Larson Cabrio 274 2011 vs Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Larson Cabrio 274 2011 or the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008?

The Larson Cabrio 274 2011 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 11,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Cabrio 274 2011 or the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008?

For trailering, the Larson Cabrio 274 2011 has the edge at 6 lbs dry weight versus 2 365 lbs for the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008. 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: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Larson Cabrio 274 2011 is rated to a maximum of 400 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 tops out at 225 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson Cabrio 274 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 is certified for 8. 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 2011 measures 102" wide, compared to 93" for the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008. 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 2011 or the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008?

The Larson Cabrio 274 2011 has the bigger tank at 85 gallons, versus 23 gallons on the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008. That 62-gallon difference translates to roughly 186–310 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson Cabrio 274 2011 and Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Cabrio 274 2011 and the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 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 2011 vs Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008

Larson

Larson Cabrio 274 2011

2011

View full specs →

Larson

Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Cabrio 274 2011 vs Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Larson Cabrio 274 2011 against a modified vee Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 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 11,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 at 17,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 tips the scales at 2 365 lbs — 2 359 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 SEi 180 LX I/O 2008'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 SEi 180 LX I/O 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Larson Cabrio 274 2011 at 28,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 at 17,0 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 274

ModelSEi 180 LX I/O

Model Year2011

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.36

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches93

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. (78.7 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Inches34

Draft [max] - Inches31

Weight - Detail6,000 lbs. (2,722 kg)

Weight - Detail2,365 lbs. (1,072 kg)

Weight - kg2721.55

Weight - kg1072.75

Weight - lbs.6

Weight - lbs.2365

Length - Feet28

Length - Feet17

Length overall - Detail28 ft. (8.53 m) with pulpit

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in. (5.33 m)

Length overall - Meters8.53

Length overall - Meters5.33

Length overall - Inches336

Length overall - Inches21

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters5.33

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches6

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMerCruiser 350 Mag MPI BIII

Engine/s standardVolvo Penta 3.0 GL

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

Horsepower300 hp

Horsepowernot available

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 capacity1,275 lbs. (578 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people8

Performance

Maximum speednot available

Maximum speed41-43 mph

Larson Cabrio 274 2011 vs Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Larson Cabrio 274 2011 or the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008?

The Larson Cabrio 274 2011 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 11,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Cabrio 274 2011 or the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008?

For trailering, the Larson Cabrio 274 2011 has the edge at 6 lbs dry weight versus 2 365 lbs for the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008. 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.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Larson Cabrio 274 2011 is rated to a maximum of 400 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 tops out at 225 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson Cabrio 274 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 is certified for 8. 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 2011 measures 102" wide, compared to 93" for the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008. 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 2011 or the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008?

The Larson Cabrio 274 2011 has the bigger tank at 85 gallons, versus 23 gallons on the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008. That 62-gallon difference translates to roughly 186–310 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson Cabrio 274 2011 and Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Cabrio 274 2011 and the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 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 2011 full specs ← Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 full specs