Maximizing interior space and stowage was a design goal for the 19-foot-2-inch Larson LXH 190 OB, and both the broad bow and outboard power contribute in that regard. Up front, the wide gunwales are clipped off in a “pickle fork” bow peak to create a wider seating area. Larson says its proprietary VEC closed-mold process, which forms the hull and stringer grid as a single piece, drops the bow sole about 2 inches for more legroom and additional stowage space below each seat. Because it’s VEC, all the stowage has a smooth, easy-to-clean finish.

The clever boater appreciates the weight- and space-saving benefits of an outboard on this size boat. The 2.8-liter Yamaha F200 we tested with weighs 487 pounds, or roughly half the weight of a 220 hp sterndrive. Larson could have pushed the cockpit farther aft to take more advantage of the transom-mounted motor, but the LXH does have a flat platform behind the aft seat with a pair of draining stowage bins. The outboard bisects the boarding platform, of course, but there’s a long, four-step ladder to starboard. The soft material covering the transom area was not hot to the touch in the blistering sun.

There’s more stowage under the aft seat, and Larson is cooking up a better way to use the space within the splashwell that was unfinished on our test boat. Details I like: foam seals on those drained bins so the lids don’t rattle, tiny-but-brilliant LED running lights, and two big scuppers to drain the cockpit.

Flat-calm water did not challenge the hull, but handling is predictable and the boat responds well to trim despite what must be a little added weight in the bow. The chines run quite far forward to give the bow more buoyancy at rest and help knock down spray. With this model, Larson has created a deck boat/runabout hybrid that’s appealing for its smart design.

Comparable Model: Starcraft 210 SCX OB

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Larson Escape Electric

A fleet of five American-made, electric–powered pontoons is currently on duty ferrying folks in Shanghai, China. Last year, the Larson Boat Group was contacted by the Chinese government, which was seeking a low-impact, large-capacity craft to use for getting passengers across the busy Huangpu and Yangtze rivers. Known in the industry for its “green” manufacturing processes, which include Roplene and VEC manufacturing processes, the Little Falls, MN, builder was targeted by China to help support that nation’s pollution-sensitive efforts in key areas to develop a pontoon-style boat that supported that initiative. The Chinese government worked with Larson to come up with the company’s first all-electric pontoon boat model, the Larson Escape 21 TTT (Tapered Tube Technology), powered by a 4.0 RL Torqeedo electric motor. The first model shipped late last year, followed by several more electric Escapes that will eventually form a fleet of ten boats capable of ferrying up to ten passengers each, in the comfort of individual high-backed seats.

Larson spokesman Matthew Vetzner said that the custom-built model is not in use stateside – at least yet. Learn more by visiting larsonescape.com and travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/shanghai/transportation/ferry.

READ OUR REVIEW OF THE LARSON 21 TTT AND WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

THE TORQEEDO ELECTRIC MOTOR

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I prepared for the worst while heading out into the afternoon wind-chop of California’s massive San Diego Bay to test the new Larson FX 1850 DC. Three other healthy adult males and I were all seated comfortably in the cockpit, thanks to four pedestal-style, swiveling bucket seats. The front two featured wide seats and armrests, while the back two were slightly smaller, designed to also serve as fishing chairs, once relocated to bases on the fore and aft casting platforms.

I advanced the throttle on the Mercury Verado Pro 200 FourStroke outboard to attack the rolling 2- to 3-footers, and braced for a thumping, but instead was treated to a surprisingly cushy ride. Not once did we land hard, even when firewalling it into the wind. Cornering at speed proved a blast. Integral Mercury Verado power steering made maneuvering super easy.

Built using Larson’s proprietary VEC fiberglass construction technology to fish walleye in big northern lakes, the FX 1850 DC features 16 degrees of deadrise at the transom. The full windshield has a walk-through panel offering quick access to the step-up bow deck. With the panel closed, it provides protection from the chill while underway.

The 8 1/2-foot beam served up great stability. That’s important when your portly buddy is helping you net a big walleye or musky.

Our test boat featured optional snap-in carpeting, but underneath you’ll find oval nonskid. The spacious forward deck has a pad on the forepeak for mounting an electric trolling motor, four stowage compartments and locking center stowage for fishing rods and water skis. There’s also rod stowage in the port inwale and tackle tray stowage in the starboard inwale. A 25-gallon aerated livewell resides under the aft deck, and a four-gallon aerated livewell is available ($491) to replace one of the lockers in the bow.

This boat might also see water-sports duties, and so it’s available with a ski pylon ($1,000). The FX 1850 DC also features a fold-out telescoping boarding ladder on the starboard transom. You can stow skis and boards in a 7-foot-long insole ski locker.

If you’re looking for a fishing boat that can handle the big lakes of the North and also take your family out on a glassy summer day, then you should look closely at the Larson FX 1850 DC.

Comparable Model: Nitro ZV 18

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The new Larson Escape 25 TTT Dual Console with Tapered Tube Technology features three 27-inch-wide tubes with reverse chines for greater lift and outside hull chamfer to enhance cornering. Combined with a center tube that sits 4 inches deeper than the outer two, the design lends itself to a V-hull-like performance.

The tubes are also welded to create a unified hull. Adding structural integrity is a stringer system inside each tube, with six internal bulkheads per tube.

The dual-console layout features a wraparound tinted windshield that spans the Escape 25’s 8-foot-6-inch beam, with a walk-through panel between the molded fiberglass consoles. A door pulls out from a special compartment in the starboard console to block the wind from the lower portion of the walk-through on chilly days.

You’ll find plush, swiveling high-back captain’s chairs with articulating armrests and soft-touch upholstery.

Twin forward-facing loungers in the bow feature angled backs, headrests and articulating armrests. A classy, round, teak-top pedestal snack table for the bow area with fold-down sides is also available. A stainless-steel boarding gate separates the loungers in the bow.

A pop-up changing station with a canvas enclosure is built into the back of a port lounger. Latching aluminum boarding gates offer guests the convenience of boarding the Escape 25 TTT from either port or starboard.

Behind the captain’s chairs, two aft-facing lounges let you watch the action as you’re pulling tubers with the anodized-aluminum ski pylon. A stainless-steel boarding gate astern leads to the aft swim platform and four stainless-steel, fold-up boarding steps on the starboard side.

The boat blends aluminum sides with contoured fiberglass corner pieces. Each bow corner piece incorporates standard LED docking lights. With the Escape 25 TTT Dual Console, Larson has taken the evolution of the pontoon boat to the next level.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*Tapered Tube Technology offers greater lift and cornering as well as handling that rivals the performance you might expect from a traditional fiberglass runabout.
*The stylish, wraparound, tinted-glass windshield shelters passengers in the aft cockpit from wind blast, a great benefit aboard a fast pontoon boat, especially when boating during the bracket seasons.
*Aluminum sides blend with contoured fiberglass corners, enhancing the sleek styling of this boat.
*Twin side-boarding gates allow passengers to board from either port or starboard.
*Elevated ski pylon lets you more readily, and more conveniently, enjoy water sports.

How We Tested
Engine: Single 300 hp Mercury Verado outboard
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14½” x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Fuel Load: 49 gal.
Crew Weight: 560 lb.

Price
$84,900 (as tested)

Contact
Larson Boat Group Little Falls, Minnesota; 320-632-5481; larsonescape.com

The post Larson Escape 25 TTT DC appeared first on Boating Mag.

In a boating market jammed with aluminum pontoon models, standing out poses a serious challenge. Yet, once I climbed aboard the new Larson Escape 25 TTT Dual Console with triple tubes and advanced the throttle, I recognized its unique qualities.

The triple-T designator stands for Tapered Tube Technology, and therein lies the key to the performance of this tri-toon. All three of the aluminum tubes are comparable in diameter to 27-inch round tubes, but each is formed and shaped to include reverse chines for greater lift and planing performance, V-hull-like deadrise for stability and smoothness while underway, and outside hull chamfer to enhance cornering. The center tube sets 4 inches deeper than the outer tubes to optimize cornering characteristics.

Larson engineered the hull to maximize the potential of today’s most powerful outboards. Propelled by a single Mercury 300 Verado outboard, our test boat popped onto plane in 1.7 seconds and vaulted to 30 mph in 7.1 seconds with three adults on board and 49 gallons of gas in the tank. These are sterndrive runabout-type numbers.

As we raced across the choppy waters of San Diego Bay toward a top speed of nearly 46 mph, I marveled at the solid feel of this 25-foot-4-inch luxury ’toon. The tubes are welded together to create a unified hull. Each tube is formed with 0.090-gauge aluminum (same thickness used in other pontoon brands such as Premier and Harris FloteBote) but also with 0.125-gauge tube caps, a gauge thicker than most. There’s also a 0.180-gauge full-length keel beam.

Adding structural integrity is a stringer system inside each tube, with six internal bulkheads per tube. About the only boat noise I could hear came from the retracted Bimini top frame as it creaked side-to-side while at speed. The addition of a sway bar would help secure the top and eliminate this noise.

The TTT design responds delightfully to outboard trim. The hull lifts noticeably, and speed climbs, encouraging you to pour on the throttle. We turned at high speed and found that it banks comfortably to the inside during lateral acceleration, whether cornering gradually or turning hard.

The dual-console layout features a wraparound tinted windshield that spans the Escape 25’s full 8-foot-6-inch beam, with a walk-through panel between the molded fiberglass consoles.

A door pulls out from a special compartment in the starboard console to block the wind from the lower portion of the walk-through on chilly days. Close the center panel on the windshield, and you have complete wind protection. I also found that it substantially reduces wind noise. The Merc 300 Verado’s integral power steering and digital throttle and shift made easy work of handling and docking maneuvers.

Looking for a similar ’toon? Premier’s 250 S-Series RF with the optional 36-inch PTX tri-toon package ($77,578 with a 300 hp Mercury Verado) uses 0.090-gauge aluminum for tubes and 0.100-gauge for the nose cones and has a dual-console layout but no center windshield panel.

Seating at the consoles of the Escape comes in the form of plush, swiveling high-back captain’s chairs with articulating armrests. All of the upholstery on our test boat reflected an optional upgrade to soft-touch Ultrafabric Brisa Distressed High UV vinyl.

In the bow you’ll find twin forward-facing loungers with angled backs, headrests and articulating armrests. Separating them is a stainless-steel boarding gate, which provides access to the forward platform. Add the optional filler to create a U-shaped bow lounge and social gathering spot.

A pop-up changing station with canvas enclosure is built into the back of the port lounger, while an oversize tilt-out trash receptacle is accessible from a hatch behind the starboard lounge.

There are latching aluminum boarding gates forward of the windshield on each side of the Escape 25 TTT Dual Console. I like the idea of offering guests the convenience of boarding from either side.

Behind the captain’s chairs you’ll discover two aft-facing lounges. These are great seats for watching the action as you’re pulling tubers with the Escape 25’s anodized aluminum ski pylon that’s mounted over the engine. Abundant storage resides in the molded fiberglass bases under all of the lounges.

I did not see a lot of drink holders on our test boat, though our preproduction boat was missing the portable slide-in armrests for the loungers, which have built-in drink holders. I’d also like to see dedicated, slide-out stowage for a portable cooler. As is, you can stow coolers inside either console.

In addition to the side and bow gates, there’s a stainless-steel boarding gate astern, leading to the aft swim platform and stainless-steel, fold-up, four-step boarding ladder on the starboard side. Both the aft and bow platforms on our test boat featured padded faux teak deck coverings, while the main deck had contemporary, marine-grade sea-grass-style flooring.

The Escape 25 TTT DC earns distinction points by blending aluminum sides with contoured fiberglass corner pieces to replicate the sheer lines of a fiberglass boat. Each bow corner piece incorporates standard LED docking lights, designed to be similar to the look of those on a sports car.

With the Escape 25 TTT Dual Console, Larson has taken a bold step in the evolution of pontoon boats. In terms of both styling and performance, it is most definitely a standout.

Comparable model: Premier 250 S-Series RF

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Larson 23 Super Sport

Larson 23 Super Sport

Larson 23 Super Sport

Larson 23 Super Sport

Larson 23 Super Sport

Larson 23 Super Sport

Larson 23 Super Sport

Larson 23 Super Sport

Larson 23 Super Sport

Larson 23 Super Sport

Larson 23 Super Sport

Larson 23 Super Sport

Larson 23 Super Sport

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Larson Escape

Larson announced this week its foray into the pontoon boat market, offering up a series of 21, 23 and 25-foot pontoons. The boats will feature what Larson calls “Tapered Tube Technology,” which features dual heavy-gauge aluminum planing hulls.

Pontoons are still the fastest growing segment in the boating industry and the new Larson Escapes should be a welcome choice for ‘tooners.

For more information, stay tuned at LARSON BOATS.

READ DAN ARMITAGE’S EXPERT PONTOON BLOG “FINE TUNING”

READ ALL OF OUR PONTOON BOAT COVERAGE HERE

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The retro starts with a sheerline that’s high at the bow, and sweeps gently down and aft toward the transom, leaving the boat plenty of prow to break through the afternoon chop, and the broad shoulders to keep the ride dry.

Inside, the helm station has dual-barrel, bug-eyed gauges that say the state-of-the-art stereo should be playing the Glen Miller Band. Then you get to the captain’s seat, which screams “successful businessman” with its deep upholstery, lumbar support and tall backrest. Aft bench seats have contoured armrests built into the coamings. Forward bow seating is spacious and, thanks to that rising sheer, it’s ever so deep, safe and comfortable for the next generation of boaters.

But it’s hard to see all these details when the big picture takes your breath away — it’s that eye-popping. The ride? Well, it was crisp and controlled with just enough speed (51.1 mph at WOT) to inspire us. There was something about the way it carried itself that made you feel great while running it that must have been apparent to bystanders too, because when we cut a hard turn at the end of our test run, it received applause from a bridge overhead. We think it deserved it.

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Punching up the throttle, it leapt high, then shot forward accelerating to more than 50 mph. Gotta love that. It hit planing speed just short of four seconds. With the Bravo III drive, it cut hairpin turns in either direction as tightly as I could hang on, without blowing out.

The helm station boasted big gauges sheltered under a rugged-looking, upholstered brow with a carbon fiber texture and beautifully contrasting stitching. The captain and mate get matching bucket seats with a unique shape for a custom feel, not to mention their comfortable security under way.

Seating and hull had a two-tone treatment of black and white. Black on the transom platform and on side bands along the hull was complemented in the upholstery as well. The windshield matched in a trim color, and its shape was a blend of precise curves and straight edges for a stealthy look that set off the design.

In this boat, few stones were left unturned, and should you actually track one into the boat, it will be captured by the stripe-sculpted snap-in carpet — yet another detail that brings design harmony to this new vessel.

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Vital Stats * Length Overall: 17’6″ * Beam: 7’9″ * Dry Weight: 2,650 lb. * Max HP: 225 * NMMA Certified: Yes

larsonboats.com

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