Both the Larson LX 860 O/B 2012 and the Larson SEi 180 Ski Fish I/O 2007 are modified-V designs, the first built in composite and the second in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Larson LX 860 O/B 2012 at 18,5 ft versus Larson SEi 180 Ski Fish I/O 2007 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Larson SEi 180 Ski Fish I/O 2007 tips the scales at 2 650 lbs - 870 lbs less than the Larson LX 860 O/B 2012 at 1 780 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 Ski Fish I/O 2007 has a 75-hp advantage over the Larson LX 860 O/B 2012's 150-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 LX 860 O/B 2012 carries 30 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Larson SEi 180 Ski Fish I/O 2007. 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 860 O/B 2012 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 Ski Fish I/O 2007 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 860 O/B 2012 could be the deciding factor.