Larson Escape 234 2008 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Larson Escape 234 2008 or the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013?

The Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 is the longer of the two at 23,5 feet overall. The Larson Escape 234 2008 comes in at 23,0 feet, making it roughly 0,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 234 2008 or the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013?

For trailering, the Larson Escape 234 2008 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 444 lbs for the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013. 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 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 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 2008 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) 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 2008 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 59 gallons and 57 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 2008 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 234 2008 and the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 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 2008 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013

Larson

Larson Escape 234 2008

2008

View full specs →

Larson

Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013

2013

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson Escape 234 2008 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Larson Escape 234 2008 against a deep vee Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Larson Escape 234 2008 at 23,0 ft versus Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 at 23,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 tips the scales at 444 lbs — 400 lbs less than the Larson Escape 234 2008 at 44 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Larson Escape 234 2008 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 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 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson Escape 234 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 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

ModelLXi 238 I/O

Model Year2008

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise16℃

Deadrise22°

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

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches36

Draft [max] - Inches35

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

Weight - Detail4,440 lbs. (2,014 kg) with base engine (5.0L)

Weight - kg1995.8

Weight - kg2013.95

Weight - lbs.44

Weight - lbs.444

Length - Meters7.19

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet23

Length - Feet23.5

Length - Inches7

Length - Inchesnot available

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

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 6 in. (7.16 m)

Length overall - Meters7.19

Length overall - Meters7.16

Length overall - Inches283

Length overall - Inches282

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialComposite

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail59 gal. (223 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail57 gal. (216 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters223.34

Fuel tank capacity - Liters215.77

Fuel tank capacity - Gal59

Fuel tank capacity - Gal57

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeInboard/Outboard

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,900 lbs. (862 kg)

Maximum capacity1,500 lbs. (680 kg)

Maximum people12

Maximum people1

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity12 gal. (45.4 l)

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailLXi 5500 DB with swing tongue, chrome wheels & diamond plated fenders

Trailer - Length over allnot available

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

Larson Escape 234 2008 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Larson Escape 234 2008 or the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013?

The Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 is the longer of the two at 23,5 feet overall. The Larson Escape 234 2008 comes in at 23,0 feet, making it roughly 0,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson Escape 234 2008 or the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013?

For trailering, the Larson Escape 234 2008 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 444 lbs for the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013. 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 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 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 2008 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) 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 2008 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 59 gallons and 57 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 2008 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson Escape 234 2008 and the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 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 2008 full specs ← Larson LXi 238 I/O 2013 full specs