Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 vs Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 or the Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004?

For trailering, the Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004 has the edge at 15 lbs dry weight versus 245 lbs for the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011. 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: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004 tops out at 150 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 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004 is certified for 5. 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 SEi 180 O/B 2004 measures 93" wide, compared to 92" for the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011. 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 and Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 23 gallons and 23 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 and Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 and the Larson SEi 180 O/B 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 2011 vs Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004

Larson

Larson LX 850 Classic 2011

2011

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Larson

Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 vs Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 vs Larson SEi 180 O/B 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 225 hp, the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 has a 75-hp advantage over the Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 23 gal and 23 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 2011 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 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 SEi 180 O/B 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeLarson

ModelLX 850 Classic

ModelSEi 180 O/B

Model Year2011

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam7 ft. 8 in. (2.33 m)

Beam7 ft. 9 in

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Meters2.36

Beam - Inches92

Beam - Inches93

Deadrise21°

Deadrise21℃

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

Draft [max] - Detail30 in. max

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Meters0.76

Draft [max] - Inches31

Draft [max] - Inches3

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

Weight - Detail1,500 lbs. apx

Weight - kg1111.3

Weight - kg680.39

Weight - lbs.245

Weight - lbs.15

Length - Feet18.42

Length - Feetnot available

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

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in

Length overall - Meters5.61

Length overall - Meters5.33

Length overall - Inches221

Length overall - Inches21

Height [transom]not available

Height [transom]20 in

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMerCruiser 3.0L WPS

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06

Fuel tank capacity - Gal23

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Horsepower135 hp

Horsepowernot available

Engine max225 hp

Engine max150 HP

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,150 lbs. (522 kg)

Maximum capacity1,475 lbs

Maximum people7

Maximum peoplenot available

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailLX 3000 DB with swing tongue

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 8 in. (6.9 m)

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 vs Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 or the Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004?

For trailering, the Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004 has the edge at 15 lbs dry weight versus 245 lbs for the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011. 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.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004 tops out at 150 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 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004 is certified for 5. 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 SEi 180 O/B 2004 measures 93" wide, compared to 92" for the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011. 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 and Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 23 gallons and 23 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 and Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson LX 850 Classic 2011 and the Larson SEi 180 O/B 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 2011 full specs ← Larson SEi 180 O/B 2004 full specs