Larson Pushes Maximum Entertainment with the New LXi 268

By Capt. Keith Burton

Test Captain

What do folks wanting a large runabout want in a boat? Certainly a roomy boat would be on their list, as well as plentiful amenities. Well, it came as no shock that the Larson LXi 268 should place high on anyone’s short list for such a boat.

Reputation

Larson is no novice in the pleasure boat business and they understand their customers well. This company has been building high-quality boats since it was founded in 1913 by Paul Larson in Little Falls, Minnesota. Over the years Larson has grown into a major boat builder, shipping boats across the nation and around the world.

With that experience, the LXi 268 is a fine reflection of a boat builder comfortable in what they do, and has the design and engineering expertise to finely tune their boats for the high expectations of their customers. The Larson LXi 268 is a deep-water runabout that catches the eye from bow to stern.

First impressions often do count, as we all know and that is especially true here. The LXI 268 is sleekly designed with graceful lines and a powerful presence sitting at the dock and underway. There are also plenty of amenities to add to the gotta-have-it quotient.

High Quality Interior

At the bow, a large wrap-around seating area is enhanced with soft but durable UV-protected high-quality marine vinyl and multi-density foam cushions. The seats are deeper toward the windshield, allowing bow passengers to sit a bit lower adding an element of safety for small passengers. This design makes the bow seating different than other boats.

A four-step ladder is nestled in its own compartment at the leading edge of the bow, very handy when beaching, and frankly, is an idea that has long been needed in this class of boats. Premium stainless steel fittings, pop-up cleats, and cupholders are used throughout.

An additional cushion that fills the walkway is part of the package. The cushion turns the bow seating area into a large forward sun pad, and looks really cool too. As you would expect, there is plenty of storage under the seats for your gear.

The cockpit and helm are outfitted with wonderfully designed captain and passenger bucket seats with flip-up bolsters. A large wrap-around bench seat is located at the stern. A roomy head and changing room with its own window is to port under the windshield header.

Behind the Wheel

The helm leaves the traditional boat design behind for an automotive look that is more inline with luxury sport sedans. It features clear white on black gauges with chrome bezels set in a brushed aluminum surround. Lighted toggle switches control the auxiliary electrics. There is also a remote control for the excellent-sounding Clarion AM/FM/CD stereo complete with Sirius Satellite radio.

Near the throttle is a rocker switch for the Captain’s Call exhaust. This optional feature has a dual-side exhaust system made by Corsa Performance. Moving the rocker switch changes the exhaust sound and volume from soft to very throaty. It also may add a bit to the high end performance.

The LXi 268 also features an entertainment station complete with a cutting board and freshwater sink on the starboard side behind the helm.

Transom Features

At the stern is a large sun pad that lifts up on the starboard side to provide access to the swim platform through a walkway. This is an innovative way to handle entry to the swim platform as other manufacturers usually leave the walkway space open. The sun pad also lifts up on hydraulic struts to gain access to the engine.

The integrated non-skid swim platform features a remote control for the radio and a freshwater shower. A compartment for a ski rope is also on hand as well as a boarding ladder.

Specs and Performance

This 26-foot-8-inch boat is truly amazing. Our boat was equipped with a 320 horsepower Volvo Penta sterndrive with a 5.7-liter V8 engine. We saw a speedy 51.1 mph at top end. If you want more power, the LXi 268 can handle up to 420 horsepower.

Handling

Now you may be thinking that this boat would be a bit of a handful to drive, forget about such worries. The LXi 268 tracks and turns beautifully over the water with no drama. It takes a set well into turns without any cavitation, and for a large boat, frankly, feels smaller than it should be. Larson’s engineers have dialed in the right amount of performance in the hull, which cuts through wakes and fairly large waves without any undue pounding. The boat feels very solid with none of the hull-slap that some other boats experience in rough conditions. In a few words, this is a fun boat to drive.

The Larson LXi 268 is an impressively well-equipped maximum entertainment bowrider with all the style, performance and room most anyone would want.

• Top speed for the Larson LXi 268 I/O (2006- ) is 51.1 MPH (82.2 KPH), burning 23.6 gallons per hour (GPH) or 89.33 liters per hour (LPH).


• Best cruise for the Larson LXi 268 I/O (2006- ) is 26.5 MPH (42.6 KPH), and the boat gets 3.98 miles per gallon (MPG) or 1.69 kilometers per liter (KPL), giving the boat a cruising range of 200 miles (321.87 kilometers).


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

Larson LXi 268 I/O (2006- ) Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
CD Stereo
Head: Portable
Exterior Features
Carpet: Cockpit
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Transom Shower
Wet bar
Canvas
Bimini Top
Cockpit Cover
Full Canvas

= Standard = Optional