When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Bennington 22 SSLX 2013 and the Bennington 2550 RCL 2012 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 2550 RCL 2012 measures 27,1 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 5,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Bennington 22 SSLX 2013 at 21,8 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bennington 2550 RCL 2012 tips the scales at 3 223 lbs — 670 lbs less than the Bennington 22 SSLX 2013 at 2 553 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 115 hp, the Bennington 22 SSLX 2013 has a 90-hp advantage over the Bennington 2550 RCL 2012's 25-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 22 SSLX 2013 carries 21 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Bennington 2550 RCL 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 25 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.