A Bold New Deckboat
By Ron Svoboda
The Look
The Escape line of Larson Boats display special design cues that set it apart from the rest of the competition and affirm the company’s motto of “affordable luxury”. The aggressive look of the bow includes four projector beam lights and a scalloped front swim platform, which also works as a hatch to conceal the telescoping beach ladder and a neat compartment for the anchor and rode. A pair of steps leads you into the bow and conceals access to the built-in beverage cooler below.
Seating Galore
The Escape is all about taking friends and family out on the water, so you’ll find two conversation areas, one at the bow and one in the cockpit. Up front, semi-circular seating and sculpted upholstery lend comfort while a removable snack table offers refreshment. Convenient grab handles, a pair of dual cone speakers, four cup holders and ample storage under the hinged seat bottoms, accessorizes the bow. Additionally, filler cushions can be swapped for the table to provide tanning space for up to four people.
In the cockpit, wraparound seating is available for the rest of the gang, along with a second snack table. Here you’ll find the seat bottoms flip up and offer a good amount of storage and access to the removable beverage cooler. To starboard is the transom walkthrough, which provides easy access to the boat’s swim platform.
Features
The Escape 254 incorporates some basic necessities needed for a great day boat, like a port side compartment with 49 inches of headroom and an easy to clean fiberglass liner. A portable toilet comes standard, which can also be upgraded with a flush unit and holding tank. Just forward of the head compartment is a topside micro-bar that offers a fresh water sink and a small counter top for preparing snacks. Bringing up the rear of the boat is the aft swim platform. Loaded with features, the stern has two self draining lockers, a boarding ladder, high quality hardware throughout, plus a raw-water shower.
From the Driver's Seat
I have always been a big fan of Larson’s seats, and the captain and companion buckets support my continued admiration. A curvaceous helm houses Faria gauges, toggle switches with circuit breakers and a tilt sport wheel. The skipper can also access the stereo controls via a remote that’s mounted at the helm. My only concern here is the limited space for your feet at the helm because of a molded stereo speaker housing. The companion side suffers too somewhat in terms of extended legroom, as there is no place to prop your feet against other than the head compartments door.
Despite the minor lack of extended legroom, I found the Escape to be a very functional, well thought out design with abundant space and amenities. Handling was precise and the boat exhibited no difficulties in maneuvering, not even at the dock. This can be partially contributed to the dual, counter-rotating props that come standard on the Escape.
