Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 vs Larson LXi 208 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 or the Larson LXi 208 2005?

For trailering, the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 has the edge at 1 780 lbs dry weight versus 3 245 lbs for the Larson LXi 208 2005. 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 860 SF O/B 2012 has a documented max rating of 150 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson LXi 208 2005 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 860 SF O/B 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson LXi 208 2005 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 and Larson LXi 208 2005 share an 7 ft. 10 in. (2.39 m) beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 and Larson LXi 208 2005?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 30 gallons and 29 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 860 SF O/B 2012 and Larson LXi 208 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 and the Larson LXi 208 2005 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 860 SF O/B 2012 vs Larson LXi 208 2005

Larson

Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012

2012

View full specs →

Larson

Larson LXi 208 2005

2005

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 vs Larson LXi 208 2005: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 vs Larson LXi 208 2005 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 860 SF O/B 2012 carries a rated maximum of 150 hp. Engine data for the Larson LXi 208 2005 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 30 gal and 29 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson LXi 208 2005 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 SF O/B 2012 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 8 passengers and at 18,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson LXi 208 2005 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 860 SF O/B

ModelLXi 208

Model Year2012

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam7 ft. 10 in. (2.39 m)

Beam7 ft. 10 in.

Beam - Meters2.39

Beam - Inches94

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 - Detail1,780 lbs. (807 kg)

Weight - Detail3,245 lbs.

Weight - kg807.39

Weight - kg1471.91

Weight - lbs.1780

Weight - lbs.3245

Length - Feet18.5

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 6 in. (5.64 m)

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 9 in.

Length overall - Meters5.64

Length overall - Meters6.32

Length overall - Inches222

Length overall - Inches249

Body / Hull

Hull materialComposite

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeMercury

Engine makenot available

Engine model90ELPT Optimax

Engine modelnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal. (114 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail29 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56

Fuel tank capacity - Liters109.78

Fuel tank capacity - Gal30

Fuel tank capacity - Gal29

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max150 hp

Engine maxnot available

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,850 lbs. (839 kg)

Maximum capacity1,400 lbs.

Maximum people8 / 1,200 lbs.

Maximum peoplenot available

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailLX 3000 with swing tongue

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - Length over all25 ft. 1 in. (7.64 m)

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 vs Larson LXi 208 2005 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 or the Larson LXi 208 2005?

For trailering, the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 has the edge at 1 780 lbs dry weight versus 3 245 lbs for the Larson LXi 208 2005. 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 860 SF O/B 2012 has a documented max rating of 150 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson LXi 208 2005 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 860 SF O/B 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson LXi 208 2005 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 and Larson LXi 208 2005 share an 7 ft. 10 in. (2.39 m) beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 and Larson LXi 208 2005?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 30 gallons and 29 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 860 SF O/B 2012 and Larson LXi 208 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Larson LX 860 SF O/B 2012 and the Larson LXi 208 2005 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 860 SF O/B 2012 full specs ← Larson LXi 208 2005 full specs