Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 vs Larson LXi 248 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 or the Larson LXi 248 2005?

For trailering, the Larson LXi 248 2005 has the edge at 3 805 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: How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Larson LXi 248 2005 is certified for 12. 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 234 I/O 2004 and Larson LXi 248 2005 share an 8 ft. 6 in 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 234 I/O 2004 and Larson LXi 248 2005?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 58 gallons and 56 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 234 I/O 2004 and Larson LXi 248 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 and the Larson LXi 248 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 234 I/O 2004 vs Larson LXi 248 2005

Larson

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004

2004

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Larson

Larson LXi 248 2005

2005

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 vs Larson LXi 248 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 vs Larson LXi 248 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Larson LXi 248 2005 is rated for 12 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 LXi 248 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson LXi 248 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 0,0 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

ModelLXi 248

Model Year2004

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise16℃

Deadrise21℃

Draft [max] - Detail33 in

Draft [max] - Detail34 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Inches33

Draft [max] - Inches34

Weight - Detail3,895 lbs

Weight - Detail3,805 lbs

Weight - kg1766.74

Weight - kg1725.92

Weight - lbs.3895

Weight - lbs.3805

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 - Detail24 ft. 7 in

Length overall - Meters7.09

Length overall - Meters7.49

Length overall - Inches279

Length overall - Inches295

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail58 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters219.55

Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98

Fuel tank capacity - Gal58

Fuel tank capacity - Gal56

Operational Info

Water capacity5 gal

Water capacitynot available

Maximum capacity2,250 lbs

Maximum capacity1,650 lbs

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people12 Persons

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 vs Larson LXi 248 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 or the Larson LXi 248 2005?

For trailering, the Larson LXi 248 2005 has the edge at 3 805 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.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Larson LXi 248 2005 is certified for 12. 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 234 I/O 2004 and Larson LXi 248 2005 share an 8 ft. 6 in 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 234 I/O 2004 and Larson LXi 248 2005?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 58 gallons and 56 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 234 I/O 2004 and Larson LXi 248 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2004 and the Larson LXi 248 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 234 I/O 2004 full specs ← Larson LXi 248 2005 full specs