When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Larson LXi 268 I/O 2008 and the Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011 are modified vee designs with fiberglass 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?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011 measures 29,2 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 3,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Larson LXi 268 I/O 2008 at 26,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011 tips the scales at 597 lbs — 556 lbs less than the Larson LXi 268 I/O 2008 at 41 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 420 hp for the Larson LXi 268 I/O 2008 and 430 hp for the Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011. 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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson LXi 268 I/O 2008 carries 56 gallons versus 1 gallons in the Larson LXi 288 I/O 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.