Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003?

For trailering, the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 has the edge at 4 lbs dry weight versus 405 lbs for the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003. 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.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 has a documented max rating of 425 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 1 passengers, while the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 is certified for 1. 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.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the Caravelle 242 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.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 and Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 6 gallons and 6 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 and Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 and the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 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.

Boat Comparison

Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003

Caravelle

Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002

2002

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Caravelle

Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003

2003

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 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 Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 tops out at 425 hp. Engine specs for the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 6 gal and 6 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 1 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 242 Bowrider 2002 and Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 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

Model242 Bowrider

Model Year2002

Model Year2003

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8' 6"

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches96

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise21 degrees

Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury 22" - Volvo 23"

Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury 22 in. - Volvo 23 in

Draft [drive up] meters0.58

Draft [drive up] inches23

Draft [max] - DetailMercury 38" - Volvo 39"

Draft [max] - DetailMercury 38 in. - Volvo 39 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inches39

Weight - Detail4000 lbs

Weight - Detail4050 lbs

Weight - kg1814.37

Weight - kg1837.05

Weight - lbs.4

Weight - lbs.405

Length overall - Detail23' 7"

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 7 in

Length overall - Meters7.01

Length overall - Meters7.19

Length overall - Inches276

Length overall - Inches283

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard425 Max

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12

Fuel tank capacity - Gal6

Engine maxnot available

Engine max425

Operational Info

Maximum people1

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailOptional

Trailer - Detailnot available

Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 vs Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 or the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003?

For trailering, the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 has the edge at 4 lbs dry weight versus 405 lbs for the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003. 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.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 has a documented max rating of 425 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 1 passengers, while the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 is certified for 1. 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the Caravelle 242 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 and Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 6 gallons and 6 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 and Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 and the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 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.

← Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2002 full specs ← Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 full specs