Matching a deep vee Larson LX 160 O/B 2013 against a modified vee Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 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 LX 160 O/B 2013 at 16,2 ft versus Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 at 18,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Larson LX 160 O/B 2013 tips the scales at 1 549 lbs — 1 304 lbs more than the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 at 245 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 135 hp, the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 has a 45-hp advantage over the Larson LX 160 O/B 2013's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 19 gal and 19 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 is rated for 7 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 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 18,4 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.