Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 vs Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 or the Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013?

For trailering, the Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 has the edge at 2 179 lbs dry weight versus 3 895 lbs for the Larson Escape 234 I/O 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: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 has a documented max rating of 150 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 is certified for 8. 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 234 I/O 2004 measures 102" wide, compared to 94" for the Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013. 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 234 I/O 2004 or the Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013?

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 has the bigger tank at 58 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013. That 55-gallon difference translates to roughly 165–275 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 and Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 and the Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 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 234 I/O 2004 vs Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013

Larson

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004

2004

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Larson

Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013

2013

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 vs Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 vs Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 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 Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 tops out at 150 hp. Engine specs for the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 carries 58 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013. 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 180 S O/B 2013 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 18,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeLarson

ModelEscape 234 I/O

ModelLX 180 S O/B

Model Year2004

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam7 ft. 10 in. (2.39 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.39

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches94

Deadrise16℃

Deadrise21°

Draft [max] - Detail33 in

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Inches33

Draft [max] - Inches31

Weight - Detail3,895 lbs

Weight - Detail2,179 lbs. (988 kg) with Mercury 115 4S

Weight - kg1766.74

Weight - kg988.38

Weight - lbs.3895

Weight - lbs.2179

Height - DetailBridge clearance: 5 ft. 11 in

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters1.8

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches71

Height - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 3 in

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

Length overall - Meters7.09

Length overall - Meters5.64

Length overall - Inches279

Length overall - Inches222

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet18.5

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialComposite

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail58 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal. (114 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters219.55

Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56

Fuel tank capacity - Gal58

Fuel tank capacity - Gal3

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Engine maxnot available

Engine max150 hp

Operational Info

Water capacity5 gal

Water capacitynot available

Maximum capacity2,250 lbs

Maximum capacity1,850 lbs. (839 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people8

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailLX 3400 with swing tongue

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all25 ft. 1 in. (7.64 m)

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 vs Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 or the Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013?

For trailering, the Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 has the edge at 2 179 lbs dry weight versus 3 895 lbs for the Larson Escape 234 I/O 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.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 has a documented max rating of 150 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 is certified for 8. 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 234 I/O 2004 measures 102" wide, compared to 94" for the Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013. 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 234 I/O 2004 or the Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013?

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 has the bigger tank at 58 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013. That 55-gallon difference translates to roughly 165–275 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 and Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 and the Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 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 234 I/O 2004 full specs ← Larson LX 180 S O/B 2013 full specs