Larson Cabrio 290 2005 vs Larson LXi 288 I/O 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 or the Larson LXi 288 I/O 2012?

For trailering, the Larson LXi 288 I/O 2012 has the edge at 5 970 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 288 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 288 I/O 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.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Larson Cabrio 290 2005 measures 114" wide, compared to 108" for the Larson LXi 288 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 and Larson LXi 288 I/O 2012?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 100 gallons and 100 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 and Larson LXi 288 I/O 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 and the Larson LXi 288 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 288 I/O 2012

Larson

Larson Cabrio 290 2005

2005

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Larson

Larson LXi 288 I/O 2012

2012

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Cabrio 290 2005 vs Larson LXi 288 I/O 2012: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Cabrio 290 2005 vs Larson LXi 288 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 288 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.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 100 gal and 100 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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 2005 and Larson LXi 288 I/O 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

ModelCabrio 290

ModelLXi 288 I/O

Model Year2005

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam9 ft. 6 in.

Beam9 ft. (2.74 m)

Beam - Meters2.9

Beam - Meters2.74

Beam - Inches114

Beam - Inches108

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise24°

Draft [max] - Detail28 in.

Draft [max] - Detail39 in. (99.1 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.71

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inches28

Draft [max] - Inches39

Weight - Detail9,000 lbs. apx.

Weight - Detail5,970 lbs. (2,687 kg) with base engine (5.0L)

Weight - kg4082.33

Weight - kg2707.94

Weight - lbs.9000

Weight - lbs.5970

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 - Detail29 ft. 2 in. (8.69 m)

Length overall - Meters8.48

Length overall - Meters8.89

Length overall - Inches334

Length overall - Inches350

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet29.17

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialComposite

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal. (379 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54

Fuel tank capacity - Gal100

Engine makenot available

Engine makeMerCruiser (catalyst compliant) (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 capacity20 gal. (75.7 l)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,850 lbs. (840 kg)

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail12.5 gal. (47 l)

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters49.21

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal12.5

Trailer Info

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all34 ft. 9 in. (10.59 m)

Larson Cabrio 290 2005 vs Larson LXi 288 I/O 2012 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 or the Larson LXi 288 I/O 2012?

For trailering, the Larson LXi 288 I/O 2012 has the edge at 5 970 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 288 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 288 I/O 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 2005 measures 114" wide, compared to 108" for the Larson LXi 288 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 and Larson LXi 288 I/O 2012?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 100 gallons and 100 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 and Larson LXi 288 I/O 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Larson Cabrio 290 2005 and the Larson LXi 288 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 288 I/O 2012 full specs