Speed, Space, and Peace of Mind

By Capt. Bob Smith

The Cabrio line underwent some significant changes for this model year continuing to deliver great value and style. This year, Larson has extended its warranty coverage to 2012 with their Larson 5 Plus 5 plan. Provinding a one point contact any and all problems whether it is related to a product they manufacture or an OEM product on board.

Bow Features

You enter the bow area up steps molded in the cabin door and through a center walk through in the full-framed windshield. This large bow only has one hatch to break the area. A remote controlled spotlight can be mounted on the rail at the bow, which will help reduce the glare back often seen with other mounting locations. At the bow, you can install a windlass to make anchoring a lot easier.

In the Cockpit

The helm features a comfortable bench seat with driver’s bolster for more room when standing and for seeing better when coming up on plane. The carry-on cooler has a space under the helm bench with a frame to keep it securely in place. The automotive-style dash no longer uses burlwood, but now has a sporty-looking brushed aluminum finish with mahogany tilt wheel. A panel below the dash has all the circuit breaker buttons within finger’s reach and the switches, joystick for the spotlight, and stereo remote are all located on the first tier of the dash. A large port lounger provides a place for friends to relax and join you at the helm.

The cockpit has twin facing bench seats with a port side wet bar for preparing snacks and beverages. The wet bar has three drink holders, a stainless steel sink, and the option to add a cockpit refrigerator. If you want more room in the cockpit to play or to fish, the aft bench stores completely away or for an al fresco dinner simply set up the salon table. Snap-in carpet makes the deck cooler to walk on and the fiberglass liner makes it a snap to clean. The engine hatch lifts easily and inside there is plenty of room for the engine, optional equipment such as a 5kw generator, and for inspecting and performing basic service.

Swim Platform and More

The large swim platform will be a focus of play when at anchor. The stern has the battery switches conveniently located next to the transom door. Shore connections are in the starboard corner along with a stainless steel grab handle for the concealed swim ladder.

Down Below

In the cabin there is plush carpeting on the floor and heavy padding in the V-berth. The solid cherry table stores away and the berth sets up with ease and for bedtime entertainment a 13” LCD TV with DVD is optional.

Galley Features

The galley features room to store basic dry goods and is outfitted with a microwave oven, single burner cook top and refrigerator. Across from the galley is a vertical pantry with a silverware drawer in the bottom. The Clarion Marine stereo is mounted in the here and includes six months of Sirius Satellite service.

Next to the pantry is the enclosed fiberglass head with hand-wand shower, shower curtain, stainless steel sink, and VacuFlush toilet. The midcabin is a great place for the kids to relax and has its own storage for clothes and toys.

Specifications

The 274 measures 28’ length overall and has beam of 8’6”. She weighs 6,000 pounds dry weight with standard engine package and carries 85 gallons of fuel.

Test Results

The 274 handled very smoothly and delivered a dry ride. She was up on plane in 6.9 seconds and passing 30 mph in 13.4 seconds. This Cabrio cruised best turning 3500 rpm at 25.1 mph and her top speed registered at 42.4 mph.

If you enjoy cruising, yet want the speed to enjoy water toys and the space to relax overnight, the Cabrio 274 wraps it up in one package with a warranty that will help you relax.

• Top speed for the Larson Cabrio 274 (2007-) is 42.4 MPH (68.2 KPH), burning 24.3 gallons per hour (GPH) or 91.98 liters per hour (LPH).


• Best cruise for the Larson Cabrio 274 (2007-) is 25.1 MPH (40.4 KPH), and the boat gets 2.18 miles per gallon (MPG) or 0.93 kilometers per liter (KPL), giving the boat a cruising range of 167 miles (268.76 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 320-hp Volvo Penta 5.7GXi.

Larson Cabrio 274 (2007-) Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
Air Cond./Heat	7000 BTU
Battery Charger/Converter
CD Stereo	Sirius Satellite Ready
Head: Portable
Head: Fixed
Shore Power
Trim Tabs
TV/DVD
Water Heater
Windlass
Galley
Microwave
Refrigerator
Stove
Exterior Features
Arch: Electronics
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Transom Door
Transom Shower
Wet bar
Canvas
Bimini Top
Camper Back
Cockpit Cover
Boats More Than 30 Feet
Generator	5 KW

= Standard = Optional