Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 vs Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 vs Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 at 21,0 ft versus Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009 at 23,0 ft. At 33 lbs and 37 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 375 hp, the Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009 has a 55-hp advantage over the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006's 320-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 carries 36 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009. 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 212 SS Bowrider 2006 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Caravelle 212 SS Bowrider 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeCaravelle
MakeCaravelle
Model212 SS Bowrider
Model232 LS Sport Cabin
Model Year2006
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 0 in
Beam8 ft. 4 in
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.54
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches1
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise20℃
Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury 17 in. - Volvo 22 in
Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury: 19 in. Volvo: 22 in
Draft [drive up] meters0.56
Draft [drive up] meters0.56
Draft [drive up] inches22
Draft [drive up] inches22
Draft [max] - DetailMercury 33 in. - Volvo 34 in
Draft [max] - DetailMercury: 35 in. Volvo: 36 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail3,300 lbs
Weight - Detail3,700 lbs
Weight - kg1496.85
Weight - kg1678.29
Weight - lbs.33
Weight - lbs.37
Length - Feet21
Length - Feet23
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail23.0 ft
Length overall - Meters6.4
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Inches252
Length overall - Inches276
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0GL
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0GXi - 270 hp
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 - Gal5
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max320 hp
Engine max375 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people9
Maximum peoplenot available
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailTennessee tandem-axle w/ brakes
Trailer - DetailTennessee, tandem-axle with brakes
Trailer - Height6 ft. 1 in
Trailer - Height6 ft. 7 in
Trailer - Length over all25 ft. 6 in
Trailer - Length over all27 ft. 1 in. (Removable trailer tongue will shorten length by approximately 26 in.)
Trailer - Width8 ft. 3 in
Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee