Larson LXi 228 2005 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson LXi 228 2005 or the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012?

For trailering, the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 has the edge at 444 lbs dry weight versus 3 495 lbs for the Larson LXi 228 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 has a documented max rating of 26 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson LXi 228 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 LXi 228 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 10 passengers, while the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 is certified for 1. 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 measures 102" wide, compared to 99" for the Larson LXi 228 2005. 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 LXi 228 2005 or the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012?

The Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 has the bigger tank at 56 gallons, versus 35 gallons on the Larson LXi 228 2005. That 21-gallon difference translates to roughly 63–105 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson LXi 228 2005 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson LXi 228 2005 and the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 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 LXi 228 2005 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012

Larson

Larson LXi 228 2005

2005

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Larson

Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012

2012

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson LXi 228 2005 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson LXi 228 2005 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 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.

The Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 tops out at 26 hp. Engine specs for the Larson LXi 228 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 carries 56 gallons versus 35 gallons in the Larson LXi 228 2005. 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 LXi 228 2005 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson LXi 228 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson LXi 228 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 10 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeLarson

ModelLXi 228

ModelLXi 238 I/O

Model Year2005

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 3 in

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.51

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches99

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise21℃

Deadrise22°

Draft [max] - Detail33 in

Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (88.9 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches33

Draft [max] - Inches35

Weight - Detail3,495 lbs

Weight - Detail4,440 lbs. (2,010 kg) with base engine (5.0L)

Weight - kg1585.3

Weight - kg2013.95

Weight - lbs.3495

Weight - lbs.444

Length overall - Detail22 ft. 6 in

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 6 in. (7.16 m)

Length overall - Meters6.86

Length overall - Meters7.16

Length overall - Inches27

Length overall - Inches282

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet23.5

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialComposite

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal. (212 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49

Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98

Fuel tank capacity - Gal35

Fuel tank capacity - Gal56

Engine makenot available

Engine makeMerCruiser (catalyst compliant) (mandatory in U.S.)

Engine modelnot available

Engine model5.0L MPI EC BIII

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower26

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,500 lbs

Maximum capacity1,500 lbs. (680 kg)

Maximum people10 Persons

Maximum people1

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity12 gal. (45.4 l)

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailLXi 5500 DB with swing tongue & chrome wheels

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all28 ft. 4 in. (8.63 m)

Larson LXi 228 2005 vs Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson LXi 228 2005 or the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012?

For trailering, the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 has the edge at 444 lbs dry weight versus 3 495 lbs for the Larson LXi 228 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 has a documented max rating of 26 hp. Engine specifications for the Larson LXi 228 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 LXi 228 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 10 passengers, while the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 is certified for 1. 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 measures 102" wide, compared to 99" for the Larson LXi 228 2005. 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 LXi 228 2005 or the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012?

The Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 has the bigger tank at 56 gallons, versus 35 gallons on the Larson LXi 228 2005. That 21-gallon difference translates to roughly 63–105 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson LXi 228 2005 and Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson LXi 228 2005 and the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 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 LXi 228 2005 full specs ← Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 full specs