Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 vs Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 or the Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008?

The Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 is the longer of the two at 24,0 feet overall. The Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 comes in at 23,5 feet, making it roughly 0,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 or the Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008?

For trailering, the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 has the edge at 444 lbs dry weight versus 3 805 lbs for the Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008. 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 LXi 248 I/O 2008 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 tops out at 26 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 1 passengers, while the Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 is certified for 12. 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 238 I/O 2012 and Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 and Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 56 gallons and 56 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 and Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 and the Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 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 238 I/O 2012 vs Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008

Larson

Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012

2012

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Larson

Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 vs Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 and the Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 are modified vee designs with composite construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 at 23,5 ft versus Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 at 24,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 tips the scales at 3 805 lbs — 3 361 lbs less than the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 at 444 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 375 hp, the Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 has a 349-hp advantage over the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012's 26-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 56 gal and 56 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 is rated for 12 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 248 I/O 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 24,0 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 238 I/O

ModelLXi 248 I/O

Model Year2012

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise22°

Deadrise21℃

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

Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (85 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inches34

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

Weight - Detail3,805 lbs. (1,726 kg)

Weight - kg2013.95

Weight - kg1725.92

Weight - lbs.444

Weight - lbs.3805

Length - Feet23.5

Length - Feet24

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

Length overall - Detail24 ft. 7 in. (7.53 m)

Length overall - Meters7.16

Length overall - Meters7.49

Length overall - Inches282

Length overall - Inches295

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters7.53

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches7

Body / Hull

Hull materialComposite

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

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

Engine makenot available

Engine model5.0L MPI EC BIII

Engine modelnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal. (212 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98

Fuel tank capacity - Gal56

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Drive typeInboard/Outboard

Horsepower26

Horsepowernot available

Engine maxnot available

Engine max375 hp

Operational Info

Water capacity12 gal. (45.4 l)

Water capacity12.5 gal. (47 l)

Maximum capacity1,500 lbs. (680 kg)

Maximum capacity1,650 lbs. (748 kg)

Maximum people1

Maximum people12

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailLXi 5500 DB with swing tongue & chrome wheels

Trailer - Detailnot available

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

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 vs Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 or the Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008?

The Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 is the longer of the two at 24,0 feet overall. The Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 comes in at 23,5 feet, making it roughly 0,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 or the Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008?

For trailering, the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 has the edge at 444 lbs dry weight versus 3 805 lbs for the Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008. 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 LXi 248 I/O 2008 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 tops out at 26 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 1 passengers, while the Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 is certified for 12. 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 238 I/O 2012 and Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 and Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 56 gallons and 56 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 LXi 238 I/O 2012 and Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Larson LXi 238 I/O 2012 and the Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 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 238 I/O 2012 full specs ← Larson LXi 248 I/O 2008 full specs