Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 vs Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 or the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012?

For trailering, the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 has the edge at 182 lbs dry weight versus 1 176 lbs for the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004. 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: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 is rated to a maximum of 175 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 tops out at 150 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 is certified for 7. 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 O/B 2004 measures 102" wide, compared to 92" for the Larson FX 1850 DC 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: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 or the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012?

The Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 has the bigger tank at 35 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004. That 30-gallon difference translates to roughly 90–150 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 and Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 and the Larson FX 1850 DC 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 O/B 2004 vs Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012

Larson

Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004

2004

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Larson

Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012

2012

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 vs Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 vs Larson FX 1850 DC 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 175 hp, the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 has a 25-hp advantage over the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004's 150-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 FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 carries 35 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004. 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 FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 18,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeLarson

ModelEscape 204 O/B

ModelFX 1850 DC O/B

Model Year2004

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam7 ft. 8 in. (2.39 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches92

Deadrise17℃

Deadrise21°

Draft [max] - Detail28 in

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.71

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches28

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail1,176 lbs

Weight - Detail1,820 lbs. (819 kg)

Weight - kg533.42

Weight - kg825.54

Weight - lbs.1176

Weight - lbs.182

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 2 in

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

Length overall - Meters6.15

Length overall - Meters5.64

Length overall - Inches242

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 - Detail50 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal. (128 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel tank capacity - Gal35

Engine max150 HP

Engine max175 hp

Engine makenot available

Engine makeMercury

Engine modelnot available

Engine model90ELPT Optimax

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity2,200 lbs

Maximum capacity1,850 lbs. (839 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people7 / 1,200 lbs

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailCustom color matched FX 3000 DB with swing tongue & chrome wheels

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 8 in. (6.6 m)

Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 vs Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 or the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012?

For trailering, the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 has the edge at 182 lbs dry weight versus 1 176 lbs for the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004. 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.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 is rated to a maximum of 175 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 tops out at 150 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 is certified for 7. 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 O/B 2004 measures 102" wide, compared to 92" for the Larson FX 1850 DC 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.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 or the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012?

The Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 has the bigger tank at 35 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004. That 30-gallon difference translates to roughly 90–150 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 and Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 and the Larson FX 1850 DC 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 O/B 2004 full specs ← Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 full specs