Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 or the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009?

For trailering, the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 has the edge at 34 lbs dry weight versus 45 lbs for the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009. 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 242LS Bowrider 2009 is rated to a maximum of 375 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 passengers can the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 carry?

The Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 has an official capacity rating of 1 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

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

Both the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 and Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 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: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 or the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009?

The Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 has the bigger tank at 57 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003. That 52-gallon difference translates to roughly 156–260 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 and Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 and the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 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 242LS Bowrider 2009

Caravelle

Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003

2003

View full specs →

Caravelle

Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 375 hp, the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 has a 343-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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 carries 57 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 is rated for up to 1 people. Passenger data for the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 and its 375-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

Model242LS Bowrider

Model Year2003

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise16 degrees

Deadrise21℃

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

Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury: 22 in. Volvo: 23 in

Draft [drive up] meters0.56

Draft [drive up] meters0.58

Draft [drive up] inches22

Draft [drive up] inches23

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

Draft [max] - DetailMercury: 38 in. Volvo: 39 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inches34

Draft [max] - Inches39

Weight - Detail3400 lbs

Weight - Detail4,500 lbs

Weight - kg1542.21

Weight - kg2041.16

Weight - lbs.34

Weight - lbs.45

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 - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters6.4

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches252

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet25.92

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Length [over all with swim platform]25.92 ft

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail57 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Liters215.77

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel tank capacity - Gal57

Engine max32

Engine max375 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7Gi - 300 hp

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

Maximum people1

Maximum peoplenot available

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 or the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009?

For trailering, the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 has the edge at 34 lbs dry weight versus 45 lbs for the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009. 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 242LS Bowrider 2009 is rated to a maximum of 375 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 passengers can the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 carry?

The Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 has an official capacity rating of 1 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

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

Both the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 and Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 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.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 or the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009?

The Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 has the bigger tank at 57 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003. That 52-gallon difference translates to roughly 156–260 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 and Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Caravelle 218 Deck Boat 2003 and the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 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 242LS Bowrider 2009 full specs