The Bennington 2275 RLSS 2004 vs Bennington 2275RL I/O (2) 2009 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 2275 RLSS 2004 at 21,0 ft versus Bennington 2275RL I/O (2) 2009 at 22,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bennington 2275RL I/O (2) 2009 tips the scales at 2 374 lbs — 539 lbs less than the Bennington 2275 RLSS 2004 at 1 835 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 — 115 hp for the Bennington 2275 RLSS 2004 and 135 hp for the Bennington 2275RL I/O (2) 2009. 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 11 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Bennington 2275RL I/O (2) 2009 and its 135-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Bennington 2275 RLSS 2004 with its 115-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.