Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 vs Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 or the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004?

For trailering, the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 has the edge at 2 450 lbs dry weight versus 3 125 lbs for the Larson LXi 230 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: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 has a documented max rating of 135 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 were not available in our database - check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 is certified for 6. 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 LXi 230 I/O 2004 measures 102" wide, compared to 92" for the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 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 LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 or the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004?

The Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 has the bigger tank at 47 gallons, versus 19 gallons on the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012. That 28-gallon difference translates to roughly 84–140 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 and Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 and the Larson LXi 230 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 LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 vs Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004

Larson

Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012

2012

View full specs →

Larson

Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 vs Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 vs Larson LXi 230 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 Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 carries a rated maximum of 135 hp. Engine data for the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 carries 47 gallons versus 19 gallons in the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012. 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 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 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 LXi 230 I/O 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeLarson

ModelLX 850 Classic SF I/O

ModelLXi 230 I/O

Model Year2012

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam7 ft. 8 in. (2.33 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in.

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches92

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise21°

Deadrise21℃

Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (79 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail33 in.

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Inches31

Draft [max] - Inches33

Weight - Detail2,450 lbs. (1,111 kg) with base engine (3.0L)

Weight - Detail3,125 lbs.

Weight - kg1111.3

Weight - kg1417.48

Weight - lbs.2450

Weight - lbs.3125

Length - Feet18.42

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in. (5.64 m)

Length overall - Detail22 ft. 3 in.

Length overall - Meters5.61

Length overall - Meters6.78

Length overall - Inches221

Length overall - Inches267

Body / Hull

Hull materialComposite

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeMerCruiser (catalyst compliant) (mandatory in U.S.)

Engine makenot available

Engine model3.0L MPI EC

Engine modelnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail19 gal. (72 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail47 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters71.92

Fuel tank capacity - Liters177.91

Fuel tank capacity - Gal19

Fuel tank capacity - Gal47

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Horsepower135

Horsepowernot available

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,150 lbs. (522 kg)

Maximum capacity1,950 lbs.

Maximum people7

Maximum peoplenot available

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailLX 3000 DB with swing tongue & chrome wheels

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 4 in. (6.9 m)

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 vs Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 or the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004?

For trailering, the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 has the edge at 2 450 lbs dry weight versus 3 125 lbs for the Larson LXi 230 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.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 has a documented max rating of 135 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 were not available in our database - check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 is certified for 6. 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 LXi 230 I/O 2004 measures 102" wide, compared to 92" for the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 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 LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 or the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004?

The Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 has the bigger tank at 47 gallons, versus 19 gallons on the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012. That 28-gallon difference translates to roughly 84–140 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 and Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 and the Larson LXi 230 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 LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 full specs ← Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 full specs