Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008 vs Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008 is a deep-V design and the Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009 is a modified-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008 at 23,0 ft versus Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009 at 23,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009 tips the scales at 3 700 lbs - 200 lbs less than the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008 at 3 500 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 375 hp for the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008 and 375 hp for the Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009 carries 50 gallons versus 36 gallons in the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008. 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: The Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008 and Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeCaravelle
MakeCaravelle
Model232 LS Bowrider
Model232 LS Sport Cabin
Model Year2008
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 4 in.
Beam8 ft. 4 in.
Beam - Meters2.54
Beam - Meters2.54
Beam - Inches100
Beam - Inches100
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise20℃
Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury: 19 in. Volvo: 22 in.
Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury: 19 in. Volvo: 22 in.
Draft [drive up] meters0.56
Draft [drive up] meters0.56
Draft [drive up] inches22
Draft [drive up] inches22
Draft [max] - DetailMercury: 35 in. Volvo: 36 in.
Draft [max] - DetailMercury: 35 in. Volvo: 36 in.
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail3,500 lbs.
Weight - Detail3,700 lbs.
Weight - kg1587.57
Weight - kg1678.29
Weight - lbs.3500
Weight - lbs.3700
Length - Feet23
Length - Feet23
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 0 in.
Length overall - Detail23.0 ft.
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Inches276
Length overall - Inches276
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0GXi - 270 hp
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0GXi - 270 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detail36 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Liters136.27
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Gal36
Fuel tank capacity - Gal50
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max375 hp
Engine max375 hp
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailTennessee, tandem-axle with brakes
Trailer - DetailTennessee, tandem-axle with brakes
Trailer - Height6 ft. 3 in.
Trailer - Height6 ft. 7 in.
Trailer - Length over all27 ft. 1 in. (Removable trailer tongue will shorten length by approximately 26 in.)
Trailer - Length over all27 ft. 1 in. (Removable trailer tongue will shorten length by approximately 26 in.)
Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in.
Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in.