Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 vs Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 or the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011?

For trailering, the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 has the edge at 245 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 LX 850 Classic 2011 is rated to a maximum of 225 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 LX 850 Classic 2011 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 LX 850 Classic 2011. 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 LX 850 Classic 2011?

The Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 has the bigger tank at 23 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004. That 18-gallon difference translates to roughly 54–90 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 LX 850 Classic 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 and the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 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 LX 850 Classic 2011

Larson

Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004

2004

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Larson

Larson LX 850 Classic 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 vs Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 vs Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 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 225 hp, the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 has a 75-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 LX 850 Classic 2011 carries 23 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 LX 850 Classic 2011 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 LX 850 Classic 2011 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 18,4 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

ModelLX 850 Classic

Model Year2004

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam7 ft. 8 in. (2.33 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches92

Deadrise17℃

Deadrise21°

Draft [max] - Detail28 in

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.71

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Inches28

Draft [max] - Inches31

Weight - Detail1,176 lbs

Weight - Detail2,450 lbs. (1,111 kg) with base engine

Weight - kg533.42

Weight - kg1111.3

Weight - lbs.1176

Weight - lbs.245

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 2 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in. (5.64 m)

Length overall - Meters6.15

Length overall - Meters5.61

Length overall - Inches242

Length overall - Inches221

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet18.42

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel tank capacity - Gal23

Engine max150 HP

Engine max225 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMerCruiser 3.0L WPS

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower135 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity2,200 lbs

Maximum capacity1,150 lbs. (522 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people7

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailLX 3000 DB with swing tongue

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 8 in. (6.9 m)

Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 vs Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 or the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011?

For trailering, the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 has the edge at 245 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 LX 850 Classic 2011 is rated to a maximum of 225 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 LX 850 Classic 2011 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 LX 850 Classic 2011. 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 LX 850 Classic 2011?

The Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 has the bigger tank at 23 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004. 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 O/B 2004 and Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 and the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 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 LX 850 Classic 2011 full specs