The Bennington 205E 2009 vs Bennington 2277 FSi 2007 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 205E 2009 measures 20,6 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 18,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Bennington 2277 FSi 2007 at 2,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bennington 2277 FSi 2007 tips the scales at 2 724 lbs — 530 lbs less than the Bennington 205E 2009 at 2 194 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 — 2 hp for the Bennington 205E 2009 and 2 hp for the Bennington 2277 FSi 2007. 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 2 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 205E 2009 comes in at 1097 lbs per hp versus 1362 lbs per hp for the Bennington 2277 FSi 2007. 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 2277 FSi 2007 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Bennington 205E 2009 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: The Bennington 205E 2009 at 20,6 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Bennington 2277 FSi 2007 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.