Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 2001 vs Caravelle CX18 Bowrider 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 2001 or the Caravelle CX18 Bowrider 2009?

For trailering, the Caravelle CX18 Bowrider 2009 has the edge at 2 500 lbs dry weight versus 2 500 lbs for the Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 2001. 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 CX18 Bowrider 2009 has a documented max rating of 190 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 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 Fish & Ski 2001 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Caravelle CX18 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 Fish & Ski 2001 measures 96" wide, compared to 86" for the Caravelle CX18 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 Fish & Ski 2001 or the Caravelle CX18 Bowrider 2009?

The Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 2001 has the bigger tank at 30 gallons, versus 21 gallons on the Caravelle CX18 Bowrider 2009. That 9-gallon difference translates to roughly 27–45 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 2001 and Caravelle CX18 Bowrider 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 2001 and the Caravelle CX18 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 Fish & Ski 2001 vs Caravelle CX18 Bowrider 2009

Caravelle

Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 2001

2001

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Caravelle

Caravelle CX18 Bowrider 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 2001 vs Caravelle CX18 Bowrider 2009: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 2001 vs Caravelle CX18 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 CX18 Bowrider 2009 tops out at 190 hp. Engine specs for the Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 2001 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 2001 carries 30 gallons versus 21 gallons in the Caravelle CX18 Bowrider 2009. 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 Fish & Ski 2001 and Caravelle CX18 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 Fish & Ski

ModelCX18 Bowrider

Model Year2001

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8'

Beam7 ft. 2 in.

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Meters2.18

Beam - Inches96

Beam - Inches86

Deadrise20 degrees

Deadrise18℃

Weight - Detail2500 lbs

Weight - Detail2,500 lbs.

Weight - kg1133.98

Weight - lbs.2500

Length overall - Detail18'

Length overall - Detail18.17 ft.

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Meters5.54

Length overall - Inches216

Length overall - Inches218.04

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - DetailUp: 16 in. Down: 32 in.

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.81

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches32

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet18.17

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard210 Max.

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7Gi DuoProp - 300 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56

Fuel tank capacity - Liters79.49

Fuel tank capacity - Gal30

Fuel tank capacity - Gal21

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Engine maxnot available

Engine max190 hp

Operational Info

Maximum people8 persons

Maximum people8

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailOptional

Trailer - Detailnot available

Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 2001 vs Caravelle CX18 Bowrider 2009 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 2001 or the Caravelle CX18 Bowrider 2009?

For trailering, the Caravelle CX18 Bowrider 2009 has the edge at 2 500 lbs dry weight versus 2 500 lbs for the Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 2001. 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 CX18 Bowrider 2009 has a documented max rating of 190 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 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 Fish & Ski 2001 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Caravelle CX18 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 Fish & Ski 2001 measures 96" wide, compared to 86" for the Caravelle CX18 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 Fish & Ski 2001 or the Caravelle CX18 Bowrider 2009?

The Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 2001 has the bigger tank at 30 gallons, versus 21 gallons on the Caravelle CX18 Bowrider 2009. That 9-gallon difference translates to roughly 27–45 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 2001 and Caravelle CX18 Bowrider 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Caravelle 188 Fish & Ski 2001 and the Caravelle CX18 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 Fish & Ski 2001 full specs ← Caravelle CX18 Bowrider 2009 full specs