Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Larson LX 205 S I/O 2013 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Larson LX 205 S I/O 2013 against a modified vee Larson LXi 238 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 205 S I/O 2013 at 21,1 ft versus Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 at 23,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 tips the scales at 444 lbs — 417 lbs less 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 tops out at 26 hp. Engine specs for the Larson LX 205 S I/O 2013 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 carries 56 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 caps at 1. 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 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
ModelLX 205 S I/O
ModelLXi 238 I/O
Model Year2013
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. (2.44 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise21°
Deadrise22°
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (79 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (88.9 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Inches31
Draft [max] - Inches35
Weight - Detail2,700 lbs. (1,225 kg) with base engine (4.3L)
Weight - Detail4,440 lbs. (2,010 kg) with base engine (5.0L)
Weight - kg1224.7
Weight - kg2013.95
Weight - lbs.27
Weight - lbs.444
Length - Feet21.08
Length - Feet23.5
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 1 in. (6.42 m)
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 6 in. (7.16 m)
Length overall - Meters6.43
Length overall - Meters7.16
Length overall - Inches253
Length overall - Inches282
Body / Hull
Hull materialComposite
Hull materialComposite
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal. (114 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal. (212 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Fuel tank capacity - Gal56
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeI/O
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMerCruiser (catalyst compliant) (mandatory in U.S.)
Engine modelnot available
Engine model5.0L MPI EC BIII
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower26
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,400 lbs. (635 kg)
Maximum capacity1,500 lbs. (680 kg)
Maximum people8
Maximum people1
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity12 gal. (45.4 l)
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailLX 3000 with swing tongue
Trailer - DetailLXi 5500 DB with swing tongue & chrome wheels
Trailer - Length over all23 ft. 3 in. (7.08 m)
Trailer - Length over all28 ft. 4 in. (8.63 m)