Considering a Larson 230 LXI What do you think?

[oregoncruiser]

I am considering purchasing a Larson 230 LXI. It is a 2004 and reportedly has 60 original hours. Upon inspection I believe the hours may be true, because the boat is like new. It is equipped with a 5.0L gm engine along with the Volvo penta outdrive. As stated, the boat is immaculate, and comes with all original documentation, new tires on the trailer, and all original equipment.

My questions are regarding performance. Will the 5.0l push this boat well? I currently am running a 18' Sylvan V196 with a 5.7l and it jumps right out of the water with or without tube/skier etc. I am wondering if this boat will be a dog or will it perform okay. Also I know nothing about the Volvo penta? I see lots of them around though. Are they durable and with proper maintainance will they perform well? Anyone own this particular setup? Any insight would be helpful.

I can buy this boat for about $15,500. I think this is a decent buy. Am I correct, or is that top dollar?

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Considering a Larson 230 LXI What do you think?

Larson and Volvo have been around for 10's of decades. You can't survive the harsh marine sales environment that long and peddle a bunch of junk! Immaculate condition says the previous owner took care of his stuff which obviously would include proper maintenance and all that. I don't have a clue about the price. You can better be the judge of that....what is the boat worth to you?

5 liter? Had a friend with an 18' Sea Ray deep V, 165 inline 6 which would be in the 250-300 cu in area ( I think 5 liter is about 300 cu in) and it would "only do 45" with a boat load (4 grown guys with gear and cooler). The Sea Ray is a heavy boat and it was a deep V which both require extra hp to get the mph.

Again, if 5 liter was a dog, why would Larson put it in one of their boats, especially one that sells for what your potential boat sold for new!!!!

My 2c,

Mark

 

[svxtech]

Re: Considering a Larson 230 LXI What do you think?

I am considering purchasing a Larson 230 LXI. It is a 2004 and reportedly has 60 original hours. Upon inspection I believe the hours may be true, because the boat is like new. It is equipped with a 5.0L gm engine along with the Volvo penta outdrive. As stated, the boat is immaculate, and comes with all original documentation, new tires on the trailer, and all original equipment.

My questions are regarding performance. Will the 5.0l push this boat well? I currently am running a 18' Sylvan V196 with a 5.7l and it jumps right out of the water with or without tube/skier etc. I am wondering if this boat will be a dog or will it perform okay. Also I know nothing about the Volvo penta? I see lots of them around though. Are they durable and with proper maintainance will they perform well? Anyone own this particular setup? Any insight would be helpful.

I can buy this boat for about $15,500. I think this is a decent buy. Am I correct, or is that top dollar?

I would look at a 5.7 in a 23/24 ft boat, you will want the extra power. unless it was a 5.0mpi, only test drive would tell. As far as volvo goes, i prefer them from a mechanical standpoint if you plan on doing your own work, imo more durable than a black drive also, but don't tell my merc rep that :facepalm:

 

[Boobie Trap]

Re: Considering a Larson 230 LXI What do you think?

If you have ever seen a cut-a-way of the outdrive, you would really see a difference from the Merc.
The drive shaft is about twice the size and the gearing is massive in comparison. VOLVO makes
a very reliable and dependable system. You will like it.
The engine size is a little small. I had a Larson 195SE with 5.0L and it worked well. The beam of the boat makes difference as that and
the hull design help it plan a lot faster than most other V hull boats.
Take it for a spin and see for your self. I loved our Larson!!

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Considering a Larson 230 LXI What do you think?

Only a sea trial with your anticipated load aboard will tell you for sure if the power is enough.

 

[oregoncruiser]

Re: Considering a Larson 230 LXI What do you think?

Thanks for the replies. This guy says his insurance won't allow him to do test runs. I know, I know, what BS. I walked away from this boat 6 weeks ago because of that. But I know exactly what I want as far as features and layout, and this is boat fits the bill perfectly. If it wasn't in perfect shape, I'd probably not consider it.

Anyway, I'm not so concerned about top speed. I would be satisfied if the boat ran out at 35-40. And I'm pretty sure it'll do that. I'm more concerned about quickness out of the hole. I just don't want to haul 1/4 mile across the lake before I plane out. I'm thinking if it's a little weak I can work with the prop to fine tune it to my liking. I've never messed with props, so I don't know what the limitations are there. Any thoughts on that?

BTW, pretty sure I'm doing it, but since banks are closed today I am forced to think it over for another day, LOL! Probably a good thing.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Considering a Larson 230 LXI What do you think?

Ask him to make a successful sea-trial a condition of sale. You're not a tire-kicker at that point. I think you'd be making a mistake otherwise.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Considering a Larson 230 LXI What do you think?

His Insurance won't allow him to bring a passenger for a ride? That is BS and would make me leary of a boat the owner won't let me sea trial.

 

[91rr]

Re: Considering a Larson 230 LXI What do you think?

His Insurance won't allow him to bring a passenger for a ride? That is BS and would make me leary of a boat the owner won't let me sea trial.

Sounds like complete BS. So to tell me that he could not take the boat out with anybody but himself? Why the f@$# would you even have a boat then. I would have him sign a contract stating that a condition of the sale if a successful sea trial. If it doesn't pass to your liking then you get your money back. Be careful something smells fishy to me.

 

[oregoncruiser]

Re: Considering a Larson 230 LXI What do you think?

So I made arrangements to buy the boat on the condition I am satisfied with the performance. I will purchase the boat, and go directly to a nearby lake and run it for a bit. I appreciate the reality checks on that particular issue.

Now, if anyone ahs any experience with a boat with this mechanical setup, I would appreciate you sharing your thoughts!!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Considering a Larson 230 LXI What do you think?

His Insurance won't allow him to bring a passenger for a ride? That is BS and would make me leary of a boat the owner won't let me sea trial.

Ditto. Run!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Considering a Larson 230 LXI What do you think?

So I made arrangements to buy the boat on the condition I am satisfied with the performance. I will purchase the boat, and go directly to a nearby lake and run it for a bit. I appreciate the reality checks on that particular issue.

Now, if anyone ahs any experience with a boat with this mechanical setup, I would appreciate you sharing your thoughts!!

I'm no lawyer and never pretend to be, but I wonder if this is protecting yourself? I assume you have a contract written that states you reserve the right to return the boat assuming it doesn't meet your needs?

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[oregoncruiser]

Re: Considering a Larson 230 LXI What do you think?

Yeah I had it all in writing, I appreciate all the concern over being taken to the cleaners. We were clear on the terms anc conditions and had them in writing before money changed hands.

As for the boat it runs out great. Throttle/shifter cable is a bit sticky going from forward idle back into neutral, but that is the only thing I can say.

As far as power goes, well..... it's just different. The boat planes out quickly, but it seems to have a lot to do with the hull design as well as the power. It definately feels bigger than the old 18' Sylvan V196. Way smoother, in so many ways. Also not quite a 'sporty' I'd say, but that's to be expected with the size difference.

More later, thanks again for the input!!!