The Bennington 1850 LX 2004 vs Bennington 2275 RLIO 2006 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Bennington 2275 RLIO 2006 measures 22,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Bennington 1850 LX 2004 at 17,0 feet (2004). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bennington 2275 RLIO 2006 tips the scales at 328 lbs — 184 lbs less than the Bennington 1850 LX 2004 at 144 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.
The Bennington 1850 LX 2004 carries a rated maximum of 75 hp. Engine data for the Bennington 2275 RLIO 2006 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 26 gal and 26 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Bennington 1850 LX 2004 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Bennington 2275 RLIO 2006 caps at 2. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Bennington 1850 LX 2004 could be the deciding factor.
The Bennington 2275 RLIO 2006 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Bennington 1850 LX 2004 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: Choose the Bennington 1850 LX 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Bennington 2275 RLIO 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 2 that costs less to run day-to-day.