The Bennington 185 L 2004 vs Bennington 2050 LX 2005 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 185 L 2004 at 17,0 ft versus Bennington 2050 LX 2005 at 20,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bennington 2050 LX 2005 tips the scales at 1 720 lbs - 280 lbs less than the Bennington 185 L 2004 at 1 440 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 75 hp for the Bennington 185 L 2004 and 95 hp for the Bennington 2050 LX 2005. 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. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 26 gal and 26 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
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 2050 LX 2005 at 20,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Bennington 185 L 2004 at 17,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking - a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.