Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2006 boat specs
Caravelle
Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2006
2006
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VS
Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008 boat specs
Caravelle
Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008
2008
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Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2006 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2006 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2006 at 23,0 ft versus Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008 at 25,0 ft. At 4 lbs and 45 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 375 hp, the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008 has a 55-hp advantage over the Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2006'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 237LS Bowrider 2006 carries 53 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 237LS Bowrider 2006 is rated for up to 1 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 237LS Bowrider 2006 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeCaravelle
MakeCaravelle
Model237LS Bowrider
Model242LS Bowrider
Model Year2006
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise21℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail19 in
Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury: 22 in. Volvo: 23 in
Draft [drive up] meters0.48
Draft [drive up] meters0.58
Draft [drive up] inches19
Draft [drive up] inches23
Draft [max] - Detail36 in
Draft [max] - DetailMercury: 38 in. Volvo: 39 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches39
Weight - Detail4,000 lbs
Weight - Detail4,500 lbs
Weight - kg1814.37
Weight - kg2041.16
Weight - lbs.4
Weight - lbs.45
Length - Feet23
Length - Feet25
Length - Inches5
Length - Inches11
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters7.14
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches281
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 11 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 GXi
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7Gi - 300 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detail53 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters200.63
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal53
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max320 hp
Engine max375 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people1
Maximum peoplenot available
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee

Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2006 vs Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2006 or the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008?
The Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008 is the longer of the two at 25,0 feet overall. The Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2006 comes in at 23,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2006 or the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008?
For trailering, the Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2006 has the edge at 4 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 237LS Bowrider 2006 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 237LS Bowrider 2006 carry?
The Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2006 has an official capacity rating of 1 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2006 and Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008 share an 8 ft. 6 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 237LS Bowrider 2006 or the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008?
The Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2006 has the bigger tank at 53 gallons, versus 6 gallons on the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008. That 47-gallon difference translates to roughly 141–235 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2006 and Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Caravelle 237LS Bowrider 2006 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.