Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008 boat specs
Caravelle
Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008
2008
View full specs →
VS
Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009 boat specs
Caravelle
Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009
2009
View full specs →

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
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
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.

Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008 vs Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008 or the Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009?
The Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008 comes in at 23,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer - the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008 or the Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009?
For trailering, the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008 has the edge at 3 500 lbs dry weight versus 3 700 lbs for the Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 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.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 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 232 LS Bowrider 2008 and Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009 share an 8 ft. 4 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 232 LS Bowrider 2008 or the Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009?
The Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009 has the bigger tank at 50 gallons, versus 36 gallons on the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008. That 14-gallon difference translates to roughly 42–70 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008 and Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Caravelle 232 LS Bowrider 2008 and the Caravelle 232 LS Sport Cabin 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.