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Boat Mission: A series of premium runabouts with a full complement of standard features, luxurious colors and cockpit materials, and sophisticated engines priced below the range in this market.
Each of the four Larson LXi runabout models receives a number of new, deluxe features for 2006, expanding an already extensive list of standard equipment. The dash and helm are redesigned, each boat offers more stowage space, and new seat and upholstery surfaces restyle the interior.
Larson LXi models are designed to fit into the premium runabout category, but are priced to compete with mid-range runabouts from many other manufacturers. The value of these boats becomes even more apparent when the long list of standard features is considered. For example, the price of each LXi model includes stern-drive power with sophisticated multi-port electronic fuel injection, and every LXi model is sold with a custom EZLoader trailer, now with standard aluminum rims and disc brakes.
Other standard features on all LXi models include a Clarion D3 marine stereo with CD player equipped with Sirius satellite entertainment reception, spring-suspension bucket seats on pedestals, a raw-water rinsing shower on the aft boarding platform, a portable air compressor, docking lights, pull-up cleats, and contoured Comfort Fit bow seating. For 2006, all vinyl materials at treated with SRT stain-and-tear-resistant coating for added durability.
New Interiors
Angular patterns and sculpted shapes backed by molded foam give the new LXi interiors a bold look. The designed is intended to compliment the creased styling of the hull and deck, and the shape of the boarding platform, which comes to a point at the center-line. It’s a dramatic styling cue but also positions the center of the platform out over the drive unit, and makes the corners of the boat shorter so it may be easier to store the boat on its trailer in a garage. The platform is 30 inches deep on center, deep enough to offer plenty of space for lounging and easy dock-side boarding without adding cumbersome length to the boat. A covered four-step stainless steel boarding ladder, fresh-water shower, and wet-gear stowage locker are also incorporated into the transom design.
To ease passage from the boarding platform to the cockpit, each LXi model features a walk-through located to starboard below a flip-up panel of the padded sun deck. The starboard corner of the aft bench seat is mounted on bi-fold hinges and swings away to open a step down from the walk-through to the cockpit.
Interior color accents complement one of five hull stripe colors, including a new metallic teal. A new, thicker Berber snap-in carpeting feels softer underfoot
The bucket seats are a custom design for Larson that combines hard and soft surfaces and a cut-away shape that’s interesting to look at and also functional, as it lets air circulate behind the passenger. Each seat features a flip-up bottom cushion, spring-suspension for a soft ride, and the durability and smooth operation of high quality pedestals and adjustment components.
The redesigned dash panel is blind-mounted to the console, so no fasteners are exposed. The dash features new silver accents and new black-faced, anti-fog Faria instruments. A new sport wheel has a sculpted shape. The entire helm area has the feel of an upscale European automobile.
The bow seating area of each LXi model features new Comfort Fit cushions that are raised in the center to provide support below the knees of passengers reclining on the seats while facing forward. A center filler cushion is standard and also features a raised center section. Stowage below all seats is smooth, finished fiberglass that’s part of the liner and will drain quickly and be easy to keep clean. A new stowage compartment has been added to the walk-through to the bow. There are also a new plastic stowage bins in the engine room, secured to the deck and flanking the engine, that are perfect for stowing a mooring cover or other bulky items.
Other new features include stainless steel cupholders, stainless steel through-hull fittings, and a standard battery shut-off switch.
Technology That Works
Each LXi model features a full, one-piece deck and liner that’s mated to the hull with a shoebox joint secured with adhesive and stainless steel screws. The liner incorporates the boat’s sole, consoles, and aft and bow seat supports. This structure helps limit boat flex in rough conditions and gives the Larson LXi a solid feel on the water. Most stowage compartments have smooth fiberglass liners because they are molded as part of the liner. The LXi 208 and LXi 228 are built on Larson Delta VEC® hulls produced with the exclusive VEC closed-mold process for unmatched durability and precision in construction. The LXi 248 and LXi 268 are too large to be built with Larson’s current VEC equipment, and feature Larson Delta hulls executed in meticulous, hand-laid fiberglass.
The Larson Delta hull design combines a smooth-riding deep-vee profile with 21 degrees of deadrise at the transom with wide, flat chines that promote stability when the boat is at rest and boost on-plane performance.
Options
A low-profile, dark-tinted Sport windshield is offered as an option on the LXi 208 and LXi 228 models. Other options for all Larson LXi models include a Bimini top and other canvas tops and covers, a Clarion six-disc CD changer, a transom-mounted stereo remote, a fresh-water transom shower and Captain’s Call exhaust system.
Larson LXi 208
With an LOA of 20’9”, the LXi 208 is economical to operate and easy to handle around the dock, easy to store, and easy to tow. It features all of the LXi features described above, a carry-on cooler, cockpit courtesy lights, and tilt steering. The Delta VEC hull is backed by a lifetime limited warranty. Base power is a 225-hp Volvo Penta 4.3GXi V6 mated to an SX outdrive. Max power is a 270-hp Volvo Penta 5.0GXi with a twin-prop Duoprop outdrive. MerCruiser sterndrive power from 220 to 260 hp is also offered.
Larson LXi 228
The 22 foot, 6 inch LXi 228 offers more cockpit and bow seating space than the LXi 208, and is offered with up to 320 hp with the optional Volvo Penta 5.7 GXi/DP package. In addition to all the features included on the LXi 208, the LXi 228 includes a three-step bow boarding ladder, stowed below a textured step-panel in the bowpeak. The LXi 228 Delta VEC hull is backed by a lifetime limited warranty. An optional wakeboarding package with a chrome tower, board racks and PerfectPass speed control and a cockpit heater system is offered on the LXi 228.
Larson LXi 248
This big dayboat features a smooth-riding 24 foot, 7 inch hull. New U-shaped seating is standard in the aft cockpit, which includes both a wetbar and an enclosed head compartment and portable toilet. A new opening port improved ventilation in the head. The wetbar has a new Corian countertop over a console with a sink, dedicated stowage for a 25-quart portable cooler and a lift-up cutting board top. The on-board water tank holds 12.5 gallons and also feeds the transom shower.
Stereo speakers in the LXi 248 cockpit are located in the inwale panels behind automotive-type speaker fabric, and so are hidden from view. A four-step boarding ladder is located below a hatch in the bow peak.
The LXi 248 features a custom-laid fiberglass hull and a lifetime limited warranty marine-grade ply stringer grid encapsulated with fiberglass. The hull is backed by a five-year limited warranty. Base power is a 270-hp Volvo Penta 5.0GXi V8 sterndrive. Max power is a 375-hp Volvo Penta 8.1 Gl/DP package. MerCruiser sterndrive engine options range from 260 to 375 hp.
Larson LXi 268
The 26’8” Larson LXi 268 offers big-water comfort and an expansive cockpit that’s ready to accommodate the largest families or an entire dinner party of adults. The bow seating area measures more than five feet at its maximum in both length and width and its seating area is 20 inches deep. Minimum depth in the main cockpit is more than 18 inches, a new U-shaped seating design is now standard on the Lxi 268.
A roomy head compartment in the port console features an easy-to-clean vinyl sole, a wide hatch for easy access, and a robust latch designed to limit hatch rattles when the boat is underway. A portable toilet is standard. A vented port has been added for 2006.
The entertainment console is topped with a new Corian counter and features dedicated stowage for a 25-quart portable cooler, and a sink and waste basket under a lift-up cutting board. All other LXi features are standard, including the bow boarding ladder, portable air compressor, Clarion stereo with Sirius satellite service, and a custom EZLoader trailer.
A hand-laid fiberglass hull is backed by a five-year lifetime limited warranty. Base power for the LXi 268 is a 270-hp Volvo Penta 5.0GXi/DP package with Duoprop outdrive. A 420-hp 8.1GXi/DP is the max power option. MerCruiser power from 260 to 375 hp is also available.
Larson is a registered trademark of Larson Boats or its subsidiaries. VEC is a registered trademark of VEC Industries, L.L.C.
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Larson Boats, A Genmar Company
700 Paul Larson Memorial Dr., Little Falls, MN 56345
(800) 452-4834
www.larsonboats.com
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