Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 or the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012?

For trailering, the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 has the edge at 444 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 has a documented max rating of 26 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 is certified for 1. 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 2005 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 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 2005 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012?

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 2005 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 and the Larson LXi 238 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012

Larson

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005

2005

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Larson

Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012

2012

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 vs Larson LXi 238 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 tops out at 26 hp. Engine specs for the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 58 gal and 56 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 caps at 1. 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeLarson

ModelEscape 234 I/O

ModelLXi 238 I/O

Model Year2005

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise16℃

Deadrise22°

Draft [max] - Detail33 in

Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (88.9 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches33

Draft [max] - Inches35

Weight - Detail3,895 lbs

Weight - Detail4,440 lbs. (2,010 kg) with base engine (5.0L)

Weight - kg1766.74

Weight - kg2013.95

Weight - lbs.3895

Weight - lbs.444

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 - Detail23 ft. 6 in. (7.16 m)

Length overall - Meters7.09

Length overall - Meters7.16

Length overall - Inches279

Length overall - Inches282

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet23.5

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialComposite

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail58 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal. (212 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters219.55

Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98

Fuel tank capacity - Gal58

Fuel tank capacity - Gal56

Engine makenot available

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

Engine modelnot available

Engine model5.0L MPI EC BIII

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower26

Operational Info

Water capacity5 gal

Water capacity12 gal. (45.4 l)

Maximum capacity2,250 lbs

Maximum capacity1,500 lbs. (680 kg)

Maximum people14 Persons

Maximum people1

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailLXi 5500 DB with swing tongue & chrome wheels

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all28 ft. 4 in. (8.63 m)

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 or the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012?

For trailering, the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 has the edge at 444 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 has a documented max rating of 26 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 is certified for 1. 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 2005 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 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 2005 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012?

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 2005 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 and the Larson LXi 238 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 full specs