Caravelle 217LS Bowrider 2008 boat specs
Caravelle
Caravelle 217LS Bowrider 2008
2008
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VS
Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003 boat specs
Caravelle
Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003
2003
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Caravelle 217LS Bowrider 2008 vs Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 217LS Bowrider 2008 vs Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 375 hp, the Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003 has a 75-hp advantage over the Caravelle 217LS Bowrider 2008's 300-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 217LS Bowrider 2008 carries 36 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003. 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 Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Caravelle 217LS Bowrider 2008 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Caravelle 217LS Bowrider 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeCaravelle
MakeCaravelle
Model217LS Bowrider
ModelInterceptor 232 Sport Cabin
Model Year2008
Model Year2003
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam8 ft. 4 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.54
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches1
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise20 degrees
Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury: 19 in. Volvo: 21 in
Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury 19 in. - Volvo 22 in
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] meters0.56
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [drive up] inches22
Draft [max] - DetailMercury: 36 in. Volvo: 38 in
Draft [max] - DetailMercury 35 in. - Volvo 36 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.97
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches38
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail3,400 lbs
Weight - Detail3200 lbs
Weight - kg1542.21
Weight - kg1451.49
Weight - lbs.34
Weight - lbs.32
Length - Feet21
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Inches5
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail23 ft
Length overall - Meters6.53
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Inches257
Length overall - Inches276
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Detail6 ft. 7 in. with Tennessee tandem axle trailer (with brakes)
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters2.01
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches79
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 4.3GL - 190 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
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
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Drive typenot available
Engine max300 hp
Engine max375
Operational Info
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people8 persons

Caravelle 217LS Bowrider 2008 vs Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 217LS Bowrider 2008 or the Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003?
For trailering, the Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003 has the edge at 32 lbs dry weight versus 34 lbs for the Caravelle 217LS Bowrider 2008. 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.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Caravelle 217LS Bowrider 2008 tops out at 300 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Caravelle 217LS Bowrider 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003 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 217LS Bowrider 2008 measures 102" wide, compared to 1" for the Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003. 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 217LS Bowrider 2008 or the Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003?
The Caravelle 217LS Bowrider 2008 has the bigger tank at 36 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003. That 31-gallon difference translates to roughly 93–155 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Caravelle 217LS Bowrider 2008 and Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Caravelle 217LS Bowrider 2008 and the Caravelle Interceptor 232 Sport Cabin 2003 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.