Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006?

For trailering, the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 has the edge at 25 lbs dry weight versus 33 lbs for the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 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.

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

The Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 has a documented max rating of 320 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 188 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 188 Bowrider 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 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.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 and Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 share an 8' 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.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006?

The Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 has the bigger tank at 36 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002. 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 2002 and Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 and the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 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.

Boat Comparison

Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006

Caravelle

Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002

2002

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Caravelle

Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006

2006

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 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.

The Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 tops out at 320 hp. Engine specs for the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 carries 36 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

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 188 Bowrider 2002 and Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 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

Model188 Bowrider

Model212 SS Bowrider

Model Year2002

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8'

Beam8 ft. 0 in

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches96

Deadrise20 degrees

Deadrise20℃

Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury 17" - Volvo 21"

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 33" - Volvo 35"

Draft [max] - DetailMercury 33 in. - Volvo 34 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inches34

Weight - Detail2500 lbs

Weight - Detail3,300 lbs

Weight - kg1133.98

Weight - kg1496.85

Weight - lbs.25

Weight - lbs.33

Length overall - Detail18'

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Meters6.4

Length overall - Inches216

Length overall - Inches252

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet21

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard210 Max

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0GL

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 max320 hp

Operational Info

Maximum people9 persons

Maximum people9

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailOptional

Trailer - DetailTennessee tandem-axle w/ brakes

Trailer - Heightnot available

Trailer - Height6 ft. 1 in

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all25 ft. 6 in

Trailer - Widthnot available

Trailer - Width8 ft. 3 in

Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006?

For trailering, the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 has the edge at 25 lbs dry weight versus 33 lbs for the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 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.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 has a documented max rating of 320 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 188 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 188 Bowrider 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 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 188 Bowrider 2002 and Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 share an 8' 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.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006?

The Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 has the bigger tank at 36 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002. 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 2002 and Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 and the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 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.

← Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 full specs ← Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 full specs