Matching a deep vee Larson LX 185 S I/O 2013 against a modified vee Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2007 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 185 S I/O 2013 at 18,7 ft versus Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2007 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2007 tips the scales at 2 365 lbs — 2 161 lbs less than the Larson LX 185 S I/O 2013 at 204 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 225 hp, the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2007 has a 90-hp advantage over the Larson LX 185 S I/O 2013's 135-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 SEi 180 LX I/O 2007 carries 23 gallons versus 19 gallons in the Larson LX 185 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 SEi 180 LX I/O 2007 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson LX 185 S I/O 2013 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson LX 185 S I/O 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.