Caravelle 230 Walk Around (Stern Drive) 2005 boat specs
Caravelle
Caravelle 230 Walk Around (Stern Drive) 2005
2005
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VS
Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2009 boat specs
Caravelle
Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2009
2009
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Caravelle 230 Walk Around (Stern Drive) 2005 vs Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 230 Walk Around (Stern Drive) 2005 vs Caravelle 237LS 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 320 hp, the Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2009 has a 288-hp advantage over the Caravelle 230 Walk Around (Stern Drive) 2005'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 237LS Bowrider 2009 carries 53 gallons versus 13 gallons in the Caravelle 230 Walk Around (Stern Drive) 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 7 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 237LS Bowrider 2009 and its 320-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Caravelle 230 Walk Around (Stern Drive) 2005 with its 32-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeCaravelle
MakeCaravelle
Model230 Walk Around (Stern Drive)
Model237LS Bowrider
Model Year2005
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise24 degrees
Deadrise20℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail26 in
Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury: 19 in. Volvo: 21 in
Draft [drive up] meters0.66
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] inches26
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [max] - Detail39 in
Draft [max] - DetailMercury: 36 in. Volvo: 38 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Meters0.97
Draft [max] - Inches39
Draft [max] - Inches38
Weight - Detail4400 lbs
Weight - Detail4,000 lbs
Weight - kg1995.8
Weight - kg1814.37
Weight - lbs.44
Weight - lbs.4
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Detail23.42 ft
Length overall - Meters7.09
Length overall - Meters7.14
Length overall - Inches279
Length overall - Inches281.04
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet23.42
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail130 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail53 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters492.1
Fuel tank capacity - Liters200.63
Fuel tank capacity - Gal13
Fuel tank capacity - Gal53
Engine max32
Engine max320 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 GXi - 270 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee

Caravelle 230 Walk Around (Stern Drive) 2005 vs Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 230 Walk Around (Stern Drive) 2005 or the Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2009?
For trailering, the Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2009 has the edge at 4 lbs dry weight versus 44 lbs for the Caravelle 230 Walk Around (Stern Drive) 2005. 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 237LS Bowrider 2009 is rated to a maximum of 320 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Caravelle 230 Walk Around (Stern Drive) 2005 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 230 Walk Around (Stern Drive) 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2009 is certified for 7. 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 Walk Around (Stern Drive) 2005 and Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2009 share an 102 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 230 Walk Around (Stern Drive) 2005 or the Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2009?
The Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2009 has the bigger tank at 53 gallons, versus 13 gallons on the Caravelle 230 Walk Around (Stern Drive) 2005. That 40-gallon difference translates to roughly 120–200 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Caravelle 230 Walk Around (Stern Drive) 2005 and Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Caravelle 230 Walk Around (Stern Drive) 2005 and the Caravelle 237LS 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.