When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Bennington 2874 RCW I/O 2011 and the Bennington 2875RLX I/O 2009 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 2874 RCW I/O 2011 measures 31,1 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 3,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Bennington 2875RLX I/O 2009 at 28,0 feet (2009). At 4 262 lbs and 4 262 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Bennington 2875RLX I/O 2009 has a 105-hp advantage over the Bennington 2874 RCW I/O 2011's 320-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 16 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.
Both are 3-tube and 2-tube pontoon designs respectively. Tube diameter and gauge affect stability and load capacity — more so than most buyers realize when comparing on paper.
Bottom line: The Bennington 2874 RCW I/O 2011 at 31,1 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Bennington 2875RLX I/O 2009 at 28,0 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.