Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Larson Cabrio 274 2011 vs Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Larson Cabrio 274 2011 against a modified vee Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 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 274 2011 measures 28,0 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 9,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 at 18,4 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 tips the scales at 245 lbs — 239 lbs less than the Larson Cabrio 274 2011 at 6 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 400 hp, the Larson Cabrio 274 2011 has a 175-hp advantage over the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011's 225-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 274 2011 carries 85 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011. 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 2011 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson Cabrio 274 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Larson Cabrio 274 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 28,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
ModelCabrio 274
ModelLX 850 Classic
Model Year2011
Model Year2011
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. 2 in. (2.13 m) without arch 9 ft. (2.74 m) with arch
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.74
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches108
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Deadrise18°
Deadrise21°
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (86.4 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (79 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inches31
Weight - Detail6,000 lbs. (2,722 kg)
Weight - Detail2,450 lbs. (1,111 kg) with base engine
Weight - kg2721.55
Weight - kg1111.3
Weight - lbs.6
Weight - lbs.245
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet18.42
Length overall - Detail28 ft. (8.53 m) with pulpit
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in. (5.64 m)
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Meters5.61
Length overall - Inches336
Length overall - Inches221
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMerCruiser 350 Mag MPI BIII
Engine/s standardMerCruiser 3.0L WPS
Fuel tank capacity - Detail85 gal. (322 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters321.76
Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06
Fuel tank capacity - Gal85
Fuel tank capacity - Gal23
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Horsepower300 hp
Horsepower135 hp
Engine max400 hp
Engine max225 hp
Operational Info
Water capacity28 gal. (106 l)
Water capacitynot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters105.99
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal28
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,150 lbs. (522 kg)
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people7
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailLX 3000 DB with swing tongue
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 8 in. (6.9 m)