Both the Larson Cabrio 290 2009 and the Larson Escape 254 2008 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Larson Cabrio 290 2009 at 27,0 ft versus Larson Escape 254 2008 at 25,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Larson Cabrio 290 2009 tips the scales at 9 000 lbs - 4 350 lbs more than the Larson Escape 254 2008 at 4 650 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.