Larson Cabrio 274 2004 vs Larson LXi 218 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Cabrio 274 2004 or the Larson LXi 218 2009?

For trailering, the Larson Cabrio 274 2004 has the edge at 6 lbs dry weight versus 3 735 lbs for the Larson LXi 218 2009. 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 people can each boat hold?

The Larson Cabrio 274 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson LXi 218 2009 is certified for 9. 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 274 2004 measures 102" wide, compared to 99" for the Larson LXi 218 2009. 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 Cabrio 274 2004 or the Larson LXi 218 2009?

The Larson Cabrio 274 2004 has the bigger tank at 85 gallons, versus 34 gallons on the Larson LXi 218 2009. That 51-gallon difference translates to roughly 153–255 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson Cabrio 274 2004 and Larson LXi 218 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Cabrio 274 2004 and the Larson LXi 218 2009 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 274 2004 vs Larson LXi 218 2009

Larson

Larson Cabrio 274 2004

2004

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Larson

Larson LXi 218 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Cabrio 274 2004 vs Larson LXi 218 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Cabrio 274 2004 vs Larson LXi 218 2009 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Larson LXi 218 2009 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Larson Cabrio 274 2004 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson LXi 218 2009 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson LXi 218 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson Cabrio 274 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeLarson

ModelCabrio 274

ModelLXi 218

Model Year2004

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam8 ft. 3 in. (2.51 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.51

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches99

Deadrise18℃

Deadrise22℃

Draft [max] - Detail34 in

Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (83.8 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Inches34

Draft [max] - Inches33

Weight - Detail6,000 lbs. apx

Weight - Detail3,735 lbs. (1,690 kg)

Weight - kg2721.55

Weight - kg1694.17

Weight - lbs.6

Weight - lbs.3735

Height - DetailBridge clearance with Arch: 9 ft. 0 in. Bridge clearance without Arch: 7 ft. 0 in

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters2.74

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches108

Height - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 6 in. (6.55 m)

Length overall - Meters8.53

Length overall - Meters6.55

Length overall - Inches336

Length overall - Inches258

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters6.55

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet21

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches6

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail85 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail34 gal. (129 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters321.76

Fuel tank capacity - Liters128.7

Fuel tank capacity - Gal85

Fuel tank capacity - Gal34

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

Headroom6 ft. 2 in

Headroomnot available

Water capacity28 gal

Water capacity12 gal. (45.4 l)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,450 lbs. (658 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people9

Larson Cabrio 274 2004 vs Larson LXi 218 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Cabrio 274 2004 or the Larson LXi 218 2009?

For trailering, the Larson Cabrio 274 2004 has the edge at 6 lbs dry weight versus 3 735 lbs for the Larson LXi 218 2009. 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 people can each boat hold?

The Larson Cabrio 274 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson LXi 218 2009 is certified for 9. 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 274 2004 measures 102" wide, compared to 99" for the Larson LXi 218 2009. 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 Cabrio 274 2004 or the Larson LXi 218 2009?

The Larson Cabrio 274 2004 has the bigger tank at 85 gallons, versus 34 gallons on the Larson LXi 218 2009. That 51-gallon difference translates to roughly 153–255 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson Cabrio 274 2004 and Larson LXi 218 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Cabrio 274 2004 and the Larson LXi 218 2009 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 274 2004 full specs ← Larson LXi 218 2009 full specs