Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001 vs Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001 or the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009?

For trailering, the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001 has the edge at 25 lbs dry weight versus 35 lbs for the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009. 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 LS Bowrider 2009 has a documented max rating of 375 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001 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 188 Bowrider 2001 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009 is certified for 8. 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 188 Bowrider 2001 measures 96" wide, compared to 1" for the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009. 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 188 Bowrider 2001 or the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009?

The Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009 has the bigger tank at 36 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001. That 33-gallon difference translates to roughly 99–165 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001 and Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001 and the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009 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 188 Bowrider 2001 vs Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009

Caravelle

Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001

2001

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Caravelle

Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001 vs Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001 vs Caravelle 232 LS 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.

The Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009 tops out at 375 hp. Engine specs for the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009 carries 36 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 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 188 Bowrider 2001 and Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009 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

Model188 Bowrider

Model232 LS Bowrider

Model Year2001

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8'

Beam8 ft. 4 in

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Meters2.54

Beam - Inches96

Beam - Inches1

Deadrise20 degrees

Deadrise20℃

Weight - Detail2500 lbs

Weight - Detail3,500 lbs

Weight - kg1133.98

Weight - kg1587.57

Weight - lbs.25

Weight - lbs.35

Length overall - Detail18'

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Meters7.01

Length overall - Inches216

Length overall - Inches276

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

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

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.56

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches22

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

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

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches36

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet23

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard210 Max

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

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Engine maxnot available

Engine max375 hp

Operational Info

Maximum people8 persons

Maximum people8

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailOptional

Trailer - DetailTennessee, tandem-axle with brakes

Trailer - Heightnot available

Trailer - Height6 ft. 3 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 188 Bowrider 2001 vs Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001 or the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009?

For trailering, the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001 has the edge at 25 lbs dry weight versus 35 lbs for the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009. 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 LS Bowrider 2009 has a documented max rating of 375 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001 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 188 Bowrider 2001 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009 is certified for 8. 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 188 Bowrider 2001 measures 96" wide, compared to 1" for the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009. 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 188 Bowrider 2001 or the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009?

The Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009 has the bigger tank at 36 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001. That 33-gallon difference translates to roughly 99–165 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001 and Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2001 and the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009 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 188 Bowrider 2001 full specs ← Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2009 full specs