Larson Cabrio 290 2004 boat specs
Larson
Larson Cabrio 290 2004
2004
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VS
Larson Cabrio 857 2012 boat specs
Larson
Larson Cabrio 857 2012
2012
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Larson Cabrio 290 2004 vs Larson Cabrio 857 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Cabrio 290 2004 vs Larson Cabrio 857 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 Cabrio 857 2012 tops out at 3 hp. Engine specs for the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson Cabrio 857 2012 carries 84 gallons versus 1 gallons in the Larson Cabrio 290 2004. 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 290 2004 and Larson Cabrio 857 2012 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeLarson
MakeLarson
ModelCabrio 29
ModelCabrio 857
Model Year2004
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 6 in
Beam8 ft. 10 in. (2.69 m)
Beam - Meters2.9
Beam - Meters2.69
Beam - Inches114
Beam - Inches106
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise20°
Draft [max] - Detail28 in
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91.4 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.71
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches28
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail9,000 lbs. apx
Weight - Detail6,650 lbs. (3,016 kg)
Weight - kg4082.33
Weight - kg3016.39
Weight - lbs.9
Weight - lbs.665
Height - DetailBridge clearance with Arch: 7 ft. 1 in. Bridge clearance without Arch: 8 ft. 6 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters2.59
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches102
Height - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 10 in
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 1 in. (8.57 m) with pulpit
Length overall - Meters8.48
Length overall - Meters8.56
Length overall - Inches334
Length overall - Inches337
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Detail9 ft. 2 in. (2.8 m) with arch 7 ft. 10 in. (2.39 m) without arch
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.79
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches11
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet28.08
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialComposite
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail84 gal. (318 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54
Fuel tank capacity - Liters317.97
Fuel tank capacity - Gal1
Fuel tank capacity - Gal84
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMerCruiser (catalyst complaint) (mandatory in U.S.)
Engine modelnot available
Engine model350 Mag MPI EC BIII
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower3
Operational Info
Headroom6 ft. 2 in
Headroom6 ft. 3 in. (1.91 m) in cabin
Water capacity28 gal
Water capacity19 gal. (72 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail12 gal. (45 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters45.42
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal12

Larson Cabrio 290 2004 vs Larson Cabrio 857 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 or the Larson Cabrio 857 2012?
For trailering, the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 has the edge at 9 lbs dry weight versus 665 lbs for the Larson Cabrio 857 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 Cabrio 857 2012 has a documented max rating of 3 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 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 290 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson Cabrio 857 2012 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 290 2004 measures 114" wide, compared to 106" for the Larson Cabrio 857 2012. 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 290 2004 or the Larson Cabrio 857 2012?
The Larson Cabrio 857 2012 has the bigger tank at 84 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the Larson Cabrio 290 2004. That 83-gallon difference translates to roughly 249–415 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 and Larson Cabrio 857 2012 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 and the Larson Cabrio 857 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.