Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Larson Escape 204 I/O 2011 vs Larson LX 185 S I/O 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a modified vee Larson Escape 204 I/O 2011 against a deep vee Larson LX 185 S I/O 2013 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Larson Escape 204 I/O 2011 at 20,5 ft versus Larson LX 185 S I/O 2013 at 18,7 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Larson LX 185 S I/O 2013 tips the scales at 204 lbs — 201 lbs less than the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2011 at 3 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 270 hp, the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2011 has a 135-hp advantage over the Larson LX 185 S I/O 2013's 135-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson LX 185 S I/O 2013 carries 19 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2011. 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 LX 185 S I/O 2013 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2011 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson LX 185 S I/O 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Larson LX 185 S I/O 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 18,7 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson Escape 204 I/O 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
ModelEscape 204 I/O
ModelLX 185 S I/O
Model Year2011
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam7 ft. 4 in. (2.24 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.24
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches88
Deadrise17°
Deadrise21°
Draft [max] - Detail29 in. (73.7 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (79 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.74
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Inches29
Draft [max] - Inches31
Weight - Detail3,000 lbs. (1,350 kg) with base engine
Weight - Detail2,040 lbs. (925 kg) with base engine (3.0L)
Weight - kg1360.78
Weight - kg925.33
Weight - lbs.3
Weight - lbs.204
Length - Feet20.5
Length - Feet18.67
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 6 in. (6.1 m)
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 8 in. (5.96 m)
Length overall - Meters6.25
Length overall - Meters5.69
Length overall - Inches246
Length overall - Inches224
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialComposite
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMerCruiser 4.3L
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail19 gal. (72 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Liters71.92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Fuel tank capacity - Gal19
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Horsepower190 hp
Horsepower135
Engine max270 hp
Engine maxnot available
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMerCruiser Catalyst Compliant (mandatory in U.S.)
Engine modelnot available
Engine model3.0 MPI EC
Operational Info
Water capacity5 gal. (19 l)
Water capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,400 lbs. (635 kg)
Maximum capacity1,100 lbs. (499 kg)
Maximum people1
Maximum people7
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailESC 4000 DB with swing tongue
Trailer - DetailLX 3000 DB with swing tongue & chrome wheels
Trailer - Length over all25 ft. 9 in. (7.84 m)
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 4 in. (6.5 m)