Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Larson LXi 268 2005 vs Larson LXi 270 I/O 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Larson LXi 268 2005 vs Larson LXi 270 I/O 2004 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 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.
Bottom line: The Larson LXi 268 2005 and Larson LXi 270 I/O 2004 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
ModelLXi 268
ModelLXi 270 I/O
Model Year2005
Model Year2004
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise24℃
Draft [max] - Detail34 in
Draft [max] - Detail38 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters0.97
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inches38
Weight - Detail4,100 lbs
Weight - Detail4,800 lbs
Weight - kg1859.73
Weight - kg2177.24
Weight - lbs.41
Weight - lbs.48
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Meters8.13
Length overall - Meters8.03
Length overall - Inches32
Length overall - Inches316
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail97 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98
Fuel tank capacity - Liters367.18
Fuel tank capacity - Gal56
Fuel tank capacity - Gal97
Larson LXi 268 2005 vs Larson LXi 270 I/O 2004 — Common Questions
Which is easier to trailer — the Larson LXi 268 2005 or the Larson LXi 270 I/O 2004?
For trailering, the Larson LXi 268 2005 has the edge at 41 lbs dry weight versus 48 lbs for the Larson LXi 270 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 268 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson LXi 270 I/O 2004 is certified for 8. 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 268 2005 and Larson LXi 270 I/O 2004 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 268 2005 or the Larson LXi 270 I/O 2004?
The Larson LXi 270 I/O 2004 has the bigger tank at 97 gallons, versus 56 gallons on the Larson LXi 268 2005. That 41-gallon difference translates to roughly 123–205 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Larson LXi 268 2005 and Larson LXi 270 I/O 2004 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Larson LXi 268 2005 and the Larson LXi 270 I/O 2004 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.