Larson Cabrio 290 2004 vs Larson SEi 180 LX 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 or the Larson SEi 180 LX 2009?

For trailering, the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 has the edge at 9 lbs dry weight versus 2 365 lbs for the Larson SEi 180 LX 2009. 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: How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson Cabrio 290 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 LX 2009 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 290 2004 measures 114" wide, compared to 93" for the Larson SEi 180 LX 2009. 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 SEi 180 LX 2009?

The Larson SEi 180 LX 2009 has the bigger tank at 23 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the Larson Cabrio 290 2004. That 22-gallon difference translates to roughly 66–110 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 and Larson SEi 180 LX 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 and the Larson SEi 180 LX 2009 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 SEi 180 LX 2009

Larson

Larson Cabrio 290 2004

2004

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Larson

Larson SEi 180 LX 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Cabrio 290 2004 vs Larson SEi 180 LX 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Cabrio 290 2004 vs Larson SEi 180 LX 2009 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.

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 SEi 180 LX 2009 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

ModelCabrio 29

ModelSEi 180 LX

Model Year2004

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam9 ft. 6 in

Beam7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m)

Beam - Meters2.9

Beam - Meters2.36

Beam - Inches114

Beam - Inches93

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise21℃

Draft [max] - Detail28 in

Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (78.7 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.71

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Inches28

Draft [max] - Inches31

Weight - Detail9,000 lbs. apx

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

Weight - kg4082.33

Weight - kg1072.75

Weight - lbs.9

Weight - lbs.2365

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 - Detail17 ft. 6 in. (5.33 m)

Length overall - Meters8.48

Length overall - Meters5.33

Length overall - Inches334

Length overall - Inches21

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters5.33

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet17

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches6

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54

Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06

Fuel tank capacity - Gal1

Fuel tank capacity - Gal23

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

Headroom6 ft. 2 in

Headroomnot available

Water capacity28 gal

Water capacitynot available

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,275 lbs. (578 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people8

Larson Cabrio 290 2004 vs Larson SEi 180 LX 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 or the Larson SEi 180 LX 2009?

For trailering, the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 has the edge at 9 lbs dry weight versus 2 365 lbs for the Larson SEi 180 LX 2009. 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.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson Cabrio 290 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 LX 2009 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 93" for the Larson SEi 180 LX 2009. 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 SEi 180 LX 2009?

The Larson SEi 180 LX 2009 has the bigger tank at 23 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the Larson Cabrio 290 2004. That 22-gallon difference translates to roughly 66–110 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 and Larson SEi 180 LX 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Cabrio 290 2004 and the Larson SEi 180 LX 2009 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 SEi 180 LX 2009 full specs