Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 vs Larson LXi 238 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 or the Larson LXi 238 2009?

For trailering, the Larson LXi 238 2009 has the edge at 444 lbs dry weight versus 3 125 lbs for the Larson LXi 230 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: How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Larson LXi 238 2009 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 and Larson LXi 238 2009 share an 8 ft. 6 in 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: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 or the Larson LXi 238 2009?

The Larson LXi 238 2009 has the bigger tank at 56 gallons, versus 47 gallons on the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004. That 9-gallon difference translates to roughly 27–45 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 and Larson LXi 238 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 and the Larson LXi 238 2009 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 230 I/O 2004 vs Larson LXi 238 2009

Larson

Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004

2004

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Larson

Larson LXi 238 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 vs Larson LXi 238 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 vs Larson LXi 238 2009 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Larson LXi 238 2009 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 230 I/O 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson LXi 238 2009 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 230 I/O

ModelLXi 238

Model Year2004

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

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 - Detail3,125 lbs

Weight - Detail4,440 lbs. (2,010 kg)

Weight - kg1417.48

Weight - kg2013.95

Weight - lbs.3125

Weight - lbs.444

Length overall - Detail22 ft. 3 in

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

Length overall - Meters6.78

Length overall - Meters7.16

Length overall - Inches267

Length overall - Inches282

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters7.16

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet23

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches6

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail47 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal. (212 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters177.91

Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98

Fuel tank capacity - Gal47

Fuel tank capacity - Gal56

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,950 lbs

Maximum capacity1,500 lbs. (680 kg)

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity12 gal. (45.4 l)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people1

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (75.7 l)

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal2

Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 vs Larson LXi 238 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 or the Larson LXi 238 2009?

For trailering, the Larson LXi 238 2009 has the edge at 444 lbs dry weight versus 3 125 lbs for the Larson LXi 230 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.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Larson LXi 238 2009 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.

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

Both the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 and Larson LXi 238 2009 share an 8 ft. 6 in 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.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 or the Larson LXi 238 2009?

The Larson LXi 238 2009 has the bigger tank at 56 gallons, versus 47 gallons on the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004. That 9-gallon difference translates to roughly 27–45 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 and Larson LXi 238 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson LXi 230 I/O 2004 and the Larson LXi 238 2009 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 230 I/O 2004 full specs ← Larson LXi 238 2009 full specs