Larson LX 950 I/O 2012 vs Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson LX 950 I/O 2012 or the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004?

For trailering, the Larson LX 950 I/O 2012 has the edge at 27 lbs dry weight versus 2 365 lbs for the Larson SEi 180 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: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Larson LX 950 I/O 2012 tops out at 22 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 950 I/O 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 I/O 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 LX 950 I/O 2012 measures 96" wide, compared to 93" for the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004. 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 950 I/O 2012 or the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004?

The Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 has the bigger tank at 23 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Larson LX 950 I/O 2012. That 20-gallon difference translates to roughly 60–100 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson LX 950 I/O 2012 and Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson LX 950 I/O 2012 and the Larson SEi 180 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 950 I/O 2012 vs Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004

Larson

Larson LX 950 I/O 2012

2012

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Larson

Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson LX 950 I/O 2012 vs Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson LX 950 I/O 2012 vs Larson SEi 180 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 has a 128-hp advantage over the Larson LX 950 I/O 2012's 22-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 SEi 180 I/O 2004 carries 23 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Larson LX 950 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 950 I/O 2012 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 I/O 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 950 I/O 2012 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson LX 950 I/O 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 19,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson SEi 180 I/O 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 950 I/O

ModelSEi 180 I/O

Model Year2012

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. (2.44 m)

Beam7 ft. 9 in

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Meters2.36

Beam - Inches96

Beam - Inches93

Deadrise21°

Deadrise21℃

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

Draft [max] - Detail31 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Inches31

Weight - Detail2,700 lbs. (1,225 kg) with base engine (4.3L)

Weight - Detail2,365 lbs. apx

Weight - kg1224.7

Weight - kg1072.75

Weight - lbs.27

Weight - lbs.2365

Length - Feet19.42

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail19 ft. 5 in. (5.91 m)

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in

Length overall - Meters5.92

Length overall - Meters5.33

Length overall - Inches233

Length overall - Inches21

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 model4.3L MPI EC

Engine modelnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal. (114 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56

Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06

Fuel tank capacity - Gal3

Fuel tank capacity - Gal23

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Horsepower22

Horsepowernot available

Engine maxnot available

Engine max150 HP

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,400 lbs. (635 kg)

Maximum capacity1,275 lbs

Maximum people8

Maximum peoplenot available

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailLX 3400 DB with swing tongue & chrome wheels

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - Length over all23 ft. 3 in. (7.08 m)

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Larson LX 950 I/O 2012 vs Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson LX 950 I/O 2012 or the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004?

For trailering, the Larson LX 950 I/O 2012 has the edge at 27 lbs dry weight versus 2 365 lbs for the Larson SEi 180 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.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Larson LX 950 I/O 2012 tops out at 22 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 950 I/O 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 I/O 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 LX 950 I/O 2012 measures 96" wide, compared to 93" for the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004. 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 950 I/O 2012 or the Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004?

The Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 has the bigger tank at 23 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Larson LX 950 I/O 2012. That 20-gallon difference translates to roughly 60–100 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson LX 950 I/O 2012 and Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson LX 950 I/O 2012 and the Larson SEi 180 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 950 I/O 2012 full specs ← Larson SEi 180 I/O 2004 full specs