The Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 is a modified-V design and the Larson FX 1750 DC O/B 2013 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 at 17,0 ft versus Larson FX 1750 DC O/B 2013 at 17,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 tips the scales at 2 375 lbs - 242 lbs more than the Larson FX 1750 DC O/B 2013 at 2 133 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 190 hp, the Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 has a 40-hp advantage over the Larson FX 1750 DC O/B 2013's 150-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 23 gal and 22 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson FX 1750 DC O/B 2013 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 comes in at 13 lbs per hp versus 14 lbs per hp for the Larson FX 1750 DC O/B 2013. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration - meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

The Larson 180 Sport I/O 2008 has a documented top speed of 50 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.