Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 vs Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 or the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011?

For trailering, the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 has the edge at 1 176 lbs dry weight versus 3 735 lbs for the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011. 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 LXi 218 I/O 2011 is rated to a maximum of 320 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 LXi 218 I/O 2011 is certified for 9. 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 99" for the Larson LXi 218 I/O 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 LXi 218 I/O 2011?

The Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 has the bigger tank at 34 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004. That 29-gallon difference translates to roughly 87–145 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 LXi 218 I/O 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 and the Larson LXi 218 I/O 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 LXi 218 I/O 2011

Larson

Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004

2004

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Larson

Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 vs Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 vs Larson LXi 218 I/O 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 320 hp, the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 has a 170-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 LXi 218 I/O 2011 carries 34 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 LXi 218 I/O 2011 is rated for 9 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 LXi 218 I/O 2011 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 21,5 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

ModelLXi 218 I/O

Model Year2004

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam8 ft. 3 in. (2.51 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.51

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches99

Deadrise17℃

Deadrise22°

Draft [max] - Detail28 in

Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (83.8 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.71

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Inches28

Draft [max] - Inches33

Weight - Detail1,176 lbs

Weight - Detail3,735 lbs. (1,690 kg) with base engine

Weight - kg533.42

Weight - kg1694.17

Weight - lbs.1176

Weight - lbs.3735

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 2 in

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 6 in. (6.55 m)

Length overall - Meters6.15

Length overall - Meters6.55

Length overall - Inches242

Length overall - Inches258

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet21.5

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail34 gal. (129 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Liters128.7

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel tank capacity - Gal34

Engine max150 HP

Engine max320 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMerCruiser 5.0 MPI

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower260 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity2,200 lbs

Maximum capacity1,450 lbs. (658 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people9

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailLXi 4600 DB with swing tongue

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all27 ft. (8.23 m)

Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 vs Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 or the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011?

For trailering, the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 has the edge at 1 176 lbs dry weight versus 3 735 lbs for the Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011. 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 LXi 218 I/O 2011 is rated to a maximum of 320 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 LXi 218 I/O 2011 is certified for 9. 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 99" for the Larson LXi 218 I/O 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 LXi 218 I/O 2011?

The Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 has the bigger tank at 34 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004. That 29-gallon difference translates to roughly 87–145 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 and Larson LXi 218 I/O 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 204 O/B 2004 and the Larson LXi 218 I/O 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 LXi 218 I/O 2011 full specs