Bennington 180 S   2004 boat specs
Bennington
Bennington 180 S 2004
2004
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VS
Bennington 2050 RLSS  2004 boat specs
Bennington
Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004
2004
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Bennington 180 S 2004 vs Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Bennington 180 S 2004 vs Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Bennington 180 S 2004 at 17,0 ft versus Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004 at 19,0 ft. At 134 lbs and 172 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 75 hp for the Bennington 180 S 2004 and 90 hp for the Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004 carries 26 gallons versus 15 gallons in the Bennington 180 S 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 9 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Bennington 180 S 2004 and Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeBennington
MakeBennington
Model180 S
Model2050 RLSS
Model Year2004
Model Year2004
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches102
Weight - Detail1,340 lbs
Weight - Detail1,720 lbs
Weight - kg607.81
Weight - kg780.18
Weight - lbs.134
Weight - lbs.172
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet19
Length - Inches11
Length - Inches11
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 11 in
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 11 in
Length overall - Meters5.46
Length overall - Meters6.07
Length overall - Inches215
Length overall - Inches239
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter23 in
Tube diameter23 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail15 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail26 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters56.78
Fuel tank capacity - Liters98.42
Fuel tank capacity - Gal15
Fuel tank capacity - Gal26
Drive typeOutBoard
Drive typeOutBoard
Engine max75 hp
Engine max90 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,200 lbs
Maximum capacity1,260 lbs
Maximum people9
Maximum people9

Bennington 180 S 2004 vs Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Bennington 180 S 2004 or the Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004?
The Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The Bennington 180 S 2004 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Bennington 180 S 2004 or the Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004?
For trailering, the Bennington 180 S 2004 has the edge at 134 lbs dry weight versus 172 lbs for the Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Bennington 180 S 2004 tops out at 75 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Bennington 180 S 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004 is certified for 9. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the Bennington 180 S 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Bennington 180 S 2004 or the Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004?
The Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004 has the bigger tank at 26 gallons, versus 15 gallons on the Bennington 180 S 2004. That 11-gallon difference translates to roughly 33–55 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Bennington 180 S 2004 and Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Bennington 180 S 2004 and the Bennington 2050 RLSS 2004 are built by Bennington. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.