Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 vs Larson Marine LXi 238 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 or the Larson Marine LXi 238 2012?

The Larson Marine LXi 238 2012 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 comes in at 18,4 feet, making it roughly 4,6 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Larson Marine LXi 238 2012 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 tops out at 135 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

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 Marine LXi 238 2012 is certified for 7. 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: Are the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 and Larson Marine LXi 238 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 and the Larson Marine LXi 238 2012 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 Marine LXi 238 2012

Larson

Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012

2012

View full specs →

Larson

Larson Marine LXi 238 2012

2012

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 vs Larson Marine LXi 238 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 vs Larson Marine LXi 238 2012 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the Larson Marine LXi 238 2012 has a 165-hp advantage over the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012's 135-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 7 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Larson Marine LXi 238 2012 at 23,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 at 18,4 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.

General Boat Info

MakeLarson

Makenot available

ModelLX 850 Classic SF I/O

Modelnot available

Model Year2012

Model Yearnot available

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam7 ft. 8 in. (2.33 m)

Beamnot available

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Metersnot available

Beam - Inches92

Beam - Inchesnot available

Deadrise21°

Deadrisenot available

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

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches31

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

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

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg1111.3

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.245

Weight - lbs.not available

Length - Feet18.42

Length - Feet23

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

Length overall - Detail23.00 ft

Length overall - Meters5.61

Length overall - Meters7.01

Length overall - Inches221

Length overall - Inches276

Body / Hull

Hull materialComposite

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

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

Engine makeMercruiser

Engine model3.0L MPI EC

Engine modelnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail19 gal. (72 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters71.92

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal19

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Drive typeinboard

Horsepower135

Horsepower300 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,150 lbs. (522 kg)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people7

Maximum peoplenot available

Boat typenot available

Boat typePower

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 Marine LXi 238 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 or the Larson Marine LXi 238 2012?

The Larson Marine LXi 238 2012 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 comes in at 18,4 feet, making it roughly 4,6 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Larson Marine LXi 238 2012 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 tops out at 135 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

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 Marine LXi 238 2012 is certified for 7. 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.

Are the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 and Larson Marine LXi 238 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson LX 850 Classic SF I/O 2012 and the Larson Marine LXi 238 2012 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 Marine LXi 238 2012 full specs