When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Bennington 185E 2008 and the Bennington 205SL 2009 are pontoon designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Bennington 185E 2008 measures 18,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 16,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Bennington 205SL 2009 at 2,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bennington 185E 2008 tips the scales at 1 909 lbs — 298 lbs more than the Bennington 205SL 2009 at 1 611 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 — 60 hp for the Bennington 185E 2008 and 60 hp for the Bennington 205SL 2009. 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 boats are rated for 23 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.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Bennington 205SL 2009 comes in at 27 lbs per hp versus 32 lbs per hp for the Bennington 185E 2008. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
One place where both boats are genuinely identical is tube construction: both run 2 aluminum tubes at 23" diameter. That shared spec means stability and buoyancy characteristics are closely matched — the ride difference you'll feel between them comes primarily from deck length, weight distribution, and motor choice.
Bottom line: The Bennington 185E 2008 at 18,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Bennington 205SL 2009 at 2,0 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.