow tube) keeps your livewell from overfilling .
Here’s how it works. Water pumps into the livewell. As the water level rises, it eventually reaches the top of the standpipe. Excess water flows down the inside of the standpipe and drains out below the deck—back into the lake. The height of the standpipe determines the maximum water level in your livewell.
What you might not know: Stand pipes can be cut down if lower water levels are desired . Why would you want lower water? Different bait types prefer different water depths. Shrimp and smaller baits don’t need as much water as larger baitfish. Cutting the standpipe down lets you customize the water level for whatever you’re keeping alive.
Pro tip: Before you cut your standpipe, experiment with different water levels. You can always cut more off, but you can’t glue it back on.
Rhetorical question: Ever opened your livewell to find bait floating because the water level was too high and they exhausted themselves swimming against the current? That’s a standpipe height issue.
Timeline: Bennington Fishing Pontoon Evolution
Pre-2010 – Basic fishing packages with single livewells. Minimal aeration options.
2010-2015 – Multi-livewell configurations appear. Bow, stern, and console-front wells become common .
2016-2019 – Improved pump systems. Freshwater washdown options introduced .
2020-2023 – Center-console fishing pontoon debuts with 23 SCCTTX. Dual 19-gallon livewells, T-top with rocket launchers .
Modern Bennington fishing boats – Simtex vinyl, upgraded seat bases, pre-wired trolling motor harnesses, and integrated livewell systems across multiple models .
The Pump Problem: Why Speed Matters
This is the most important technical detail in the entire Bennington livewell system. The owner’s manual is very clear: “The pump works best when the boat is at rest or moving at a very slow speed in the water. At faster speeds, the pump does not work properly because it cannot draw water” .
Why does this happen? Livewell pumps are typically mounted on the transom with a pickup that faces forward. At idle, water flows into the pickup naturally. But at planing speeds, the pickup can come out of the water or experience turbulent flow that prevents the pump from priming.
What this means for you: If you’re running across the lake to your next spot, your livewell pump probably isn’t doing much. The bait is surviving on whatever water is already in the tank plus whatever aeration is happening from the spray nozzle (if equipped). For long runs, consider adding an aerator that works independently of the pump, or plan to stop and let the pump catch up.
Ever pulled up to a new fishing spot, opened the livewell, and found stressed or dead bait? That’s the pump failing at speed. Plan your runs accordingly.
Safety reminder: Always wear life jackets and follow local boating laws when operating any vessel. When checking your livewell, make sure you’re at idle speed or the boat is secured.
The Center Console Revolution: 23 SCCTTX Deep Dive
The Bennington 23 SCCTTX deserves special attention because it represents a completely different approach to pontoon fishing . This isn’t a standard pontoon with a few fishing seats added. It’s a coastal fishing machine built on a pontoon platform.
The livewell setup:
- 24-gallon livewell in the bow (port side, replacing one roto-molded storage cabinet)
- 18-gallon livewell below the flip-up seat in front of the console
- 19-gallon livewell under the leaning-post bench seat behind the console
- That’s three separate livewells on one boat—serious capacity for tournament anglers
The T-top: A beefy Fisher T-top (in black, silver, or white) includes five rocket launchers for rod storage overhead. Twin LED lights illuminate the deck for early morning or late evening trips.
The leaning post: The bench seat behind the console is 3 feet 2 inches wide. Below the hinged seat is the 19-gallon livewell with a removable bait bucket. A freshwater washdown hose tucks under a pie plate nearby .
The casting deck: The Swingback stern lounge can be optioned with a pedestal mount below the removable sun-pad cushion for a matching deluxe bass seat. When raised, the aft platform becomes an elevated casting deck (4 feet 10 inches by 3 feet 2 inches) with diamond-pattern nonskid on the surface .
Have you ever wished you could pole a pontoon across a flat? This isn’t that—but it’s as close as a pontoon gets to a serious inshore fishing boat.
Livewell Capacity by Bennington Model
This chart shows approximate livewell capacities across different Bennington fishing configurations.
Notice the 23 SCCTTX total capacity. That’s enough livewell space for a serious tournament day or keeping a variety of bait types separate.
Freshwater Washdown Systems
For anglers who fish in saltwater or muddy conditions, Bennington offers an optional freshwater washdown system on select models . This manually pressurized system provides fresh water from a tank located below the sink.
To operate it, push the manual pump mounted by the sink. This forces fresh water from the tank below up through the hose and into the sink for use .
Important notes:
- Fill the tank with fresh water only
- Refill frequently to keep the water fresh
- Keep the tank empty during freezing weather
- Contact your dealer before adding a freshwater system to an existing boat
On the 23 SCCTTX, a freshwater washdown hose is also available near the leaning-post livewell, tucked under a pie plate for easy access .
Ever tried to clean fish slime off your hands with lake water? It doesn’t work well. A freshwater washdown is one of those features you don’t appreciate until you have it.
Trolling Motor Integration
Bennington fishing pontoons are designed with trolling motor compatibility in mind. The owner’s manual notes that a trolling motor can be used as optional equipment on select models .
What you need:
- A “Trolling Motor Gate” to use a trolling motor on the bow
- A trolling motor harness if your boat isn’t already equipped from the factory
- Contact your dealer for recommended trolling motor models
The 2022 Bennington 22 SF takes this further, featuring a Minn Kota Terrova with the i-Pilot system as standard equipment . The boat includes a 24V trolling motor setup with the second battery located under the helm and an onboard charger for both batteries. The port side mini console has a storage compartment specifically designed for a trolling motor battery.
Have you ever tried to install a trolling motor on a boat without a factory harness? It’s a wiring nightmare. Bennington’s pre-wired setup saves hours of frustration.
Rod Storage: More Than Just Livewells
A complete fishing boat needs rod storage, and Bennington delivers. Looking across different models:
- 2014 20 SSX: Vertical rod storage for 4 rods in the stern livewell console, plus an additional rod storage compartment along the starboard side fence panel behind the captain’s chair
- 2022 22 SF: Vertical rod storage for 2 rods on each side of the stern console, plus a vertical rod storage bracket along the starboard rail behind the captain’s chair for 4 rods
- 23 SCCTTX: Recessed rod storage below the coaming pads running down both port and starboard sides, plus additional slots for securing rods and nets, and five rocket launchers on the T-top
Rhetorical question: How many times have you stepped on a rod because it was lying on the deck? Dedicated rod storage solves that problem permanently.
Comparison Table: Bennington Fishing Model Livewell Configurations
| Model Year | Bow Livewell | Console-Front | Stern Livewell | Leaning-Post | Total Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 22 SF | Yes (port console) | Yes (under helm seat) | Yes (stern corner) | No | ~50 gal |
| 2014 20 SSX | No | No | Yes (center console) | No | ~18 gal |
| 2022 22 SF | Yes (port side) | Yes (under helm seat) | Yes (center console) | No | ~55 gal |
| 2022 20 SVFSD | Yes (port side) | Yes (under helm seat) | Yes (stern) | No | ~50 gal |
| 2024 188 SVS Fish | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | ~50 gal |
| 2020+ 23 SCCTTX | 24 gal | 18 gal | No | 19 gal | 79 gal |
Common Livewell Issues and Solutions
Based on owner reports and the manual, here are the most common livewell problems and how to fix them.
Pump not working at speed: This is normal operation, not a failure . The solution is to slow down or stop. If you need to keep bait alive during long runs, consider adding a separate recirculating aerator that doesn’t rely on fresh water intake.
Standpipe lost or broken: Without the standpipe, your livewell will either not fill (if the hole is open) or overfill (if plugged). Replacement standpipes are available from Bennington dealers.
Low flow from pump: Check for debris in the pickup. A plastic bag or weed can block the intake. Some owners install a strainer on the pickup to prevent this.
Water not draining: The drain might be plugged with scales or debris. A blast of water from a hose usually clears it.
Aerator not bubbling: The spray head might be clogged with mineral deposits. Soak it in vinegar to dissolve the buildup.
Pro tip: Keep a spare standpipe and a small tool kit in your boat. Livewell problems always happen at the worst possible time—usually right after you buy $50 worth of shiners.
FAQ: Your Bennington Livewell Questions Answered
What makes Bennington boats unique for fishing livewells?
The combination of multiple livewell locations (bow, stern, console-front, leaning-post) and the optional T-top with rocket launchers on the 23 SCCTTX sets Bennington apart from most pontoon manufacturers .
Are Bennington pontoons good for tournament fishing?
Yes, particularly the center-console 23 SCCTTX model with 79 gallons of total livewell capacity and dedicated leaning-post seating .
How fast can a Bennington pontoon go with the livewell pump running?
The pump only works effectively at idle or very slow speeds. At planing speeds, it cannot draw water properly .
What livewell maintenance does a Bennington boat require?
Regular cleaning to prevent scale buildup, checking the standpipe for cracks, inspecting the pump intake for debris, and winterizing by draining all water before freezing temperatures .
Are Bennington boats safe for fishing in saltwater?
The 23 SCCTTX is specifically designed for coastal anglers with features like sealed Deutsch connectors and anodized aluminum components. For other models, check with your dealer about saltwater packages .
Can you add a livewell to a Bennington that doesn’t have one?
Yes, but it’s a significant project. Contact your Bennington dealer about factory-approved livewell kits. Aftermarket portable livewells are an easier alternative.
What’s the best engine size for a Bennington fishing pontoon?
For the 188 SVS Fish, the 115HP Yamaha provides excellent performance. For larger models like the 23 SCCTTX, 250HP is recommended .
The Bottom Line on Bennington Livewell Systems
Here’s what I’ve learned from reviewing the specs and owner experiences. Bennington builds fishing pontoons for real anglers, not just weekend dabblers. The multiple livewell locations let you keep different baits separate or give multiple anglers their own well. The standpipe system gives you control over water levels. The pump has limitations, but those limitations are clearly documented—and if you fish, you know that slow-trolling or drifting is when you need the pump most anyway.
The 23 SCCTTX is the crown jewel of the lineup. It’s not just a pontoon with fishing seats. It’s a purpose-built inshore fishing machine that happens to float on logs. Dual 19-gallon livewells, a T-top with rocket launchers, leaning-post seating, and freshwater washdown—that’s serious fishing hardware.
Your Bennington pontoon boat can be a fishing machine. But like any tool, you need to understand how it works. Know where your livewells are. Understand the standpipe. Respect the pump’s speed limitations. Do those things, and your bait stays lively, your catch stays fresh, and your fishing days stay productive.
What’s your favorite Bennington boat feature or on-the-water experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
References:
- Bennington Pontoon Owner’s Manual – Livewell Operation (Page 32)
- Right Boat – Best Fishing Pontoon Boats (Bennington L Series)
- Boating Magazine – 2020 Bennington 23 SCCTTX Test
- The Yacht Market – 2024 Bennington 188 SVS Fish
- Boat Trader – 2014 Bennington 20 SSX Fish n Cruise
- Boat Trader – 2022 Bennington 22 SF
- Boat Trader – 2022 Bennington 20 SVFSD
- Machinio – 2012 Bennington 22 SF Fishing Pontoon
