Larson Escape 204 2009 vs Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 204 2009 or the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005?

For trailering, the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 has the edge at 31 lbs dry weight versus 31 lbs for the Larson Escape 204 2009. 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: How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson Escape 204 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 is certified for 11. 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Larson Escape 204 2009 and Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Larson Escape 204 2009 and Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 5 gallons and 5 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Larson Escape 204 2009 and Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 204 2009 and the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 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 2009 vs Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005

Larson

Larson Escape 204 2009

2009

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Larson

Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005

2005

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Escape 204 2009 vs Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Escape 204 2009 vs Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 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.

Both boats are rated for 11 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Larson Escape 204 2009 and Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeLarson

ModelEscape 204

ModelEscape 204 I/O

Model Year2009

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise17℃

Draft [max] - Detail29 in. (73.7 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail29 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.74

Draft [max] - Inches29

Weight - Detail3,100 lbs. (1,406 kg)

Weight - Detail3,100 lbs

Weight - kg1406.14

Weight - lbs.31

Length - Meters6.1

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet2

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches1

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 1 in. (6.1 m)

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 1 in

Length overall - Meters6.12

Length overall - Inches241

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail5 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Liters18.93

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Operational Info

Water capacity5 gal. (19 l)

Water capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,550 lbs. (703 kg)

Maximum capacity1,550 lbs

Maximum people11

Maximum people11 Persons

Larson Escape 204 2009 vs Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 204 2009 or the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005?

For trailering, the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 has the edge at 31 lbs dry weight versus 31 lbs for the Larson Escape 204 2009. 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 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 is certified for 11. 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Larson Escape 204 2009 and Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Larson Escape 204 2009 and Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 5 gallons and 5 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Larson Escape 204 2009 and Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 204 2009 and the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 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 2009 full specs ← Larson Escape 204 I/O 2005 full specs