I’m running a 2014 SSLX SPS package tritoon with a 2015 Mercury 150. The Coast Gaurd weight limit and horsepower sticker shows a 150 horsepower limit but I see comparable boats of other brands with much larger motors, all the way up to 250’s. Why is the Bennington so limited on HP rating?
Horsepower limit on 22sslx
- Thread starter Chipdaddy
- Start date
Jack M
Moderator
First Bennington does not make the capacity laws . Those other boats have a reinforced structure.
I have had different 4 different Benningtons a 22 ft and 3, 23ft.
Each had a different capacity rating . Number of seats is also part of the capacity .
I have had different 4 different Benningtons a 22 ft and 3, 23ft.
Each had a different capacity rating . Number of seats is also part of the capacity .
I get that, but still don’t understand why it’s so low on the Bennington. Their structure is as stout as it gets. The tritoon surface area is as much as other brands and the performance enhancements are second to none. 150 HP just seems too low for the boat.
Jack M
Moderator
Here is Benningtons phone number. 888 906 2628.
If you call , this is their busy season it could take longer than normal for a reply .
If you call , this is their busy season it could take longer than normal for a reply .
Jack M
Moderator
Get a Bennington brochure and look at the difference in construction between the models and also look at the rating between the toon packages . The triple ESP can handle up to 1000 hp .
Thanks, I’ll give them a call and ask the question direct. It’s a great boat just a little under powered when turning with a tube or skier behind. I just improved performance by going to a quad prop. Picked up from 31 to 37mph but still loose too much speed in the turns. I’ll report if I find any new information on this issue.
Vikingstaff
Moderator
Kind of echoing part of what Jack said.
Comes down to model & hull, and their construction at that time. You have the introductory model in a 2014 build, which at that time didn’t have the same spacing support in its frame as the higher tier Bennington models. Thus, that alone held it back a little more.
For example, my 2017 24’ S model with SPS hull was rated up to a 200hp motor. It had already improved in that three year time period. Like you, I could have went up in model and tritoon hull and had significantly higher weight and motor limits in my Bennington.
So it really isn’t “why are Bennington’s not stacking up the same” against other manufacturers. It’s your specific build (year/model/hull) combined with you probably not comparing it to the equivalent year/model/hull designed of other brands. In your same year, a higher build model and hull would handle significantly larger motors and weights, and stack up with, or surpass another manufacturers depending on what its being compared to.
Kinda like comparing a Chevy Malibu, 4 cyl and comparing it to a Ford Mustang GT and wondering why Chevy’s don’t stack up to Fords. Just not the same model, trim, etc. But comparing the equivalents: either Malibu to Fusion or Camero to Mustang gets a more equivalent comparison.
Hope that makes sense.
Comes down to model & hull, and their construction at that time. You have the introductory model in a 2014 build, which at that time didn’t have the same spacing support in its frame as the higher tier Bennington models. Thus, that alone held it back a little more.
For example, my 2017 24’ S model with SPS hull was rated up to a 200hp motor. It had already improved in that three year time period. Like you, I could have went up in model and tritoon hull and had significantly higher weight and motor limits in my Bennington.
So it really isn’t “why are Bennington’s not stacking up the same” against other manufacturers. It’s your specific build (year/model/hull) combined with you probably not comparing it to the equivalent year/model/hull designed of other brands. In your same year, a higher build model and hull would handle significantly larger motors and weights, and stack up with, or surpass another manufacturers depending on what its being compared to.
Kinda like comparing a Chevy Malibu, 4 cyl and comparing it to a Ford Mustang GT and wondering why Chevy’s don’t stack up to Fords. Just not the same model, trim, etc. But comparing the equivalents: either Malibu to Fusion or Camero to Mustang gets a more equivalent comparison.
Hope that makes sense.
PartyBarge
Well-Known Member
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Chipdaddy: Sounds like your pontoon was not rigged well for what you want. Look forward to your report on what the old prop was with WOT RPM and similar info for the new "quad prop". You also might want to run the observations though a slip calculator to get the best out of your combination. (see link below) Calculated slip is not the be-all end-all of prop performance, but is can be a useful guidpost.
Prop Slip Calculator | Mercury Racing
Quickly determine slip for Mercury Racing propellers using our prop slip calculator.
www.mercuryracing.com
All,
I watched some Bennington videos on YouTube and did some more research online. You know you’re Benningtons. I think I’m satisfied as to my horsepower limitations. As I’m not planning on going out and upgrading anytime soon, I’m ready to live with what I’ve got. Other than slowing in the turns, the boat handles great. Think I’ll start a new post on interior maintenance. Thanks for your input.
As far as my props, I do keep a record
Current Prop - 7/31/25
Aluminum - 15 x 16 x 4
Running Specs
4700 = 37mph WOT
2700= 18 crusing speed
900 = 4mph trolling speed
Still slows in turns but performs slightly better with no motor trim.
Third prop 7/14/23
Aluminum - 16 x 16 x 3
Running Specs
5200 = 34mph WOT with less loss of speed and RPM in turns, down to 4700 @ 25mph with no cavitation.
3200 = 18 crusing speed
1000 = 4 trolling speed
Second prop 11/5/22
Aluminum - 15 x 16 x 3
Running Specs
5400 = 34mph WOT top speed
less cavitation in turns, but loss of power. Better with no motor trim.
3100 = 18 crusing speed
Still cavitated in turns both directions
1000 = 4 trolling speed
Original Prop - came with boat
Stainless Steel - 14 x 18 x 3
5600 rpm = 33mph top speed - Cavitation in sharp turns
3200 = 18.3 crusing speed
1000 = 4.3 trolling speed
I watched some Bennington videos on YouTube and did some more research online. You know you’re Benningtons. I think I’m satisfied as to my horsepower limitations. As I’m not planning on going out and upgrading anytime soon, I’m ready to live with what I’ve got. Other than slowing in the turns, the boat handles great. Think I’ll start a new post on interior maintenance. Thanks for your input.
As far as my props, I do keep a record
Current Prop - 7/31/25
Aluminum - 15 x 16 x 4
Running Specs
4700 = 37mph WOT
2700= 18 crusing speed
900 = 4mph trolling speed
Still slows in turns but performs slightly better with no motor trim.
Third prop 7/14/23
Aluminum - 16 x 16 x 3
Running Specs
5200 = 34mph WOT with less loss of speed and RPM in turns, down to 4700 @ 25mph with no cavitation.
3200 = 18 crusing speed
1000 = 4 trolling speed
Second prop 11/5/22
Aluminum - 15 x 16 x 3
Running Specs
5400 = 34mph WOT top speed
less cavitation in turns, but loss of power. Better with no motor trim.
3100 = 18 crusing speed
Still cavitated in turns both directions
1000 = 4 trolling speed
Original Prop - came with boat
Stainless Steel - 14 x 18 x 3
5600 rpm = 33mph top speed - Cavitation in sharp turns
3200 = 18.3 crusing speed
1000 = 4.3 trolling speed
Jack M
Moderator
A stainless steel is the recommended prop for a 150 hp and above . Back when I had a 150 on a 23 ft ,it was a 15X15 Enertia. Check out propgods.com, give Ken a call . He has helped more than a few members here
Something doesn't seem right. Correct me if I'm wrong but max rpm on that engine is 6000? If so your WOT of 4700 is actually lugging your engine. You need to be higher rpm's. The lower limit rpm's at WOT is supposed to be 5000, but that is still too low.
Vikingstaff
Moderator
Brand prop makes a HUGE difference too. 100% agree with Scott1. Your focus should be on RPM’s at WOT combined with performance. Should be as close to 6000 as possible if trying to maximize performance. And even if not, you don’t want it too low at WOT and lugging the motor.
I would do some searches in the upper right hand corner here for props and performance. One of the most talked about topics around here and incredibly good info.
Secondly, I would say Jacks advice is spot on with Ken. Ken @ Propgods is THE expert nationally. Call him with details, and he can zero right in on that is going to be optimal for your performance goals. He hits the nail on the head with his experience.
That said, it certainly sounds like you are overall enjoying your boat, and really putting time in to have it the way you want it. Exciting stuff! Welcome into our group.
I would do some searches in the upper right hand corner here for props and performance. One of the most talked about topics around here and incredibly good info.
Secondly, I would say Jacks advice is spot on with Ken. Ken @ Propgods is THE expert nationally. Call him with details, and he can zero right in on that is going to be optimal for your performance goals. He hits the nail on the head with his experience.
That said, it certainly sounds like you are overall enjoying your boat, and really putting time in to have it the way you want it. Exciting stuff! Welcome into our group.
DVW
Well-Known Member
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You are getting a lot of opinions here. I will add my opinion to the mix. Early Benningtons had crossmembers 18” on center (not 24”) that made them stronger and heavier. Years ago I studied various boat specs. I noted that the wieght of max people and max motor was equal to a fixed percentage of tube displacement. I think it was about 60%. With regard to your boat speed specs. Your current top speed is pretty good. You did not list preferred operating condition. Think about it before prop selection. Many people trade off single person straight line speed for a higher speed on a more common operating condition.
lakeliving
Well-Known Member
I have the same year boat and model as you chipdaddy but I added the sps200 package when ordering which gave me a capacity of 200hp. I’m running a Yamaha f200 and have seen 44 mph on gps.
I keep getting some great advice. I’m over spent on my props now so I think I’ll wear out what I have before looking for something new. As I mentioned, other than turns, the boat does great and I never expected to see 37mph so I’m happy with that for now. I replaced my sport top a couple of years ago with a custom double Bimini for sun protection, I’m sure it is dragging my speed down a bit but love the shade. Thanks for all the great input.
LaurencetheAdventurer
Well-Known Member
This belongs in the post "List your Specs Here"!! Great info.