When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Larson LX 160 O/B 2013 and the Larson LX 205 S I/O 2013 are deep vee designs with composite construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Larson LX 205 S I/O 2013 measures 21,1 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 4,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Larson LX 160 O/B 2013 at 16,2 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Larson LX 160 O/B 2013 tips the scales at 1 549 lbs — 1 522 lbs more than the Larson LX 205 S I/O 2013 at 27 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.
The Larson LX 160 O/B 2013 carries a rated maximum of 90 hp. Engine data for the Larson LX 205 S I/O 2013 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson LX 160 O/B 2013 carries 19 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Larson LX 205 S I/O 2013. 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 LX 205 S I/O 2013 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson LX 160 O/B 2013 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson LX 205 S I/O 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Larson LX 205 S I/O 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 21,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson LX 160 O/B 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.