Larson Cabrio 290 2004 vs Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 or the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011?

For trailering, the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 has the edge at 9 lbs dry weight versus 3 735 lbs for the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011. 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 218 I/O 2011 has a documented max rating of 320 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson Cabrio 290 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 is certified for 9. 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 290 2004 measures 114" wide, compared to 99" for the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011. 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 290 2004 or the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011?

The Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 has the bigger tank at 34 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the Larson Cabrio 290 2004. That 33-gallon difference translates to roughly 99–165 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 and Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 and the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 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 290 2004 vs Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011

Larson

Larson Cabrio 290 2004

2004

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Larson

Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Cabrio 290 2004 vs Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Cabrio 290 2004 vs Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 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 218 I/O 2011 tops out at 320 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 LXi 218 I/O 2011 carries 34 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 21,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson Cabrio 290 2004 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

ModelCabrio 29

ModelLXi 218 I/O

Model Year2004

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam9 ft. 6 in

Beam8 ft. 3 in. (2.51 m)

Beam - Meters2.9

Beam - Meters2.51

Beam - Inches114

Beam - Inches99

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise22°

Draft [max] - Detail28 in

Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (83.8 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.71

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Inches28

Draft [max] - Inches33

Weight - Detail9,000 lbs. apx

Weight - Detail3,735 lbs. (1,690 kg) with base engine

Weight - kg4082.33

Weight - kg1694.17

Weight - lbs.9

Weight - lbs.3735

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 - Detail21 ft. 6 in. (6.55 m)

Length overall - Meters8.48

Length overall - Meters6.55

Length overall - Inches334

Length overall - Inches258

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet21.5

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail34 gal. (129 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54

Fuel tank capacity - Liters128.7

Fuel tank capacity - Gal1

Fuel tank capacity - Gal34

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMerCruiser 5.0 MPI

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower260 hp

Engine maxnot available

Engine max320 hp

Operational Info

Headroom6 ft. 2 in

Headroomnot available

Water capacity28 gal

Water capacitynot available

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,450 lbs. (658 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people9

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailLXi 4600 DB with swing tongue

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all27 ft. (8.23 m)

Larson Cabrio 290 2004 vs Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 or the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011?

For trailering, the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 has the edge at 9 lbs dry weight versus 3 735 lbs for the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011. 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 218 I/O 2011 has a documented max rating of 320 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 LXi 218 I/O 2011 is certified for 9. 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 99" for the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011. 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 LXi 218 I/O 2011?

The Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 has the bigger tank at 34 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the Larson Cabrio 290 2004. That 33-gallon difference translates to roughly 99–165 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 and Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 and the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 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 290 2004 full specs ← Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 full specs