A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, all sportboats were powered by 2-stroke outboard engines. We know that is hard to believe, but it is true. You see, prior to 1957, there weren’t any stern drives, because they hadn’t been invented yet. And 4-stroke outboards were not yet even a gleam in Mr. Yamaha’s eye. On lakes all across America boaters raced their wooden, aluminum and fiberglass boats against each other and usually the boat with the biggest engine was the fastest. In those days, 60-hp was about the biggest outboard engine anyone had. Yup, and the boats were fast, or at least seemed like it. Today you can count the number of outboard-powered sportboat models on one hand, but they seem to be on the cusp of coming back as a power option on sportboats. There are a lot of advantages to outboard-powered sportboats and the new Larson 1700 LX is an entry-level sportboat with a retro look and a price tag that is so low that it permits this Larson model to compete toe-to-toe with the likes of brands that specialize in building inexpensive boats.

Larson 1700 LX (2010-) Specifications

Length Overall	16'11'' 5.15 m	Dry Weight	,650 lbs. 750 kg
Beam	7'4'' 2.24 m	Fuel Cap	28 gal. 87 L
Draft	31'' .79 m	Water Cap	none
Deadrise/Transom	21 deg.	Bridge Clearance	N/A
Max Headroom	open
Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.

Larson 1700 LX (2010-) Engine options

Std. Power	Not Available
Tested Power	Currently no test numbers
Opt. Power	Various Evinrude, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Mercury

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The new Larson 1700 LX outboard-powered sportboat is a good combination of ease of trailering and ease of handling. It is light and can be as fast as a 115-hp outboard will take it.

Capt. Steve Says ...

You can’t beat the practicality of a small boat. These entry-level boats are great for weekends on inland lakes and rivers and Larson is offering the new 1700 LX at a price point designed to minimize resistance. At 1” shy of 17’, the Larson 1700 LX is not only an easy boat to start you off on the right track, but it’s the builder’s newest entry in the starter boat arena.

While the Larson 1700 LX is not exactly a sistership of the newish 1750 LX, it is essentially the same hull, and is certainly the same from the outboard motor well forward. The 1750 LX was had a very sharp MSRP and has become surprisingly popular among entry level buyers wanting to own a brand that was not so closely associated with low price points.



Bow with filler cushion in place for sunbathing or play – or use it as a casting platform!

The pros ...

If you’re looking for a quick and easy trip to the water, the Larson 1700 LX should be on your short list. It’s sold as a complete package, including trailer, so you’re good to go right out of the showroom, with the exception of adding a safety package of life jackets and related equipment and gas.

While you can buy the boat right off the dealer’s showroom floor, you also can order the boat with one of four outboard engine brands. But more on that later.



One person can sit facing aft while friends sit port and starboard in the bow section.

The list of standard items on the new 1700 LX is short, but that’s mostly because it’s a no frills boat, so that’s a good thing. You will not find a lot of dials and instruments that you don’t need, nor is their much equipment aboard that you won’t use virtually every time you go out. There are the requisite storage areas under the seats and in the deck between the consoles, the grab handles are where they’re supposed to be, the sport seating consists of two bucket seats with swivels and sliders.

The helm has gauges for tach, speedo, and fuel only. Oil pressure and engine temps are left to alarms. The stereo comes with two speakers and an MP3 port.



The stereo, to port, is standard and includes an MP3 port. The glove box is just below. This boat has the stainless steel package which includes the grab handles and even the SS drink holders. The tilt wheel is an optional item as well. Note the well vented deck storage compartment which means it will collect rain water unless you have a canvas cover. The bucket seats swivel and slide.

The Power of Choice

The most important option on the 1700 LX is the engine package. Larson is pre-rigging for four of the five outboard motor players -- Yamaha, Suzuki, Evinrude, and Mercury. Choose your engine brand and horsepower carefully if you are not buying what the dealer already has rigged up and ready to go.

The first thing you need to do is figure out how much horsepower you will need. 90-hp comes “standard”, and is actually the horsepower that the builder recommends for this boat. We’re told the boat runs “adequately” with 70-hp, but clearly if you are doing any towing, you’ll want more power. The max rating for the boat is 115-hp. The 1750 LX in its stern drive configuration has a 135-hp 3.0 L engine standard with a 150-hp Volvo Penta 3.0 L GXi as the high-horsepower option. But remember, the stern drive 1750 LX is 400 lbs. heavier than the outboard 1700 LX.



Ski and wakeboard storage in the cockpit deck.

The 1700 LX is so new that we have not yet tested it. We suggest that you go to the BoatTEST.com’s performance table for boats in the 1700-lb range with an 8’ 4” beam or there about and see how fast they go, their time to plane, 0 to 30, etc. That should give you a rough idea about what horsepower you’ll need for your application.

Are you going to be waterskiing, wakeboarding, towing, or just blasting around? And how is your engine karma? If you are one of the wretched souls that forever is in the shop because of engine problems, then perhaps you should buy a brand with good service locally, one with enough staff to be able to get to your boat in the summer when the shop is busy.



Large wakeboards can stow under the cockpit bench seat.

Other Options

You’ll also want to pick a canvas package depending on how you’ll store your boat. If you’re lucky enough to keep it in a garage, then you may just opt for the bimini top for shade while on the water (an environment notoriously lacking in shade). If you store outdoors, then add a bow cover and cockpit cover. There’s an option for a ski tow pylon (must have) and tilt steering (not so “must have”). If you boat in salt water, opt for the stainless steel package that includes gunwale molding, grab handles, cup holders, speaker grills, pop-up bow cleats, and a gas cap. You’ll also want to opt in for a galvanized trailer.

The cons...

At first glance it appears as if there is a bit of wasted space abaft the cockpit in this model because of what appears to be an extremely large outboard well. The reason for that large well is so the 1700 LX can handle a Mercury Verado engine in the tilt-up position. So if you buy a Verado you’ll need it. If you buy something else, you will be able to use this space for some other creative purpose.

A boarding ladder with only three steps is a chore to step onto from the water. It just doesn’t go deep enough. This boat’s ladder has only two steps. That will be a problem if you are planning to do a lot of swimming or water skiing. If you are, no problem, just ask your dealer for an optional swim ladder. We like the ones with four steps.

Advantages of Outboard Power

Ironically, one of the advantages may not be price vs. the standard 135-hp GM Vortec engines used by both Volvo Penta and MerCruiser. Typically, these engine options are often cheaper than the same horsepower in an outboard. If you are thinking about the 70-hp outboard option, then think about the fellow you are going to sell your boat to when you trade up or move on. You will be competing against stern drives with more horsepower. It will be easier to sell your boat if it has a bigger engine.

Generally speaking, outboards are easier to service just because they can be worked on out in the open without asking the mechanic to shoehorn himself into an engine compartment.

Perhaps your biggest question mark will be whether to select a 2-stroke or 4-stroke outboard. We’d rely on the dealer for his guidance. Check out our tests for both two and four stroke power in 1700-lb. boats and note their time to plane and 0 to 30 times. The 2-stroke engines are likely to be faster here and might be better for waterskiing.



There’s a lot of wasted space ahead of this engine that could be put to good use in the cockpit. The well was purposely made that way to accommodate some engine brands when they are tilted up.

Warranty—Five to Life

Larson has one of the best warranties in the boating business. They call it “five years to life.” Basically it is five years on all components except the engines which are generally two years but may vary depending on the brand, and lifetime on the hull. The hull in this model is made with VEC technology. Get the warranty details on the Larson website.

Specifications...

The Larson 1700 LX has a LOA of 16’ 11” (5.15m), a beam of 7’4” (2.24 m), and a draft of 31” (79 cm). Her weight, with a 90-hp Evinrude is 1,650 lbs (750 kg) and she holds 23 gallons (87 L) of fuel. She has a 7 person capacity.

The MSRP price of this boat is around $19,600 with the 90-hp Suzuki engine. The other brand 90-hp engines MSRP from $600 to $1200 more. The boat with a 115-hp Suzuki is $20,600 MSRP. Street price with the Suzuki 90 might be as low as something in the 16s, depending on what you have as a trade and the dealer.

If you’re looking for a way to get on the water for short money and little fuss, the Larson 1700 LX may be just the boat for you. And it comes with one of the best warranty programs in the business.

Find a Larson 1700 LX dealer near you.

Larson 1700 LX (2010-) Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
CD Stereo
Trailer
Exterior Features
Swim Ladder
Canvas
Bimini Top
Cockpit Cover

= Standard = Optional

Larson 1700 LX (2010-) Warranty Information

Warranties change from time to time. While BoatTEST.com has tried to insure the most up-to-date warranty offered by each builder, it does not guarantee the accuracies of the information presented below. Please check with the boat builder or your local dealer before you buy any boat.
Hull Warranty
Years	Five to Life Warranty
Certifications
NMMA Certification	Yes

Larson 1700 LX (2010-) Price

Base Price (MSRP)	N/A
Price as Tested	N/A
Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.