Larson Cabrio 290 2005 vs Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 or the Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012?

For trailering, the Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012 has the edge at 4 750 lbs dry weight versus 9 000 lbs for the Larson Cabrio 290 2005. 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 258 I/O 2012 has a documented max rating of 300 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 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 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012 is certified for 12. 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 2005 measures 114" wide, compared to 102" for the Larson LXi 258 I/O 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.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 or the Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012?

The Larson Cabrio 290 2005 has the bigger tank at 100 gallons, versus 56 gallons on the Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012. That 44-gallon difference translates to roughly 132–220 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 and Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 and the Larson LXi 258 I/O 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.

Boat Comparison

Larson Cabrio 290 2005 vs Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012

Larson

Larson Cabrio 290 2005

2005

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Larson

Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012

2012

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Cabrio 290 2005 vs Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Cabrio 290 2005 vs Larson LXi 258 I/O 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 LXi 258 I/O 2012 tops out at 300 hp. Engine specs for the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 carries 100 gallons versus 56 gallons in the Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012. 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 258 I/O 2012 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 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 258 I/O 2012 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 12 passengers and at 25,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson Cabrio 290 2005 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 290

ModelLXi 258 I/O

Model Year2005

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam9 ft. 6 in.

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.9

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches114

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise22°

Draft [max] - Detail28 in.

Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (88.9 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.71

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches28

Draft [max] - Inches35

Weight - Detail9,000 lbs. apx.

Weight - Detail4,750 lbs. (2,150 kg) with base engine (5.0L)

Weight - kg4082.33

Weight - kg2154.56

Weight - lbs.9000

Weight - lbs.4750

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 - Detail25 ft. 6 in. (7.77 m)

Length overall - Meters8.48

Length overall - Meters7.77

Length overall - Inches334

Length overall - Inches306

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet25.5

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialComposite

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal. (212 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54

Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98

Fuel tank capacity - Gal100

Fuel tank capacity - Gal56

Engine makenot available

Engine makeMerCruiser (mandatory in U.S.)

Engine modelnot available

Engine model350 Mag MPI EC BIII

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower300

Operational Info

Headroom6 ft. 2 in.

Headroomnot available

Water capacity28 gal.

Water capacity12 gal. (45.4 l)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,850 lbs. (840 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people12

Trailer Info

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all30 ft. 7 in. (9.32 m)

Larson Cabrio 290 2005 vs Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 or the Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012?

For trailering, the Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012 has the edge at 4 750 lbs dry weight versus 9 000 lbs for the Larson Cabrio 290 2005. 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 258 I/O 2012 has a documented max rating of 300 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 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 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012 is certified for 12. 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 2005 measures 114" wide, compared to 102" for the Larson LXi 258 I/O 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 2005 or the Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012?

The Larson Cabrio 290 2005 has the bigger tank at 100 gallons, versus 56 gallons on the Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012. That 44-gallon difference translates to roughly 132–220 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 and Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 and the Larson LXi 258 I/O 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.

← Larson Cabrio 290 2005 full specs ← Larson LXi 258 I/O 2012 full specs