The Bennington 22 SLi 2011 vs Bennington 257 L 2004 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 22 SLi 2011 at 21,8 ft versus Bennington 257 L 2004 at 24,0 ft. At 176 lbs and 212 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 115 hp for the Bennington 22 SLi 2011 and 125 hp for the Bennington 257 L 2004. 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 — 24 gal and 26 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 12 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 257 L 2004 at 24,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Bennington 22 SLi 2011 at 21,8 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.