The 2550 RCL tempts passengers to stay aboard long after returning to the dock. Accommodations rival fine upscale furnishings, with pillow-top, leatherlike seating and flip-down armrests with stainless-steel cup holders and polished-teak accents. Kick on the “blue ice” LED mood lighting, crank the tunes through four standard Kicker speakers, and you’ll feel like you’re clubbing.
Bennington believes the forward half of a pontoon isn’t to be messed with. Port and starboard couches invite socializing; stowage is found in the rotocast seat bases below. From the helm to aft is open to interpretation. The RCL’s “club” seating invites relaxation. To port, it extends far enough forward to sit directly across from the helm. A rear-facing passenger can recline and comfortably converse with the forward-facing driver. The starboard tip forgoes a backrest, allowing the captain to pivot and kick up his feet with the crew.
Our test boat featured Bennington’s optional Elliptical Sport Package. The effect is to give the boat a V-hull’s handling, carving into turns with a familiar bank. Powered by a Mercury Verado 225, the 2550 jumped onto plane in 3.1 seconds, reached 30 mph in just over three more and peaked at 40 mph.
Key Features
-The RCL’s elevated helm features a Next Generation console with stylish custom sterling gauges.
-ESP Package adds a 32-inch center tube with lifting strakes, performance foils on both outer tubes, hydraulic steering and an underdeck waveshield.
-Central tube provides space for a cavernous ski locker that can handle any gear you want to bring along for the ride.
