Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 boat specs
Larson
Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005
2005
View full specs →
VS
Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2006 boat specs
Larson
Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2006
2006
View full specs →

Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 vs Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 vs Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2006 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.

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 SEi 180 LX I/O 2006 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 SEi 180 LX I/O 2006 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
MakeLarson
ModelEscape 204 I/O
ModelSEi 180 LX I/O
Model Year2005
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.36
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches93
Deadrise17℃
Deadrise21℃
Draft [max] - Detail29 in
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (78.7 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.74
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Inches29
Draft [max] - Inches31
Weight - Detail3,100 lbs
Weight - Detail2,365 lbs. (1,070 kg)
Weight - kg1406.14
Weight - kg1072.75
Weight - lbs.31
Weight - lbs.2365
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 1 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in. (5.33 m)
Length overall - Meters6.12
Length overall - Meters5.33
Length overall - Inches241
Length overall - Inches21
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters5.33
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet17
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches6
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail5 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters18.93
Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Fuel tank capacity - Gal23
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,550 lbs
Maximum capacity1,275 lbs. (578 kg)
Maximum people11 Persons
Maximum people8
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailSingle-axle EZ loader

Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 vs Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2006 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 or the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2006?
For trailering, the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 has the edge at 31 lbs dry weight versus 2 365 lbs for the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2006. 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 Escape 204 I/O 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2006 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 93" for the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2006. 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 Escape 204 I/O 2005 or the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2006?
The Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2006 has the bigger tank at 23 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005. That 18-gallon difference translates to roughly 54–90 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 and Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 and the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2006 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.