HIPSTER GONE WILD

By Capt. Ron Svoboda

Big bowriders are all the rage these days, with different manufactures striving to make their boats distinctive from the others. And since Larson already produces an extensive line of open bow boats, why not add a new flagship to the stable. The LXi 288 is long, lean and runs like stallion. From the sharp forepeak and cat-eye styled bow lights to the edgy lines of the stern, the 288 is going to be a big hit.

Attention Getter

The front of the LXi 288 looks like it’s speeding even when she’s roped to the dock. A radically sloped bow profile terminates at the anchor roller which is partnered with a windlass for easy mooring. The bow then narrowly flares back to a pair of opposing lounges where two adults can recline and enjoy the ride at speed without getting tossed about.

Padded backrests and hinged storage lockers with positive-lock hardware along with a self-draining beverage cooler make the front the place to be seen. Or you can have lunch here with the snack table installed. Then again, you can just catch up on your tan by inserting filler cushions and making it a super plush sun pad.

Conversely, there is also an aft sun pad which includes some great design features, like a centerline walkthrough and removable cushion for the center step. Two massive storage bins are located on each side of the aft sun pad offering space for PFD’s and other bulky items. The abundant storage potential continues in the cockpit, where a U-shaped lounge provides enough room for the whole team and their gear below the seat cushions. Larson even included a 25 quart cooler and a handy air pump for water toys right under the starboard side seating. When lounging time arrives, convert the sitting area and stretch out, or install the removable table for happy hour entertaining.

Modern or Simply Space Age Design?

The skipper and mate also get great seats but these are a pair of Sci-Fi inspired buckets that will make you feel like Captain Kirk. The helm contributes to this euphoria by dispensing control and information through a curvaceous, high-tech dash with a full complement of gauges and accessory switches.

Despite all this coolness, a key selling feature on this boat is the deluxe head compartment. It supplies generous room, a flush toilet, and a granite style countertop for the vanity. The door has built-in paper and towel holders, plus a magazine rack at the bottom. And unlike most head compartments, this one is large enough for a 6 foot tall man to use.

In the End…

Jumping back to the stern, we have an oversized platform where a concealed swim ladder and transom shower will help to cool you off. Larson also located a deep wet locker on the port side for ski ropes and lines.

The LXi is a luxury machine focused on delivering performance, unique styling and high-end quality. Backing up this promise is a life time warranty on the hull and five years on every component including engines and trailers. Yet the most impressive feature is how this boat runs, granted our test rig had the largest engine available which ensured the fastest ride. But regardless of that point, the 288 has a great bottom design, it gets on plane quickly, it carves turns like a sports car and can be backed into a slip without even thinking about it. Runabout of the year? Maybe.

• Top speed for the Larson LXi 288 is 50.3 MPH (81 KPH), burning 33.2 gallons per hour (GPH) or 125.66 liters per hour (LPH).


• Best cruise for the Larson LXi 288 is 32.2 MPH (51.8 KPH), and the boat gets 2.48 miles per gallon (MPG) or 1.05 kilometers per liter (KPL), giving the boat a cruising range of 223 miles (358.88 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 420-hp Volvo Penta 8.1GXi gas sterndrive.

= Standard = Optional