Larson 1750 LX: New Larson 1750s Are in Stock and Priced Right

Larson has been coming on strong the
last few years with innovations, up-grades and strong styling and their latest new
boat -- the 1750 – is the line’s “starter sportboat.” We’re told that the new model
has gotten a good reception at retail and as we surf the net we see that Larson
dealers all over the country have them in stock and are making deals that range
from $19,500 to $15,000, depending on the engine and options installed. One
dealer even says that for a $175 a month a new 1750 can be all yours. No wonder
this model is off to such a strong start -- the pricing is certainly sharp. We can’t
remember the last time we saw a good brand name like Larson selling new for as little
as about $1,000 per foot, but evidently that’s what’s going on these days.

Larson’s newest boat is the 1750 bowrider which started shipping last fall and dealers all over the country have them in stock and are making deals.

The Larson is a “package boat” which means that it is sold with engine and trailer
included in one “package price” saving the consumer the hassle and time of sorting
out a trailer and going through a lot of engine options. Generally, “packages” save
the consumer money as the builders and buying in bulk and cutting good deals with
their vendors. Consumers get a turnkey boat.



There is nothing quite like the fun of driving into a dealership at, say, 11 AM
on a Saturday, and driving away at 2 with shiny new sportboat to take home to show
the kids.

Interior drawing of the new Larson 1750 which like most boats in her class seat 7 people.

The Head of its Class



After checking the largest selling boats in this class we see that only two brands
have a lower MSRP, and one of those has 5” less beam. In fact, there are only a
handful of companies building 17-footers simply because the pricing competition
is so keen in that size range and it is virtually impossible, we are told, for most
builders to make any money there. Most of the builders who do build 17’ boats do
so to get new buyers into their brand in hopes of moving them in a few years into
boats where they can make some money. Likewise, dealer margins are thin here as
well, so don’t get your heart set on a deep discount or big trade in allowance.

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

An alternative approach that a few builders have taken is simply to add a large
swim platform over the lower unit of the stern drive, call the boat an 18-footer,
and boost the price by several thousand dollars. And that’s fine in our book, because
the consumer gets a big swim platform which has a lot of utility, the manufacturer
keeps building in the class because he can make a few bucks, and it serves the purpose
of giving the consumer more choices. If you like the swim platform, then move up
to Larson’s 180 Sport. It is slightly different and has a few extra amenities.


VEC is the Secret



Of all of the boats we surveyed in this class, the Larson 1750 and one other brand
were the lightest by from 60 to 130 pounds. How does Larson do that? The answer
is the VEC construction system which is possibly the most advanced robotic and computer-aided
lamination of a boat hull in the boating business.



The VEC process is basically a huge clamshell metal die in which the glass is laid
and the resin infused and “cooked off” with tremendous heat. This means that the
inside of the laminate can be just as smooth and finished as the outside, sort of
like most builders are doing these days with resin transfer molding of hatches and
small parts – only Larson does it to the whole hull.

The rounded stern is right from the Italian Riviera. How about a little dolce vita?

As a result, the engine compartment, the interiors of lockers and bins are just
as smooth and attractive as they would be if the boat had a conventional fiberglass
liner. Generally, liners add little or no strength to the hull and are used mostly
for cosmetic reasons. This is, quite simply, where Larson saves anywhere from 60
pounds to 130 pounds of weight over the other boats in her class. Saved weight in
the liners eliminated means some saved money, and in the case of VEC lots of saved
man hours (VEC hulls are made in 30 minutes). The more boats that can be made in
a day means overhead can be amortized over more units. It appears to us as that
the money Larson is saving in the liner material, man hours, and lower overhead
per unit is being passed along this year in very competitive pricing.

She looks just as good on a trailer as she does in the water.

The VEC process has some other benefits as well. Because there are no liners, annoying
rattles, clatter and vibration that can occur are all virtually eliminated. Further,
because the parts are made from steel dies their tolerances are unlike virtually
anything in the industry, which permits the VEC boats to be manufactured with more
precision and other parts, such as seats and windshields, can be made with tighter
tolerances. Tighter tolerances mean better fit and finish.


Performance



Since all boats in the 17’ class use the carbureted 3.0L 135-hp GM block as their
standard engine, use the same props, have similar hull shapes and beam a major component
of performance will be weight. So – all things being equal – the 1750 should have
a slight edge here. We have not tested the boat, so we do not know if this theory
will prove out. Certainly the 60 to 130 pounds weight savings over other boats in
class should save fuel over the road when towing.

In summary, the new Larson 1750 is quite competitive with all of the boats in her
class on price, features, equipment and amenities, but has the added advantage of
a higher perceived fit and finish, value, and -- dare we say it? – brand prestige
than most of the other models in her price range. How can you go wrong?


If you would like to find those good deals, you can surf the net
like we did, or go right to Larson to find dealers near you…