Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Larson Cabrio 220 2009 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Larson Cabrio 220 2009 and the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 are modified vee designs with fiberglass 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Larson Cabrio 220 2009 at 22,0 ft versus Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 at 23,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 tips the scales at 444 lbs — 402 lbs less than the Larson Cabrio 220 2009 at 42 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 Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 tops out at 26 hp. Engine specs for the Larson Cabrio 220 2009 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 carries 56 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Larson Cabrio 220 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 1 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 Cabrio 220 2009 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 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
ModelCabrio 22
ModelLXi 238 I/O
Model Year2009
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 5 in. (2.55 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.57
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches101
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters1.63
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches64
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise22°
Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (81.3 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (88.9 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Inches32
Draft [max] - Inches35
Weight - Detail4,200 lbs. (1,905 kg)
Weight - Detail4,440 lbs. (2,010 kg) with base engine (5.0L)
Weight - kg1905.09
Weight - kg2013.95
Weight - lbs.42
Weight - lbs.444
Length - Meters6.73
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet22
Length - Feet23.5
Length - Inches1
Length - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]With Pulpit: 22 ft. 1 in. (6.73 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 6 in. (7.16 m)
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Meters7.16
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Inches282
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialComposite
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal. (212 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Fuel tank capacity - Gal56
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMerCruiser (catalyst compliant) (mandatory in U.S.)
Engine modelnot available
Engine model5.0L MPI EC BIII
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower26
Operational Info
Water capacity5 gal. (19 l) optional
Water capacity12 gal. (45.4 l)
Maximum capacity1,975 lbs. (896 kg)
Maximum capacity1,500 lbs. (680 kg)
Maximum people1
Maximum people1
Holding tank capacity - Detail4 gal. (15 l) optional
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal4
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailLXi 5500 DB with swing tongue & chrome wheels
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over all28 ft. 4 in. (8.63 m)