Caravelle 232 Bowrider 2002 boat specs
Caravelle
Caravelle 232 Bowrider 2002
2002
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VS
Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008 boat specs
Caravelle
Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008
2008
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Caravelle 232 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 232 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008 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 2008 has a 55-hp advantage over the Caravelle 232 Bowrider 2002's 320-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 232 Bowrider 2002 carries 36 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Caravelle 232 Bowrider 2002 is rated for up to 10 people. Passenger data for the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008 and its 375-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Caravelle 232 Bowrider 2002 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeCaravelle
MakeCaravelle
Model232 Bowrider
Model242LS Bowrider
Model Year2002
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8' 4"
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise20 degrees
Deadrise21℃
Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury 19" - Volvo 22"
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 35" - Volvo 36"
Draft [max] - DetailMercury: 38 in. Volvo: 39 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches39
Weight - Detail3000 lbs
Weight - Detail4,500 lbs
Weight - kg1360.78
Weight - kg2041.16
Weight - lbs.3
Weight - lbs.45
Length overall - Detail23'
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches276
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet25
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches11
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 11 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail36 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters136.27
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal36
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Engine max320 Max
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 people10 persons
Maximum peoplenot available
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailOptional
Trailer - Detailnot available

Caravelle 232 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 232 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008?
For trailering, the Caravelle 232 Bowrider 2002 has the edge at 3 lbs dry weight versus 45 lbs for the Caravelle 242LS 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 242LS Bowrider 2008 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Caravelle 232 Bowrider 2002 tops out at 320 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 232 Bowrider 2002 carry?
The Caravelle 232 Bowrider 2002 has an official capacity rating of 10 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the Caravelle 232 Bowrider 2002. 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 232 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008?
The Caravelle 232 Bowrider 2002 has the bigger tank at 36 gallons, versus 6 gallons on the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008. That 30-gallon difference translates to roughly 90–150 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Caravelle 232 Bowrider 2002 and Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Caravelle 232 Bowrider 2002 and the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008 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.