Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 vs Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 or the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008?

For trailering, the Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 has the edge at 1 785 lbs dry weight versus 2 365 lbs for the Larson SEi 180 LX 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 SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 tops out at 175 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 SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 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.

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

Both the Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 and Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 share an 7 ft. 9 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 SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 or the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008?

The Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 has the bigger tank at 29 gallons, versus 23 gallons on the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008. That 6-gallon difference translates to roughly 18–30 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 and Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 and the Larson SEi 180 LX 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 SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 vs Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008

Larson

Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005

2005

View full specs →

Larson

Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 vs Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 vs Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 225 hp, the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 has a 50-hp advantage over the Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005's 175-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 carries 29 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008. 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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 and its 225-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 with its 175-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeLarson

ModelSEi 180 Fish Series O/B

ModelSEi 180 LX I/O

Model Year2005

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam7 ft. 9 in.

Beam7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m)

Beam - Meters2.36

Beam - Inches93

Deadrise21℃

Draft [max] - Detail33 in. max.

Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (78.7 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Inches33

Draft [max] - Inches31

Weight - Detail1,785 lbs. apx.

Weight - Detail2,365 lbs. (1,072 kg)

Weight - kg809.66

Weight - kg1072.75

Weight - lbs.1785

Weight - lbs.2365

Height [transom]20 in.

Height [transom]not available

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 6 in.

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in. (5.33 m)

Length overall - Meters5.64

Length overall - Meters5.33

Length overall - Inches222

Length overall - Inches210

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters5.33

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet17

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches6

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail29 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters109.78

Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06

Fuel tank capacity - Gal29

Fuel tank capacity - Gal23

Engine max175 HP

Engine max225 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo Penta 3.0 GL

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,880 lbs.

Maximum capacity1,275 lbs. (578 kg)

Maximum people8 Persons

Maximum people8

Performance

Maximum speednot available

Maximum speed41-43 mph

Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 vs Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 or the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008?

For trailering, the Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 has the edge at 1 785 lbs dry weight versus 2 365 lbs for the Larson SEi 180 LX 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 SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 tops out at 175 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 SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 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 SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 and Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 share an 7 ft. 9 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 SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 or the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008?

The Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 has the bigger tank at 29 gallons, versus 23 gallons on the Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008. That 6-gallon difference translates to roughly 18–30 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 and Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Larson SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 and the Larson SEi 180 LX 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 SEi 180 Fish Series O/B 2005 full specs ← Larson SEi 180 LX I/O 2008 full specs