Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 vs Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 or the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006?

For trailering, the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 has the edge at 34 lbs dry weight versus 41 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: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 tops out at 32 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 1 passengers, while the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 is certified for 1. 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 218 Deck Boat 2003 and Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 share an 8 ft. 6 in 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 and Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 5 gallons and 5 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 and Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 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 218 Deck Boat 2003 vs Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006

Caravelle

Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003

2003

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Caravelle

Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006

2006

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 vs Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 has a 268-hp advantage over the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003's 32-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 5 gal and 5 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 1 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 and its 300-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 with its 32-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeCaravelle

Model218 Deck Boat

Model218LS Deck Boat

Model Year2003

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise16 degrees

Deadrise16℃

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.56

Draft [drive up] inches22

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Inches34

Weight - Detail3400 lbs

Weight - Detail4,100 lbs

Weight - kg1542.21

Weight - kg1859.73

Weight - lbs.34

Weight - lbs.41

Height - Detail6 ft. 10 in. with Tennessee tandem axle trailer

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters2.08

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches82

Height - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Meters6.4

Length overall - Inches252

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet21

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Engine max32

Engine max300 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0GL

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

Maximum people1

Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 vs Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 or the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006?

For trailering, the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 has the edge at 34 lbs dry weight versus 41 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.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 tops out at 32 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 218 Deck Boat 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 1 passengers, while the Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 is certified for 1. 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 218 Deck Boat 2003 and Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 share an 8 ft. 6 in 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 and Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 5 gallons and 5 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 and Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 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 218 Deck Boat 2003 full specs ← Caravelle 218LS Deck Boat 2006 full specs