Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009?

For trailering, the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 has the edge at 2 500 lbs dry weight versus 4 500 lbs for the Caravelle 242LS 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 242LS Bowrider 2009 has a documented max rating of 375 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 passengers can the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 carry?

The Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 has an official capacity rating of 9 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison - verify directly with the dealer.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002. 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 2002 or the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009?

The Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 has the bigger tank at 57 gallons, versus 30 gallons on the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002. That 27-gallon difference translates to roughly 81–135 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 and Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 and the Caravelle 242LS 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 2002 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009

Caravelle

Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002

2002

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Caravelle

Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 242LS 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 242LS Bowrider 2009 tops out at 375 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 242LS Bowrider 2009 carries 57 gallons versus 30 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.

The Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 is rated for up to 9 people. Passenger data for the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 and Caravelle 242LS 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

Model242LS Bowrider

Model Year2002

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8'

Beam8 ft. 6 in.

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches96

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise20 degrees

Deadrise21℃

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

Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury: 22 in. Volvo: 23 in.

Draft [drive up] meters0.53

Draft [drive up] meters0.58

Draft [drive up] inches21

Draft [drive up] inches23

Draft [max] - DetailMercury 33" - Volvo 35"

Draft [max] - DetailMercury: 38 in. Volvo: 39 in.

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inches39

Weight - Detail2500 lbs

Weight - Detail4,500 lbs.

Weight - kg1133.98

Weight - kg2041.16

Weight - lbs.2500

Weight - lbs.4500

Length overall - Detail18'

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches216

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet25.92

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Length [over all with swim platform]25.92 ft.

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard210 Max.

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7Gi - 300 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Detail57 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56

Fuel tank capacity - Liters215.77

Fuel tank capacity - Gal30

Fuel tank capacity - Gal57

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Engine maxnot available

Engine max375 hp

Operational Info

Maximum people9 persons

Maximum peoplenot available

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailOptional

Trailer - Detailnot available

Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009?

For trailering, the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 has the edge at 2 500 lbs dry weight versus 4 500 lbs for the Caravelle 242LS 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 242LS Bowrider 2009 has a documented max rating of 375 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 passengers can the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 carry?

The Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 has an official capacity rating of 9 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison - verify directly with the dealer.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002. 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 2002 or the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009?

The Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 has the bigger tank at 57 gallons, versus 30 gallons on the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002. That 27-gallon difference translates to roughly 81–135 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 and Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Caravelle 188 Bowrider 2002 and the Caravelle 242LS 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 2002 full specs ← Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 full specs