The Bennington 2250 RL 2006 vs Bennington 25 SL I/O 2011 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 2250 RL 2006 at 22,0 ft versus Bennington 25 SL I/O 2011 at 24,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bennington 25 SL I/O 2011 tips the scales at 3 099 lbs — 764 lbs less than the Bennington 2250 RL 2006 at 2 335 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 320 hp, the Bennington 25 SL I/O 2011 has a 318-hp advantage over the Bennington 2250 RL 2006's 2-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 25 SL I/O 2011 carries 62 gallons versus 26 gallons in the Bennington 2250 RL 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 14 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 25 SL I/O 2011 comes in at 10 lbs per hp versus 1168 lbs per hp for the Bennington 2250 RL 2006. 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 2250 RL 2006 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Bennington 25 SL I/O 2011 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: The Bennington 25 SL I/O 2011 at 24,3 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Bennington 2250 RL 2006 at 22,0 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.