Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 vs Caravelle 280 2000 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 or the Caravelle 280 2000?

For trailering, the Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 has the edge at 3 000 lbs dry weight versus 4 500 lbs for the Caravelle 280 2000. 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: How many people can each boat hold?

The Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Caravelle 280 2000 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 and Caravelle 280 2000 share an 8' 6" 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 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 or the Caravelle 280 2000?

The Caravelle 280 2000 has the bigger tank at 190 gallons, versus 50 gallons on the Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002. That 140-gallon difference translates to roughly 420–700 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 and Caravelle 280 2000 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 and the Caravelle 280 2000 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 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 vs Caravelle 280 2000

Caravelle

Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002

2002

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Caravelle

Caravelle 280 2000

2000

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 vs Caravelle 280 2000: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 vs Caravelle 280 2000 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.

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 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 and Caravelle 280 2000 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

Model209 Cuddy Cabin

Model280

Model Year2002

Model Year2000

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8' 6"

Beam8' 9"

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches96

Deadrise18 degrees

Deadrise24 degrees

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

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.53

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] inches21

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

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

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail3000 lbs

Weight - Detail4500 lbs

Weight - kg1360.78

Weight - kg2041.16

Weight - lbs.3000

Weight - lbs.4500

Length overall - Detail20' 6"

Length overall - Detail28' 0"

Length overall - Meters6.1

Length overall - Meters8.53

Length overall - Inches240

Length overall - Inches336

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard320 Max.

Engine/s standard250 Max. single, 500 Max twin

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Detail190 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Liters719.23

Fuel tank capacity - Gal50

Fuel tank capacity - Gal190

Operational Info

Maximum people8 persons

Maximum peoplenot available

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailOptional

Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 vs Caravelle 280 2000 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 or the Caravelle 280 2000?

For trailering, the Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 has the edge at 3 000 lbs dry weight versus 4 500 lbs for the Caravelle 280 2000. 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.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Caravelle 280 2000 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.

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

Both the Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 and Caravelle 280 2000 share an 8' 6" 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 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 or the Caravelle 280 2000?

The Caravelle 280 2000 has the bigger tank at 190 gallons, versus 50 gallons on the Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002. That 140-gallon difference translates to roughly 420–700 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 and Caravelle 280 2000 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Caravelle 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 and the Caravelle 280 2000 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 209 Cuddy Cabin 2002 full specs ← Caravelle 280 2000 full specs