Larson Cabrio 260 2009 vs Larson Cabrio 285 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Larson Cabrio 260 2009 or the Larson Cabrio 285 2013?

The Larson Cabrio 285 2013 is the longer of the two at 28,1 feet overall. The Larson Cabrio 260 2009 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 2,1 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Larson Cabrio 260 2009 or the Larson Cabrio 285 2013?

For trailering, the Larson Cabrio 260 2009 has the edge at 6 460 lbs dry weight versus 6 650 lbs for the Larson Cabrio 285 2013. 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: How many passengers can the Larson Cabrio 285 2013 carry?

The Larson Cabrio 285 2013 has an official capacity rating of 8 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison - verify directly with the dealer.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Larson Cabrio 260 2009 and Larson Cabrio 285 2013 share an 8 ft. 10 in. (2.69 m) beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Larson Cabrio 260 2009 or the Larson Cabrio 285 2013?

The Larson Cabrio 260 2009 has the bigger tank at 84 gallons, versus 76 gallons on the Larson Cabrio 285 2013. That 8-gallon difference translates to roughly 24–40 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson Cabrio 260 2009 and Larson Cabrio 285 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Larson Cabrio 260 2009 and the Larson Cabrio 285 2013 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 Cabrio 260 2009 vs Larson Cabrio 285 2013

Larson

Larson Cabrio 260 2009

2009

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Larson

Larson Cabrio 285 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Cabrio 260 2009 vs Larson Cabrio 285 2013: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Cabrio 260 2009 is a modified-V design and the Larson Cabrio 285 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 Cabrio 260 2009 at 26,0 ft versus Larson Cabrio 285 2013 at 28,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Larson Cabrio 285 2013 tips the scales at 6 650 lbs - 190 lbs less than the Larson Cabrio 260 2009 at 6 460 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.

Bottom line: The Larson Cabrio 285 2013 at 28,1 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Larson Cabrio 260 2009 at 26,0 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

MakeLarson

ModelCabrio 260

ModelCabrio 285

Model Year2009

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 10 in. (2.69 m)

Beam - Meters2.69

Beam - Inches106

Bridge clearance - DetailWithout Arch: 7 ft. 10 in. (2.39 m) With Arch: 9 ft. 2 in. (2.8 m)

Bridge clearance - Detail9 ft. 2 in. (2.8 m) with arch 7 ft. 10 in. (2.39 m) without arch

Bridge clearance - Meters2.79

Bridge clearance - Inches110

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise20°

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91.4 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inches36

Weight - Detail6,460 lbs. (2,930 kg)

Weight - Detail6,650 lbs. (3,016 kg) with base engine (350 Mag)

Weight - kg2930.2

Weight - kg3016.39

Weight - lbs.6460

Weight - lbs.6650

Length - Meters8.12

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet26

Length - Feet28.08

Length - Inches6

Length - Inchesnot available

Length [over all with swim platform]With Pulpit: 26 ft. 6 in. (8.12 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Detail28 ft. 1 in. (8.57 m) with pulpit

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Meters8.56

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Inches337

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialComposite

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail84 gal. (318 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail76 gal. (287.7 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters317.97

Fuel tank capacity - Liters287.69

Fuel tank capacity - Gal84

Fuel tank capacity - Gal76

Fuel typeGas or Diesel

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

Head1

Headnot available

Headroom6 ft. 3 in. (1.91 m)

Headroom6 ft. 3 in. (1.91 m) in cabin

Water heater capacity19 gal. (72 l)

Water heater capacitynot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail12 gal. (45 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters45.42

Holding tank capacity - Gal12

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity19 gal. (72 l)

Larson Cabrio 260 2009 vs Larson Cabrio 285 2013 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Larson Cabrio 260 2009 or the Larson Cabrio 285 2013?

The Larson Cabrio 285 2013 is the longer of the two at 28,1 feet overall. The Larson Cabrio 260 2009 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 2,1 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer - the Larson Cabrio 260 2009 or the Larson Cabrio 285 2013?

For trailering, the Larson Cabrio 260 2009 has the edge at 6 460 lbs dry weight versus 6 650 lbs for the Larson Cabrio 285 2013. 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.

How many passengers can the Larson Cabrio 285 2013 carry?

The Larson Cabrio 285 2013 has an official capacity rating of 8 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison - verify directly with the dealer.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Larson Cabrio 260 2009 and Larson Cabrio 285 2013 share an 8 ft. 10 in. (2.69 m) beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Larson Cabrio 260 2009 or the Larson Cabrio 285 2013?

The Larson Cabrio 260 2009 has the bigger tank at 84 gallons, versus 76 gallons on the Larson Cabrio 285 2013. That 8-gallon difference translates to roughly 24–40 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson Cabrio 260 2009 and Larson Cabrio 285 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Larson Cabrio 260 2009 and the Larson Cabrio 285 2013 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 Cabrio 260 2009 full specs ← Larson Cabrio 285 2013 full specs