The Bennington 20 SL 2012 vs Bennington 2050 RL 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 20 SL 2012 measures 20,4 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 18,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Bennington 2050 RL 2006 at 2,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bennington 20 SL 2012 tips the scales at 1 711 lbs — 1 493 lbs more than the Bennington 2050 RL 2006 at 218 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 70 hp, the Bennington 20 SL 2012 has a 47-hp advantage over the Bennington 2050 RL 2006's 23-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bennington 2050 RL 2006 carries 26 gallons versus 21 gallons in the Bennington 20 SL 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
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 2050 RL 2006 comes in at 10 lbs per hp versus 24 lbs per hp for the Bennington 20 SL 2012. 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.
The Bennington 2050 RL 2006 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Bennington 20 SL 2012 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: The Bennington 20 SL 2012 at 20,4 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Bennington 2050 RL 2006 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.