Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 or the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006?

For trailering, the Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 has the edge at 3 650 lbs dry weight versus 4 500 lbs for the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 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 242LS Bowrider 2006 has a documented max rating of 375 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 230 Center Console 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 230 Center Console 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 and Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006 share an 102" 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 230 Center Console 2002 or the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006?

The Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 has the bigger tank at 130 gallons, versus 60 gallons on the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006. That 70-gallon difference translates to roughly 210–350 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 and Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 and the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 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 230 Center Console 2002 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006

Caravelle

Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002

2002

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Caravelle

Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006

2006

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 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 242LS Bowrider 2006 tops out at 375 hp. Engine specs for the Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 carries 130 gallons versus 60 gallons in the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006. 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 242LS Bowrider 2006 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 10 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 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

Model230 Center Console

Model242LS Bowrider

Model Year2002

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam102"

Beam8 ft. 6 in.

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise24 degrees

Deadrise21℃

Weight - Detail3650 lbs

Weight - Detail4,500 lbs.

Weight - kg1655.61

Weight - kg2041.16

Weight - lbs.3650

Weight - lbs.4500

Length overall - Detail23' 3"

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 7 in.

Length overall - Meters7.01

Length overall - Meters7.19

Length overall - Inches276

Length overall - Inches283

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

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

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.58

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches23

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

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

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches39

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet23

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches7

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard250 Max.

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7 Gi

Fuel tank capacity - Detail130 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters492.1

Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12

Fuel tank capacity - Gal130

Fuel tank capacity - Gal60

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Engine maxnot available

Engine max375 hp

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailOptional

Trailer - Detailnot available

Operational Info

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people10

Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 or the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006?

For trailering, the Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 has the edge at 3 650 lbs dry weight versus 4 500 lbs for the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 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 242LS Bowrider 2006 has a documented max rating of 375 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 230 Center Console 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 230 Center Console 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 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.

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

Both the Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 and Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006 share an 102" 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 230 Center Console 2002 or the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006?

The Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 has the bigger tank at 130 gallons, versus 60 gallons on the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006. That 70-gallon difference translates to roughly 210–350 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 and Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Caravelle 230 Center Console 2002 and the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 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 230 Center Console 2002 full specs ← Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2006 full specs