Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 vs Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 or the Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011?

For trailering, the Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011 has the edge at 597 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 288 I/O 2011 has a documented max rating of 430 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 288 I/O 2011 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 LXi 288 I/O 2011 measures 108" wide, compared to 102" for the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005. 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 LXi 288 I/O 2011?

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 has the bigger tank at 58 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011. That 57-gallon difference translates to roughly 171–285 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 LXi 288 I/O 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 and the Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011 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 288 I/O 2011

Larson

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005

2005

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Larson

Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 vs Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 vs Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011 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 288 I/O 2011 tops out at 430 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 1 gallons in the Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011. 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 LXi 288 I/O 2011 caps at 8. 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 288 I/O 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeLarson

ModelEscape 234 I/O

ModelLXi 288 I/O

Model Year2005

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam9 ft. (2.74 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.74

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches108

Deadrise16℃

Deadrise24°

Draft [max] - Detail33 in

Draft [max] - Detail39 in. (99.1 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inches33

Draft [max] - Inches39

Weight - Detail3,895 lbs

Weight - Detail5,970 lbs. (2,687 kg) with base engine

Weight - kg1766.74

Weight - kg2707.94

Weight - lbs.3895

Weight - lbs.597

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 - Detail29 ft. 2 in. (8.89 m)

Length overall - Meters7.09

Length overall - Meters8.89

Length overall - Inches279

Length overall - Inches35

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet29.17

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail58 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal. (379 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters219.55

Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54

Fuel tank capacity - Gal58

Fuel tank capacity - Gal1

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMerCruiser 350 Mag MPI BIII

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower300 hp

Engine maxnot available

Engine max430 hp

Operational Info

Water capacity5 gal

Water capacity20 gal. (75.7 l)

Maximum capacity2,250 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people14 Persons

Maximum peoplenot available

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail12.5 gal. (47 l)

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters49.21

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal12.5

Trailer Info

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all34 ft. 9 in. (10.59 m)

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 vs Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 or the Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011?

For trailering, the Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011 has the edge at 597 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 288 I/O 2011 has a documented max rating of 430 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 288 I/O 2011 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 LXi 288 I/O 2011 measures 108" wide, compared to 102" for the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005. 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 LXi 288 I/O 2011?

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 has the bigger tank at 58 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011. That 57-gallon difference translates to roughly 171–285 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 and Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2005 and the Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011 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 288 I/O 2011 full specs