Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 vs Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 or the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012?

For trailering, the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 has the edge at 31 lbs dry weight versus 178 lbs for the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012. 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 LX 860 SF O/B 2012 has a documented max rating of 150 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson Escape 204 I/O 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 Escape 204 I/O 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 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 Escape 204 I/O 2005 measures 102" wide, compared to 94" for the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 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 Escape 204 I/O 2005 and Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 5 gallons and 3 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 Escape 204 I/O 2005 and Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 and the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 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 Escape 204 I/O 2005 vs Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012

Larson

Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005

2005

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Larson

Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012

2012

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 vs Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 vs Larson LX 860 SF O/B 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 LX 860 SF O/B 2012 tops out at 150 hp. Engine specs for the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 5 gal and 3 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 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

ModelEscape 204 I/O

ModelLX 860 SF O/B

Model Year2005

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam7 ft. 10 in. (2.39 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.39

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches94

Deadrise17℃

Deadrise21°

Draft [max] - Detail29 in

Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (79 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.74

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Inches29

Draft [max] - Inches31

Weight - Detail3,100 lbs

Weight - Detail1,780 lbs. (807 kg)

Weight - kg1406.14

Weight - kg807.39

Weight - lbs.31

Weight - lbs.178

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 1 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 6 in. (5.64 m)

Length overall - Meters6.12

Length overall - Meters5.64

Length overall - Inches241

Length overall - Inches222

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet18.5

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialComposite

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail5 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal. (114 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters18.93

Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel tank capacity - Gal3

Engine makenot available

Engine makeMercury

Engine modelnot available

Engine model90ELPT Optimax

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Engine maxnot available

Engine max150 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,550 lbs

Maximum capacity1,850 lbs. (839 kg)

Maximum people11 Persons

Maximum people8 / 1,200 lbs

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailLX 3000 with swing tongue

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all25 ft. 1 in. (7.64 m)

Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 vs Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 or the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012?

For trailering, the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 has the edge at 31 lbs dry weight versus 178 lbs for the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012. 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 LX 860 SF O/B 2012 has a documented max rating of 150 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson Escape 204 I/O 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 Escape 204 I/O 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 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 Escape 204 I/O 2005 measures 102" wide, compared to 94" for the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 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 Escape 204 I/O 2005 and Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 5 gallons and 3 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 Escape 204 I/O 2005 and Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 and the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 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 Escape 204 I/O 2005 full specs ← Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 full specs