Larson Cabrio 274 2005 boat specs
Larson
Larson Cabrio 274 2005
2005
View full specs →
VS
Larson Escape 254 2009 boat specs
Larson
Larson Escape 254 2009
2009
View full specs →

Larson Cabrio 274 2005 vs Larson Escape 254 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Cabrio 274 2005 vs Larson Escape 254 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 Escape 254 2009 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson Escape 254 2009 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson Escape 254 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 25,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson Cabrio 274 2005 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
MakeLarson
ModelCabrio 274
ModelEscape 254
Model Year2005
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise16℃
Draft [max] - Detail34 in
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91.4 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail6,000 lbs. apx
Weight - Detail4,650 lbs. (2,110 kg)
Weight - kg2721.55
Weight - kg2109.2
Weight - lbs.6
Weight - lbs.465
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 - Detail25 ft. 1 in. (7.65 m)
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Meters7.65
Length overall - Inches336
Length overall - Inches301
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters7.65
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet25
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches1
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail85 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail59 gal. (223 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters321.76
Fuel tank capacity - Liters223.34
Fuel tank capacity - Gal85
Fuel tank capacity - Gal59
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 capacity2,100 lbs. (953 kg)
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people12

Larson Cabrio 274 2005 vs Larson Escape 254 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 or the Larson Escape 254 2009?
For trailering, the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 has the edge at 6 lbs dry weight versus 465 lbs for the Larson Escape 254 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 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson Escape 254 2009 is certified for 12. 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.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 and Larson Escape 254 2009 share an 8 ft. 6 in 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 274 2005 or the Larson Escape 254 2009?
The Larson Cabrio 274 2005 has the bigger tank at 85 gallons, versus 59 gallons on the Larson Escape 254 2009. That 26-gallon difference translates to roughly 78–130 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 and Larson Escape 254 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 and the Larson Escape 254 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.