Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2006 vs Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2006 vs Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2007 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2007 measures 21,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2006 at 17,0 feet (2006). At 23 lbs and 33 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 320 hp, the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2007 has a 185-hp advantage over the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2006's 135-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2007 carries 36 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2006 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2007 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Caravelle 176 Bowrider 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeCaravelle
MakeCaravelle
Model176 Bowrider
Model212 SS Bowrider
Model Year2006
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam7 ft. 2 in
Beam8 ft. 0 in
Beam - Meters2.18
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches86
Beam - Inches96
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise20℃
Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury 16 in. - Volvo 21 in
Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury: 17 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 in. - Volvo 33 in
Draft [max] - DetailMercury: 33 in. Volvo: 34 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Inches33
Draft [max] - Inches34
Weight - Detail2,300 lbs
Weight - Detail3,300 lbs
Weight - kg1043.26
Weight - kg1496.85
Weight - lbs.23
Weight - lbs.33
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet21
Length - Inches4
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.28
Length overall - Meters6.4
Length overall - Inches208
Length overall - Inches252
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 3.0GL (w/ power steering)
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 GL - 220 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detail20 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail36 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters75.71
Fuel tank capacity - Liters136.27
Fuel tank capacity - Gal2
Fuel tank capacity - Gal36
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max135 hp
Engine max320 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people7
Maximum peoplenot available
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailTennessee, single-axle
Trailer - DetailTennessee tandem-axle with brakes
Trailer - Height6 ft. 1 in
Trailer - Height6 ft. 1 in
Trailer - Width8 ft. 3 in
Trailer - Width8 ft. 3 in
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over all25 ft. 6 in. (Removable trailer tongue will shorten length by approximately 26 in.)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass