The Bennington 2275 RL I/O 2005 vs Bennington 2280 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.
The Bennington 2280 RL 2006 tops out at 175 hp. Engine specs for the Bennington 2275 RL I/O 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Bennington 2280 RL 2006 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Bennington 2275 RL I/O 2005 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Bennington 2280 RL 2006 could be the deciding factor.
The Bennington 2280 RL 2006 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Bennington 2275 RL I/O 2005 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: Choose the Bennington 2280 RL 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 14 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Bennington 2275 RL I/O 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.