Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Larson Cabrio 240 2011 vs Larson LX 850 I/O 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Larson Cabrio 240 2011 against a modified vee Larson LX 850 I/O 2012 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Larson Cabrio 240 2011 measures 24,6 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 6,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Larson LX 850 I/O 2012 at 18,4 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Larson Cabrio 240 2011 tips the scales at 575 lbs — 330 lbs more than the Larson LX 850 I/O 2012 at 245 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 320 hp, the Larson Cabrio 240 2011 has a 185-hp advantage over the Larson LX 850 I/O 2012's 135-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson Cabrio 240 2011 carries 84 gallons versus 19 gallons in the Larson LX 850 I/O 2012. 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 Cabrio 240 2011 at 24,6 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Larson LX 850 I/O 2012 at 18,4 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
ModelCabrio 24
ModelLX 850 I/O
Model Year2011
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam7 ft. 8 in. (2.33 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.34
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches92
Bridge clearance - Detail7 ft. 7 in. (2.35 m)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.31
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches91
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Deadrise20°
Deadrise21°
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (88.9 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (79 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Inches35
Draft [max] - Inches31
Weight - Detail5,750 lbs. (2,606 kg)
Weight - Detail2,450 lbs. (1,111 kg) with base engine (3.0L)
Weight - kg2608.15
Weight - kg1111.3
Weight - lbs.575
Weight - lbs.245
Length - Feet24.58
Length - Feet18.42
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 7 in. (7.53 m) with pulpit
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in. (5.61 m)
Length overall - Meters7.49
Length overall - Meters5.61
Length overall - Inches295
Length overall - Inches221
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialComposite
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMerCruiser 5.0L MPI BIII
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail84 gal. (318 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail19 gal. (72 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters317.97
Fuel tank capacity - Liters71.92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal84
Fuel tank capacity - Gal19
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Horsepower260 hp
Horsepower135
Engine max320 hp
Engine maxnot available
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMerCruiser (catalyst compliant) (mandatory in U.S.)
Engine modelnot available
Engine model3.0L MPI EC
Operational Info
Headroom6 ft. 1 in. (1.86 m) in cabin
Headroomnot available
Water capacity19 gal. (72 l)
Water capacitynot available
Maximum capacity2,500 lbs. (1,134 kg)
Maximum capacity1,150 lbs. (522 kg)
Maximum people8 or 1,320 lbs. (599 kg)
Maximum people8
Holding tank capacity - Detail12 gal. (45 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters45.42
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal12
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailLX 3000 DB with swing tongue & chrome wheels
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 4 in. (6.9 m)