Larson Cabrio 274 2005 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 or the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012?

For trailering, the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 has the edge at 6 lbs dry weight versus 444 lbs for the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012. 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: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 has a documented max rating of 26 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson Cabrio 274 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 is certified for 1. 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 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.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 or the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012?

The Larson Cabrio 274 2005 has the bigger tank at 85 gallons, versus 56 gallons on the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012. That 29-gallon difference translates to roughly 87–145 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 and the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 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 2005 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012

Larson

Larson Cabrio 274 2005

2005

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Larson

Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012

2012

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Cabrio 274 2005 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Cabrio 274 2005 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 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.

The Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 tops out at 26 hp. Engine specs for the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 carries 85 gallons versus 56 gallons in the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Larson Cabrio 274 2005 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeLarson

ModelCabrio 274

ModelLXi 238 I/O

Model Year2005

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise18℃

Deadrise22°

Draft [max] - Detail34 in

Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (88.9 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches34

Draft [max] - Inches35

Weight - Detail6,000 lbs. apx

Weight - Detail4,440 lbs. (2,010 kg) with base engine (5.0L)

Weight - kg2721.55

Weight - kg2013.95

Weight - lbs.6

Weight - lbs.444

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 - Detail23 ft. 6 in. (7.16 m)

Length overall - Meters8.53

Length overall - Meters7.16

Length overall - Inches336

Length overall - Inches282

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet23.5

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialComposite

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail85 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal. (212 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters321.76

Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98

Fuel tank capacity - Gal85

Fuel tank capacity - Gal56

Engine makenot available

Engine makeMerCruiser (catalyst compliant) (mandatory in U.S.)

Engine modelnot available

Engine model5.0L MPI EC BIII

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower26

Operational Info

Headroom6 ft. 2 in

Headroomnot available

Water capacity28 gal

Water capacity12 gal. (45.4 l)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,500 lbs. (680 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people1

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)

Larson Cabrio 274 2005 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 or the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012?

For trailering, the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 has the edge at 6 lbs dry weight versus 444 lbs for the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012. 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.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 has a documented max rating of 26 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson Cabrio 274 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 is certified for 1. 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012?

The Larson Cabrio 274 2005 has the bigger tank at 85 gallons, versus 56 gallons on the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012. That 29-gallon difference translates to roughly 87–145 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Cabrio 274 2005 and the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 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 2005 full specs ← Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 full specs