Larson SEi 180 Sport 2005 boat specs
Larson
Larson SEi 180 Sport 2005
2005
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VS
Larson SEi 180 Sport I/O 2006 boat specs
Larson
Larson SEi 180 Sport I/O 2006
2006
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Larson SEi 180 Sport 2005 vs Larson SEi 180 Sport I/O 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Larson SEi 180 Sport 2005 vs Larson SEi 180 Sport I/O 2006 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 SEi 180 Sport 2005 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 Sport I/O 2006 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson SEi 180 Sport 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Larson SEi 180 Sport 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson SEi 180 Sport I/O 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeLarson
MakeLarson
ModelSEi 180 Sport
ModelSEi 180 Sport I/O
Model Year2005
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam7 ft. 9 in
Beam7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m)
Beam - Meters2.36
Beam - Meters2.36
Beam - Inches93
Beam - Inches93
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise21℃
Draft [max] - Detail31 in
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (78.7 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Inches31
Draft [max] - Inches31
Weight - Detail2,365 lbs. apx
Weight - Detail2,365 lbs. (1,072 kg)
Weight - kg1072.75
Weight - kg1072.75
Weight - lbs.2365
Weight - lbs.2365
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in. (5.33 m)
Length overall - Meters5.33
Length overall - Meters5.33
Length overall - Inches21
Length overall - Inches21
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters5.33
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet17
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches6
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06
Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06
Fuel tank capacity - Gal23
Fuel tank capacity - Gal23
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,275 lbs
Maximum capacity1,275 lbs. (578 kg)
Maximum people8 Persons
Maximum peoplenot available
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailSingle-axle EZ Loader

Larson SEi 180 Sport 2005 vs Larson SEi 180 Sport I/O 2006 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Larson SEi 180 Sport 2005 or the Larson SEi 180 Sport I/O 2006?
For trailering, the Larson SEi 180 Sport I/O 2006 has the edge at 2 365 lbs dry weight versus 2 365 lbs for the Larson SEi 180 Sport 2005. 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 SEi 180 Sport 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Larson SEi 180 Sport I/O 2006 is certified for 5. 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 Sport 2005 and Larson SEi 180 Sport I/O 2006 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.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Larson SEi 180 Sport 2005 and Larson SEi 180 Sport I/O 2006?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 23 gallons and 23 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 SEi 180 Sport 2005 and Larson SEi 180 Sport I/O 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Larson SEi 180 Sport 2005 and the Larson SEi 180 Sport I/O 2006 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.