Larson LX 205s Review

The name Larson Boats has always been tied to high performance and forward-looking designs. Ever since Paul Larson began building wooden boats to support his Johnson outboard motor dealership in the early 1920s, the Larson name has been synonymous with on-water fun.

Stretching a hair over 21 feet in length, Larson’s LX 205s is a sporty bowrider that really makes the most of the company’s performance heritage – and its patented VEC performance hull design. Larson’s proprietary process creates unique, composite hulls that are said to be stronger and lighter that standard fibreglass. Further, VEC is said to be among the greenest boat manufacturing processes in use today – to the point Larson’s VEC was awarded the prestigious Clean Air Excellence Award from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The LX 205s has a spacious extended swim platform with a padded non-skid finish and retractable boarding ladder to starboard.

Approaching the LX 205s from the dock, it’s clear this is a boat made for family fun. The large extended swim platform with padded non-skid finish and chrome ski tow ring call out to the water skiers and wakeboarders in the crowd; with the cavernous ski locker located in the main cockpit floor, the LX 205s is clearly designed with water sports in mind. Its hull is reinforced to accept an optional wakeboard tower, while a standard three-step retractable boarding ladder on the swim platform makes it easier to climb back aboard after a turn on the skis.

The aft transom features a generous, wide sunpad that’s the perfect spot to dry off after a dip. Lifting a small tab allows the sunpad to flip up, providing welcome back support when you prefer to sit rather than lounge.

Although the wakeboard tower is an optional feature, it is hard to imagine many boats will be sold without it.

Under that sunpad you’ll find one of several engine choices from MerCruiser. The standard 190 horsepower 4.3L V6 has plenty of grunt, but for those who want some extra zip available V6 and V8 options up to a 260-horsepower 5.0L let you easily personalize the LX to your own liking.

A transom walk-through leads to the main cockpit, which is dominated by a generously proportioned transom seat with cavernous storage beneath. A pair of high-back recliners with armrests for the driver and navigator swivel to create a private conversation area in the main cockpit. Or, pop in the removable pedestal-mount table with integral beverage holders and you have the perfect lunch spot. Because dropped hot dogs don’t always land ketchup-side up, snap-in carpeting here is a nice touch, since it can be easily removed for cleaning.

In spite of its clean lines, storage can be found everywhere you look aboard the LX 205s.

The twin consoles up front lie behind a gracefully curved, walk-through frameless windshield. A large glove box with brushed silver accents in the passenger console provides convenient storage for valuables like cell phones, while the helm console boasts classic white-on-black analogue gauges, a sport steering wheel with tilt, and a flip-up bolster seat to give the driver extra visibility as required. The control head for the stereo (with MP3 input ) is situated on the left-hand side of the helm console, where it’s easily accessible to all. Wide storage bins along the inside gunnels are the perfect spot to store dry towels, while mesh pockets on each of the bucket seat backs and below each of the consoles provide still further safe spots to keep sunscreen and such.

Up front, the bow offers more space to stretch out on comfy lounge seats, each with storage for smaller items below. Standard side rest coaming pads are a thoughtful touch here, greatly adding to one’s comfort when riding up front.

Although the aforementioned wakeboard tower is an option, it is hard to imagine that Larson will sell many boats without it. The Stainless Steel group, which adds stylish stainless grab handles, beverage holders, speaker grills, gas cap, pull-up cleats and horn grill, is another option package that should prove popular. Stereo upgrades are also available, along with a Bimini enclosure package. But no matter how you deck the boat out, it will still come with riding on a standard 3,400-pound ShoreLand’r trailer with disc brakes, swing-away tongue, retractable tie-downs and LED lights.

The helm console boasts a European design, centered around an attractive and comfortable chrome-on-black double-spoked steering wheel.

With seating for eight and the spirited performance that comes from its VEC hull and powerful sterndrives, Larson’s LX 205s is a comfortable and sporty runabout that’s equally at home pulling skiers and boarders, cruising the lake or taking the family for a summer Sunday picnic. Paul Larson would indeed be proud.

Larson LX 205s

Length: 21’ 1””

Beam: 8’0”

Fuel capacity: 102L / 27 gal

Passenger capacity: 8

Max HP: 260

Dry weight: 2,7000 lbs.

Info: Larsonboats.com