Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008?

For trailering, the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 has the edge at 21 lbs dry weight versus 37 lbs for the Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008 has a documented max rating of 375 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008 is certified for 7. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 measures 84" wide, compared to 1" for the Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008?

The Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008 has the bigger tank at 5 gallons, versus 2 gallons on the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002. That 3-gallon difference translates to roughly 9–15 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 and Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 and the Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008 are built by Caravelle. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008

Caravelle

Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002

2002

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Caravelle

Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008 tops out at 375 hp. Engine specs for the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 2 gal and 5 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 7 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 and Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeCaravelle

Model176 Bowrider

Model232 SS Sport Cabin

Model Year2002

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam7' 2"

Beam8 ft. 4 in

Beam - Meters2.13

Beam - Meters2.54

Beam - Inches84

Beam - Inches1

Deadrise18 degrees

Deadrise20℃

Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury 16" - Volvo 21"

Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury: 19 in. Volvo: 22 in

Draft [drive up] meters0.53

Draft [drive up] meters0.56

Draft [drive up] inches21

Draft [drive up] inches22

Draft [max] - DetailMercury 32" - Volvo 33"

Draft [max] - DetailMercury: 35 in. Volvo: 36 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inches33

Draft [max] - Inches36

Weight - Detail2100 lbs

Weight - Detail3,700 lbs

Weight - kg952.54

Weight - kg1678.29

Weight - lbs.21

Weight - lbs.37

Length overall - Detail17' 4"

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Meters5.18

Length overall - Meters7.01

Length overall - Inches204

Length overall - Inches276

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet23

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard135 Max

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0GXi - 270 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detail20 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters75.71

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Gal2

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Engine maxnot available

Engine max375 hp

Operational Info

Maximum people7 persons

Maximum peoplenot available

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailOptional

Trailer - DetailTennessee, tandem-axle with brakes

Trailer - Heightnot available

Trailer - Height6 ft. 7 in

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all27 ft. 1 in. (Removable trailer tongue will shorten length by approximately 26 in.)

Trailer - Widthnot available

Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in

Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008?

For trailering, the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 has the edge at 21 lbs dry weight versus 37 lbs for the Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008 has a documented max rating of 375 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008 is certified for 7. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 measures 84" wide, compared to 1" for the Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008?

The Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008 has the bigger tank at 5 gallons, versus 2 gallons on the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002. That 3-gallon difference translates to roughly 9–15 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 and Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 and the Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008 are built by Caravelle. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2002 full specs ← Caravelle 232 SS Sport Cabin 2008 full specs