Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 vs Larson Cabrio 290 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 or the Larson Cabrio 290 2005?

For trailering, the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 has the edge at 9 lbs dry weight versus 2 375 lbs for the Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 has a documented max rating of 190 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Larson Cabrio 290 2005 measures 114" wide, compared to 88" for the Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 or the Larson Cabrio 290 2005?

The Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 has the bigger tank at 23 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the Larson Cabrio 290 2005. That 22-gallon difference translates to roughly 66–110 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 and Larson Cabrio 290 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 and the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 are built by Larson. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 vs Larson Cabrio 290 2005

Larson

Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008

2008

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Larson

Larson Cabrio 290 2005

2005

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 vs Larson Cabrio 290 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 vs Larson Cabrio 290 2005 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 Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 carries a rated maximum of 190 hp. Engine data for the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 carries 23 gallons versus 1 gallons in the Larson Cabrio 290 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 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: The Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 and Larson Cabrio 290 2005 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeLarson

Model180 Sport I/O

ModelCabrio 29

Model Year2008

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam7 ft. 4 in. (2.24 m)

Beam9 ft. 6 in

Beam - Meters2.24

Beam - Meters2.9

Beam - Inches88

Beam - Inches114

Deadrise21℃

Deadrise20℃

Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (78.7 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail28 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Meters0.71

Draft [max] - Inches31

Draft [max] - Inches28

Weight - Detail2,375 lbs. (1,080 kg)

Weight - Detail9,000 lbs. apx

Weight - kg1077.28

Weight - kg4082.33

Weight - lbs.2375

Weight - lbs.9

Length - Meters5.36

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet17

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches7

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 7 in. (5.36 m)

Length overall - Detail27 ft. 10 in

Length overall - Meters5.36

Length overall - Meters8.48

Length overall - Inches211

Length overall - Inches334

Height - Detailnot available

Height - DetailBridge clearance with Arch: 7 ft. 1 in. Bridge clearance without Arch: 8 ft. 6 in

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters2.59

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches102

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo Penta 4.3 GL

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06

Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54

Fuel tank capacity - Gal23

Fuel tank capacity - Gal1

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeInboard/Outboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max190 hp

Engine maxnot available

Performance

Maximum speed50-52 mph

Maximum speednot available

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,150 lbs. (522 kg)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people8

Maximum peoplenot available

Headroomnot available

Headroom6 ft. 2 in

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity28 gal

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailCustom EZ Loader

Trailer - Detailnot available

Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 vs Larson Cabrio 290 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 or the Larson Cabrio 290 2005?

For trailering, the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 has the edge at 9 lbs dry weight versus 2 375 lbs for the Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 has a documented max rating of 190 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Larson Cabrio 290 2005 measures 114" wide, compared to 88" for the Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 or the Larson Cabrio 290 2005?

The Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 has the bigger tank at 23 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the Larson Cabrio 290 2005. That 22-gallon difference translates to roughly 66–110 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 and Larson Cabrio 290 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 and the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 are built by Larson. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 full specs ← Larson Cabrio 290 2005 full specs