Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 vs Larson LXi 208 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 or the Larson LXi 208 2005?

For trailering, the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 3 245 lbs for the Larson LXi 208 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 Escape 234 I/O 2011 has a documented max rating of 320 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson LXi 208 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 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Larson LXi 208 2005 is certified for 6. 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 2011 measures 102" wide, compared to 94" for the Larson LXi 208 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 2011 or the Larson LXi 208 2005?

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 has the bigger tank at 59 gallons, versus 29 gallons on the Larson LXi 208 2005. That 30-gallon difference translates to roughly 90–150 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 and Larson LXi 208 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 and the Larson LXi 208 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 2011 vs Larson LXi 208 2005

Larson

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011

2011

View full specs →

Larson

Larson LXi 208 2005

2005

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 vs Larson LXi 208 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 vs Larson LXi 208 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.

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 carries a rated maximum of 320 hp. Engine data for the Larson LXi 208 2005 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 carries 59 gallons versus 29 gallons in the Larson LXi 208 2005. 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 2011 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Larson LXi 208 2005 caps at 6. 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 2011 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 23,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson LXi 208 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeLarson

ModelEscape 234 I/O

ModelLXi 208

Model Year2011

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam7 ft. 10 in

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.39

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches94

Deadrise16°

Deadrise21°

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91.4 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail33 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Inches36

Draft [max] - Inches33

Weight - Detail4,400 lbs. (2,000 kg) with base engine

Weight - Detail3,245 lbs

Weight - kg1995.8

Weight - kg1471.91

Weight - lbs.44

Weight - lbs.3245

Length - Feet23.58

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 7 in. (7.19 m)

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 9 in

Length overall - Meters7.19

Length overall - Meters6.32

Length overall - Inches283

Length overall - Inches249

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMerCruiser 5.0L MPI BIII

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail59 gal. (223 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail29 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters223.34

Fuel tank capacity - Liters109.78

Fuel tank capacity - Gal59

Fuel tank capacity - Gal29

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Horsepower260 hp

Horsepowernot available

Engine max320 hp

Engine maxnot available

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,900 lbs. (862 kg)

Maximum capacity1,400 lbs

Maximum people12

Maximum peoplenot available

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailESC 5500 DB with swing tongue

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - Length over all28 ft. 7 in. (8.71 m)

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 vs Larson LXi 208 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 or the Larson LXi 208 2005?

For trailering, the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 3 245 lbs for the Larson LXi 208 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 Escape 234 I/O 2011 has a documented max rating of 320 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson LXi 208 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 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Larson LXi 208 2005 is certified for 6. 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 2011 measures 102" wide, compared to 94" for the Larson LXi 208 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 2011 or the Larson LXi 208 2005?

The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 has the bigger tank at 59 gallons, versus 29 gallons on the Larson LXi 208 2005. That 30-gallon difference translates to roughly 90–150 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 and Larson LXi 208 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 and the Larson LXi 208 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 2011 full specs ← Larson LXi 208 2005 full specs