Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006?

For trailering, the Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002 has the edge at 2 900 lbs dry weight versus 4 100 lbs for the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 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 218LS Deck Boat 2006 has a documented max rating of 300 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 212 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 212 Bowrider 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 is certified for 10. 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 218LS Deck Boat 2006 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the Caravelle 212 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 212 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006?

The Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 has the bigger tank at 50 gallons, versus 36 gallons on the Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002. That 14-gallon difference translates to roughly 42–70 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002 and Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002 and the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 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 212 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006

Caravelle

Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002

2002

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Caravelle

Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006

2006

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 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 218LS Deck Boat 2006 tops out at 300 hp. Engine specs for the Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 carries 50 gallons versus 36 gallons in the Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 10 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeCaravelle

Model212 Bowrider

Model218LS Deck Boat

Model Year2002

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8'

Beam8 ft. 6 in.

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches96

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise20 degrees

Deadrise16℃

Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury 17" - Volvo 22"

Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury 17 in. - Volvo 22 in.

Draft [drive up] meters0.56

Draft [drive up] inches22

Draft [max] - DetailMercury 33" - Volvo 34"

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Inches34

Weight - Detail2900 lbs

Weight - Detail4,100 lbs.

Weight - kg1315.42

Weight - kg1859.73

Weight - lbs.2900

Weight - lbs.4100

Length overall - Detail21'

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 0 in.

Length overall - Meters6.4

Length overall - Inches252

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet21

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard320 Max.

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0GL

Fuel tank capacity - Detail36 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters136.27

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Gal36

Fuel tank capacity - Gal50

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Engine maxnot available

Engine max300 hp

Operational Info

Maximum people9 persons

Maximum people10

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailOptional

Trailer - Detailnot available

Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006?

For trailering, the Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002 has the edge at 2 900 lbs dry weight versus 4 100 lbs for the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 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 218LS Deck Boat 2006 has a documented max rating of 300 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 212 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 212 Bowrider 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 is certified for 10. 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 218LS Deck Boat 2006 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the Caravelle 212 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 212 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006?

The Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 has the bigger tank at 50 gallons, versus 36 gallons on the Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002. That 14-gallon difference translates to roughly 42–70 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002 and Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Caravelle 212 Bowrider 2002 and the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 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 212 Bowrider 2002 full specs ← Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 full specs