Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 vs Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 or the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004?

For trailering, the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 has the edge at 182 lbs dry weight versus 2 365 lbs for the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004. 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: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 is rated to a maximum of 175 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 tops out at 150 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 is certified for 5. 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 SEi 180 I/O 2004 measures 93" wide, compared to 92" for the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 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 FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 or the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004?

The Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 has the bigger tank at 35 gallons, versus 23 gallons on the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004. That 12-gallon difference translates to roughly 36–60 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 and Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 and the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 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 FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 vs Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004

Larson

Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012

2012

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Larson

Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 vs Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 vs Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 175 hp, the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 has a 25-hp advantage over the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 carries 35 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004. 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 FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 18,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeLarson

ModelFX 1850 DC O/B

ModelSEi 180 I/O

Model Year2012

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam7 ft. 8 in. (2.39 m)

Beam7 ft. 9 in

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Meters2.36

Beam - Inches92

Beam - Inches93

Deadrise21°

Deadrise21℃

Weight - Detail1,820 lbs. (819 kg)

Weight - Detail2,365 lbs. apx

Weight - kg825.54

Weight - kg1072.75

Weight - lbs.182

Weight - lbs.2365

Length - Feet18.5

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 6 in. (5.64 m)

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in

Length overall - Meters5.64

Length overall - Meters5.33

Length overall - Inches222

Length overall - Inches21

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail31 in

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches31

Body / Hull

Hull materialComposite

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeMercury

Engine makenot available

Engine model90ELPT Optimax

Engine modelnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal. (128 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49

Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06

Fuel tank capacity - Gal35

Fuel tank capacity - Gal23

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max175 hp

Engine max150 HP

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,850 lbs. (839 kg)

Maximum capacity1,275 lbs

Maximum people7 / 1,200 lbs

Maximum peoplenot available

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailCustom color matched FX 3000 DB with swing tongue & chrome wheels

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 8 in. (6.6 m)

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 vs Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 or the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004?

For trailering, the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 has the edge at 182 lbs dry weight versus 2 365 lbs for the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004. 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.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 is rated to a maximum of 175 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 tops out at 150 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 is certified for 5. 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 SEi 180 I/O 2004 measures 93" wide, compared to 92" for the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 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 FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 or the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004?

The Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 has the bigger tank at 35 gallons, versus 23 gallons on the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004. That 12-gallon difference translates to roughly 36–60 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 and Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 and the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 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 FX 1850 DC O/B 2012 full specs ← Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 full specs