The Larson LXi 228 I/O 2008 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 320 hp for the Larson LXi 228 I/O 2008 and 300 hp for the Larson Marine LXi 238 2012. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Larson Marine LXi 238 2012 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Larson LXi 228 I/O 2008 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson Marine LXi 238 2012 could be the deciding factor.