Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006 vs Caravelle 232 SS Bowrider 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006 vs Caravelle 232 SS Bowrider 2009 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 232 SS Bowrider 2009 measures 23,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006 at 18,0 feet (2006). At 27 lbs and 35 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 375 hp, the Caravelle 232 SS Bowrider 2009 has a 150-hp advantage over the Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006's 225-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 232 SS Bowrider 2009 carries 36 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 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 187LS Fish & Ski 2006 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Caravelle 232 SS Bowrider 2009 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Caravelle 187LS Fish & Ski 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Caravelle 232 SS Bowrider 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeCaravelle
MakeCaravelle
Model187LS Fish & Ski
Model232 SS Bowrider
Model Year2006
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 0 in
Beam8 ft. 4 in
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.54
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches1
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise20℃
Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury 17 in. - Volvo 21 in
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 33 in. - Volvo 35 in
Draft [max] - DetailMercury: 35 in. Volvo: 36 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches35
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail2,700 lbs
Weight - Detail3,500 lbs
Weight - kg1224.7
Weight - kg1587.57
Weight - lbs.27
Weight - lbs.35
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet23
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches276
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 3.0GL
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0GXi - 270 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail36 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Liters136.27
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Fuel tank capacity - Gal36
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max225 hp
Engine max375 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people9
Maximum people8
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailTennessee, single-axle
Trailer - DetailTennessee, tandem-axle with brakes
Trailer - Height6 ft. 2 in
Trailer - Height6 ft. 3 in
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 2 in
Trailer - Length over all27 ft. 1 in. (Removable trailer tongue will shorten length by approximately 26 in.)
Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in
Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee