Larson LXH 190 OB

Maximizing interior space and stowage was a design goal for the 19-foot-2-inch Larson LXH 190 OB, and both the broad bow and outboard power contribute in that regard. Up front, the wide gunwales are clipped off in a “pickle fork” bow peak to create a wider seating area. Larson says its proprietary VEC closed-mold process, which forms the hull and stringer grid as a single piece, drops the bow sole about 2 inches for more legroom and additional stowage space below each seat. Because it’s VEC, all the stowage has a smooth, easy-to-clean finish.

The clever boater appreciates the weight- and space-saving benefits of an outboard on this size boat. The 2.8-liter Yamaha F200 we tested with weighs 487 pounds, or roughly half the weight of a 220 hp sterndrive. Larson could have pushed the cockpit farther aft to take more advantage of the transom-mounted motor, but the LXH does have a flat platform behind the aft seat with a pair of draining stowage bins. The outboard bisects the boarding platform, of course, but there’s a long, four-step ladder to starboard. The soft material covering the transom area was not hot to the touch in the blistering sun.

There’s more stowage under the aft seat, and Larson is cooking up a better way to use the space within the splashwell that was unfinished on our test boat. Details I like: foam seals on those drained bins so the lids don’t rattle, tiny-but-brilliant LED running lights, and two big scuppers to drain the cockpit.

Flat-calm water did not challenge the hull, but handling is predictable and the boat responds well to trim despite what must be a little added weight in the bow. The chines run quite far forward to give the bow more buoyancy at rest and help knock down spray. With this model, Larson has created a deck boat/runabout hybrid that’s appealing for its smart design.

Comparable Model: Starcraft 210 SCX OB