Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 vs Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 or the Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012?

For trailering, the Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012 has the edge at 245 lbs dry weight versus 3 895 lbs for the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005. 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 850 Classic I/O 2012 has a documented max rating of 135 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 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 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012 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 234 I/O 2005 measures 102" wide, compared to 92" for the Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012. 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 2005 or the Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012?

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 has the bigger tank at 58 gallons, versus 19 gallons on the Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012. That 39-gallon difference translates to roughly 117–195 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 and Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 and the Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012 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 2005 vs Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012

Larson

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005

2005

View full specs →

Larson

Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012

2012

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 vs Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 vs Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012 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 850 Classic I/O 2012 tops out at 135 hp. Engine specs for the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 carries 58 gallons versus 19 gallons in the Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012. 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 Escape 234 I/O 2005 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 14 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012 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 850 Classic I/O

Model Year2005

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam7 ft. 8 in. (2.33 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches92

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 - Detail2,450 lbs. (1,111 kg) with base engine (3.0L)

Weight - kg1766.74

Weight - kg1111.3

Weight - lbs.3895

Weight - lbs.245

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. 5 in. (5.64 m)

Length overall - Meters7.09

Length overall - Meters5.61

Length overall - Inches279

Length overall - Inches221

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet18.42

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialComposite

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail58 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail19 gal. (72 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters219.55

Fuel tank capacity - Liters71.92

Fuel tank capacity - Gal58

Fuel tank capacity - Gal19

Engine makenot available

Engine makeMerCruiser (catalyst compliant) (mandatory in U.S.)

Engine modelnot available

Engine model3.0L MPI EC

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower135

Operational Info

Water capacity5 gal

Water capacitynot available

Maximum capacity2,250 lbs

Maximum capacity1,150 lbs. (522 kg)

Maximum people14 Persons

Maximum people7

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailLX 3000 DB with swing tongue & chrome wheels

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 4 in. (6.9 m)

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 vs Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 or the Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012?

For trailering, the Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012 has the edge at 245 lbs dry weight versus 3 895 lbs for the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005. 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 850 Classic I/O 2012 has a documented max rating of 135 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 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 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012 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 234 I/O 2005 measures 102" wide, compared to 92" for the Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012. 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 2005 or the Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012?

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 has the bigger tank at 58 gallons, versus 19 gallons on the Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012. That 39-gallon difference translates to roughly 117–195 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 and Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 and the Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012 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 2005 full specs ← Larson LX 850 Classic I/O 2012 full specs