Caravelle 187 Bowrider 2003 boat specs
Caravelle
Caravelle 187 Bowrider 2003
2003
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VS
Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006 boat specs
Caravelle
Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006
2006
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Caravelle 187 Bowrider 2003 vs Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 187 Bowrider 2003 vs Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 225 hp for the Caravelle 187 Bowrider 2003 and 225 hp for the Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 3 gal and 3 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 9 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 187 Bowrider 2003 and Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006 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
MakeCaravelle
Model187 Bowrider
Model187LS Fish & Ski
Model Year2003
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft
Beam8 ft. 0 in
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches96
Deadrise20 degrees
Deadrise20℃
Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury 17 in. - Volvo 21 in
Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury 17 in. - Volvo 21 in
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [max] - DetailMercury 33 in. - Volvo 35 in
Draft [max] - DetailMercury 33 in. - Volvo 35 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Inches35
Draft [max] - Inches35
Weight - Detail2500 lbs
Weight - Detail2,700 lbs
Weight - kg1133.98
Weight - kg1224.7
Weight - lbs.25
Weight - lbs.27
Height - Detail6 ft. 2 in. with Tennessee single axle trailer
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters1.88
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches74
Height - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches216
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet18
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Engine max225
Engine max225 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardVolvo 3.0GL
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Operational Info
Maximum people9 persons
Maximum people9
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailTennessee, single-axle
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Height6 ft. 2 in
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 2 in
Trailer - Widthnot available
Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in

Caravelle 187 Bowrider 2003 vs Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 187 Bowrider 2003 or the Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006?
For trailering, the Caravelle 187 Bowrider 2003 has the edge at 25 lbs dry weight versus 27 lbs for the Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006. 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.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Caravelle 187 Bowrider 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006 is certified for 9. 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.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Caravelle 187 Bowrider 2003 and Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006 share an 8 ft beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Caravelle 187 Bowrider 2003 and Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 3 gallons and 3 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Caravelle 187 Bowrider 2003 and Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Caravelle 187 Bowrider 2003 and the Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006 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.